How to Beat the G1 Written Test: Study Tips & Tricks for Success

The first important step in becoming a fully licensed driver in Ontario is obtaining your G1 license. However, you must pass the G1 written examination, a knowledge-based assessment that assesses your comprehension of traffic regulations, road signs, and safe driving techniques, before you may drive. For many first-time drivers, this test can feel intimidating, but with the proper preparation, you’ll walk in with confidence.

If you’re wondering how to prepare effectively, this guide covers proven study tips, tricks, and resources to help you succeed on your first try.

What Is the G1 Written Test?

The G1 written test, which consists of 40 multiple-choice questions divided into two categories, is the entrance exam for Ontario’s graduated licensing system:

  1. Rules of the Road – Covers topics like speed limits, right-of-way, traffic laws, and safe driving habits.
  2. Traffic Signs – Test your ability to recognize road signs, shapes, and colors.

To pass, you need a score of at least 80% in each section (16/20). The test is available in multiple languages, and you’ll take it at a DriveTest Centre.

Why Preparation Matters

Even though the G1 exam is multiple-choice, many learners fail on their first attempt. Common reasons include underestimating the test, relying too much on guessing, or overlooking tricky wording. Solid preparation not only increases your chances of passing but also ensures you actually learn the rules that will keep you safe once you’re on the road.

Study Tips to Help You Beat the G1 Written Test

1. Get the Official Driver’s Handbook

Your primary study guide should be the MTO Driver’s Handbook, as it serves as the basis for all G1 test questions. You can buy a copy at a DriveTest Centre, online, or even borrow one from the library. Highlight key sections, focusing on speed limits, intersection rules, and typical traffic signs.

2. Use Practice Tests Regularly

Practice tests are one of the best ways to prepare. They help you:

  • Get familiar with the test format.
  • Identify weak areas.
  • Learn how questions are phrased.

Websites and apps offer free practice exams, and many Driving schools near me provide access to structured quizzes as part of their prep programs.

3. Break It Down Into Small Sessions

Studying for hours straight can overwhelm you. Instead, break your learning into 20–30 minute sessions. For example:

  • Day 1: Road signs (shapes, colors, meanings).
  • Day 2: Speed limits and fines.
  • Day 3: Rules for intersections and turns.
  • Short, focused study periods help you retain information better than cramming.

4. Focus on Road Signs First

Many learners underestimate the number of questions that come from the traffic signs section. Pay close attention to warning signs, construction signs, and regulatory signs. Flashcards—either physical or digital—can be a huge help here.

5. Learn From Driving Instructors

Sometimes, the handbook isn’t enough. Professional instructors can explain tricky rules in a way that makes sense. If you’re searching for driving instructors near me, at “Good Drivers”you’ll find experts who can break down real-world scenarios that often confuse learners.

For example, instructors can explain when exactly you need to yield, how four-way stops work, or what happens if two vehicles arrive at an intersection simultaneously. This extra guidance can make a big difference in your test confidence.

6. Study With a Friend

Pairing up with another learner can make studying more manageable and less stressful. Quiz each other on signs, create mock test questions, and discuss confusing rules. Teaching someone else what you’ve learned is also a great way to reinforce your own knowledge.

7. Don’t Just Memorize—Understand

Yes, memorizing answers might help you pass, but the point of the G1 is to ensure you understand safe driving. For example, don’t just memorize that the speed limit on city roads is 50 km/h—understand why speeding in residential areas is dangerous. When you grasp the “why” behind the rules, you’ll remember them more easily and apply them better in real life.

What Happens If You Don’t Pass?

If you don’t pass the first time, don’t panic—you can retake the G1 test as many times as needed (for a small fee each time). Use your first attempt as feedback to see where you need improvement. Many learners pass on their second try after adjusting their study approach.

The Role of Driving Schools in G1 Success

While self-study works for some, many learners benefit from professional guidance. Enrolling in driving lessons at a local driving school can give you an edge. With “Good Drivers”, Driving schools near me, you don’t just prepare for the written test—you also gain a head start on the driving skills you’ll need once you get your G1.

Their programs often include:

  • Classroom sessions to review rules and signs.
  • Interactive quizzes that simulate the test.
  • One-on-one instruction to clarify confusing concepts.

Having supportive instructors and structured lessons ensures you’re not just memorizing but actually mastering the knowledge.

Final Thoughts

It takes preparation to pass the G1 written exam. By using the MTO Driver’s Handbook, taking practice exams frequently, and receiving advice from qualified instructors, you can increase your chances of success.. Remember to focus on understanding, not just memorizing, and approach the test with confidence.

Whether you’re studying alone or working with “Good Drivers” driving instructors near me, the effort you put in now will pay off throughout your entire driving journey. Once you pass your G1, you’ll be one step closer to independence on the road.