What to Bring to the Ontario G1 Test
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Turning up without the right ID is the most common reason people are sent home from the G1 test. Use this checklist so the only thing you have to worry about is the questions.
The G1 test day checklist
- Original identification that shows your legal name and date of birth (details below).
- Payment for the application and test fees.
- Glasses or contact lenses, if you need them to drive. You take a vision test.
- Time. Plan for the whole visit, not just the test itself.
Which ID is accepted
Ontario.ca says you must bring original identification showing your legal name and date of birth. Examples it lists include:
- Canadian citizens: a passport, a Canadian citizenship card with photo, a Secure Certificate of Indian Status issued on or after December 15, 2009, or an Ontario Photo Card.
- Permanent residents: a PR card, a Record of Landing, or a Confirmation of Permanent Residence with a valid passport, or an Ontario Photo Card.
- Temporary residents: immigration documents such as a study or work permit, and an Ontario Photo Card. The full list is on the DriveTest website.
Bring the real document, not a photocopy or a photo on your phone. Since May 11, 2026 you also declare that Ontario is your primary place of residence and that your presence in Canada is legal.
Name problems to avoid
Your application has to match your ID. If your name has changed, or if two of your documents show it differently, sort that out before you go. Ask DriveTest which documents they need to link the two names.
Fees and how to pay
You pay a fee to apply for your licence and to take the knowledge test. Amounts change, so look at the DriveTest fee list instead of a figure from an old article. Centres take cash, debit and credit cards. It's worth bringing a second way to pay in case one fails.
The Official MTO Driver's Handbook is free to read online, so you don't have to buy a copy to study.
The vision test
You'll be asked to read a chart, with glasses or contacts if you wear them to drive. If you normally need them, wear them. A failed vision test can stop the licence even when you pass the questions.
What to leave at home
- Notes and handbooks. You can't study during the test, so do your reading beforehand.
- Anyone you hope will help with answers. The test is yours alone.
Before you leave the house
- Do the free G1 practice test and score 16 or more in each section.
- Check your ID is original, in date and matches the name you're applying under.
- Look up the centre's address and hours.
- Pack your glasses and a way to pay.
Rules and fees change, so double-check everything on the official DriveTest website the day before.
Frequently asked questions
What ID do I need for the G1 test?
Original identification showing your legal name and date of birth. For Canadian citizens that can be a passport, a citizenship card with photo, a status card issued on or after December 15, 2009, or an Ontario Photo Card. Permanent and temporary residents have their own lists on the DriveTest website.
Can I use a photocopy or a photo of my ID?
No. Ontario.ca asks for original identification. Photocopies and phone photos are not accepted.
How much does the G1 test cost?
You pay a fee to apply for the licence and to take the knowledge test. Fees change, so check the fee list on the DriveTest website instead of relying on a number from an old article.
Do I need to book the G1 test?
Not at a DriveTest centre. Ontario.ca says no appointment is required there. Only the Bay and College location in Toronto and verbal tests need one.
What should I study from?
The Official MTO Driver’s Handbook, which is published on Ontario.ca. Every G1 question comes from it. Do a practice test afterwards to see what you actually remember.
See how ready you are Take the free G1 practice set now. It takes about five minutes.
Start the practice test