Ontario Driver's Licence Knowledge & Road Test Notes (G1/G2)
Introduction to the Ontario Graduated Licensing System (GLS)
New drivers obtain an Ontario driver’s licence as a privilege to drive; the guide is structured to help pass Knowledge and Road Tests (G1/G2) and become safer drivers.
The GLS is a two-step process with a minimum duration of 20 months and a maximum of 5 years to complete (begins when you pass the Knowledge Test).
GLS components:
Part I: Knowledge Test (Knowledge Test A: Traffic Signs; Knowledge Test B: Rules of the Road)
Part II: Road Test (G1 and G2 tests)
Part III: Things Every Driver Should Know (Bonus Section)
If you do not complete the G1/G2 stages within 5 years, you must restart from the Knowledge Test.
The program is designed to help new drivers gain familiarity with Ontario’s driving rules before full licence eligibility.
What you’ll need to take the Knowledge Test
Knowledge Test details:
Vision test is required before the knowledge test.
The knowledge test has 40 multiple-choice questions: 20 on traffic signs and 20 on general knowledge.
To pass, you may not miss more than 4 questions in either section.
If you fail, you may re-write after 3 working days; there is an additional fee of for each retake.
Test administration:
The knowledge test is computer-based; you select an answer and press OK to confirm.
Example interaction: if the best answer is 4, press 4, then OK.
You will navigate 40 questions across two sections (Traffic Signs and Rules of the Road).
Fees and required documents for the Knowledge Test:
Fee for the knowledge test, first G1 road test, and five-year licence:
Eye glasses if needed for driving/reading; proof of identity and date of birth (list of acceptable forms provided).
Acceptable identity forms include Passport, Citizenship card, photo driver’s licence (expired or from another area), Birth certificate, Ontario Health card, etc.
If you have an expired licence or a licence from another country, bring that too.
PART I: Knowledge Test
A) Traffic Signs (Knowledge Test A)
Part A covers traffic signs; questions test your ability to identify the meaning of signs and their applications.
Example sign interpretations (as seen in sample items):
Road slippery when wet
No right turn permitted
Hidden intersection ahead
You must not make a U-turn
Bumpy road ahead
Playground zone sign / School zone sign
Bicycle-related signs (e.g., No bicycles allowed; Bicycle route)
Sign interpretation is tested with multiple-choice options; the goal is to recognize the symbol meaning quickly and accurately.
Some signs are paired with corresponding answer options and an "Answer" key in the study material to illustrate typical question formats.
Practical skill: anticipate hazards, obey warnings, and adjust speed appropriately when signs indicate caution or prohibition.
B) Rules of the Road (Knowledge Test B)
Part B tests rules governing right-of-way, signalling, speed, penalties, and general safe driving practices.
Key topics and examples from the material:
Seat belt law in Ontario exists for all occupants; driver and passengers have belt obligations.
If someone tailgates you, the recommended response is to move to another lane if safe, slow slightly to increase following distance, and/or let the tailgater pass when safe (the question’s correct answer is often: all of the above).
Failing to stop for a school bus unloading passengers results in serious penalties (e.g., jail or fines and demerit points depending on jurisdiction).
When a car is stopped to allow a pedestrian to cross at a marked crosswalk, you should not pass the stopped car; you must yield to pedestrians.
In two-way streets, the right-of-way rules for emergency vehicles and at controlled intersections.
Specific penalties for driving disqualified or driving with a suspended licence (and related penalties).
Penalties for running red lights; when turning on red where permitted; and general rule that pedestrians have the right-of-way in many situations.
Documentation and identification requirements for the knowledge test (as above).
The concept of “two-second rule” to ensure a safe following distance, and the principle that under poor weather you should extend it (e.g., to 4–5 seconds).
Sample questions and answers illustrate common formats (e.g., penalties for failing to yield, red-light turns, right-of-way at controlled intersections, and penalties for driving with a suspended licence).
PART II: Road Test (G1 & G2)
Road Test Centres (examples shown in the material): Toronto-area centres and others with contact and hours.
What the Road Test covers:
Pre-driving habits and vehicle checks (circle check): walk around the vehicle to inspect tires, leaks, lights, etc.; ensure you have licence, registration, proof of insurance.
3 main test areas:
1) Pre-driving and checking for safety
2) Handling the vehicle and basic maneuvers
3) Parking and turning techniques in different settings
Stopping positions:
Stop at the appropriate place at intersections with various stop signs (4-way, 3-way, ALL WAY) and crosswalks.
Blind spots and lane changes:
Proper shoulder checks; use of mirrors; signal; check blind spots by turning your head; use the left/right shoulder when changing lanes.
Pavement lane markings:
Yellow lines separate traffic moving in opposite directions.
White lines separate traffic moving in the same direction.
Single broken yellow lines: crossing permitted to pass when safe.
Solid yellow line on the left of your lane: crossing is unsafe.
Two-way left-turn lanes: designated for turning left across two directions of traffic.
The Two-Second Rule on Following Distances:
Pick a fixed object ahead; when the lead vehicle passes, start counting: 1-1000, 2-1000.
If you reach the object before finishing the count, you are following too closely.
In poor weather, extend to 4–5 seconds.
Hand-over-Hand Steering:
In North America the recommended steering technique is hand-over-hand for safety and control.
Defensive Driving:
Obey speed limits and signs; avoid tailgating; adjust for weather/road conditions; wear seat belts; use horn and eye contact with pedestrians when necessary; maintain safe following distances; monitor traffic two vehicles ahead; plan escape routes and keep adjacent lanes open; avoid head-on collisions.
Traffic Lights:
Green: proceed straight, left turns (with caution for oncoming traffic/pedestrians), or right turns if permitted.
Flashes: treat according to signaled rules (e.g., flashing green gives right-of-way, other traffic red).
Yellow/Amber: slow and stop if safe, otherwise proceed with caution.
Red with Green Arrow: you may turn in the direction of the arrow if safe and pedestrians have yielded.
Red light with a normal signal: stop, then proceed when safe.
Day and Night Driving:
Visibility considerations; sun glare; use sunglasses; use headlights in poor visibility or limiting light conditions.
Business and Residential Area Driving:
More entrances, pedestrians, and parked cars; keep scanning for safety; watch for children and school zones; maintain safe speeds; keep to the right unless passing; do not block intersections.
Making Left and Right Turns:
Left Turn: approach from near the left side; check mirrors, blind spots; signal; stop if red; proceed into the left lane when safe.
Right Turn: stay to the right; check for pedestrians; signal; turn into the right lane.
Three-Point Turn:
Used to turn around in narrow streets; sequence includes signaling, checking blind spots, moving to the other side, reversing, and then re-entering the lane.
Angle 90° Parking / Perpendicular Parking (Back-In and Drive-In):
Steps include signaling, aligning with adjacent vehicle, reversing into the spot with body turned and head turning to view surrounding traffic; then straighten and park.
Parallel Parking:
Steps: signal, position, reverse with head/left blind spot checks, angle the car to 45 degrees, straighten and move forward as needed; keep within 1 foot of the curb; use signals when exiting the spot.
One-Way Streets:
One-way flow; signs and parking orientation indicate correct directions.
Parking on a Hill:
Uphill with curb: turn wheels left; downhill with curb: turn wheels right; without curb: wheels toward traffic; set parking brake; adhere to a consistent wheel orientation table for uphill/downhill to prevent rolling.
Roadside Stops:
Safely stop on the roadside; use signals; park parallel to curb; use four-way flashers; shut engine; post-exit steps including re-entering traffic.
Expressway Driving (Entering and Exiting):
Enter using acceleration lanes; signal and check for traffic; stay to the right except for passing on the left; plan exit and reduce speed as you approach the ramp; do not switch lanes abruptly to exit.
Tips for your Road Test:
For G1: ensure seat belt, exaggerated checks, speed control in mall areas, and adherence to posted limits; check around crosswalks; maintain safe distance behind buses; stop for school buses with red lights flashing; keep to the very right and use left lanes for passing unless directed otherwise.
For G2: the road test may include highway/expressway driving; practice freeway driving and side stops; the test duration is typically longer.
Common reasons for failure: nervousness, failure to stop, not yielding to pedestrians, unsafe lane changes, lack of observation, driving too slowly or too fast, hitting curbs during turns or parking, loss of vehicle control, etc.
PART III: Things Every Driver Should Know (Bonus Section)
Winter Driving:
Prepare car and survival kit (first aid, ice scraper, blanket, flashlight, jumper cables, etc.).
Replace summer tires with snow tires; ensure battery health in cold weather; keep windshield cleaner and fluids topped up.
Winter driving tips include starting the car safely, warming up sparingly, and driving slowly at first.
Skid control guidance: relax the accelerator, steer in the direction of the skid, avoid abrupt braking, and regain control gradually.
If stuck, use a shovel, floor mats, sand or salt for traction, and avoid spinning wheels; keep exhaust pipe clear to prevent CO buildup.
Car Care:
Routine checks: lights, oil level, radiator, tire pressure; wash the car; monthly and bi-monthly maintenance checks (battery, fluids, belts, etc.).
Regular maintenance schedule by vehicle type (L1/G1/G2 classes, etc.) and reference to the Ontario licensing system (see “Ontario Classified Drivers Licensing System” and class definitions).
Buying a New or Used Car:
Research, compare models, safety features, fuel consumption, warranties; factor maintenance, insurance, and total ownership costs; ensure a Safety Standards Certificate for used vehicles; Drive Clean testing requirements since 1999.
What to Do If You Are Involved in an Accident:
Stop, call police if someone is hurt, exchange information, document details, gather witness information, draw a map, and notify your insurer.
If the accident occurs on a highway, pull safely to the side; do not remain in the travel lane.
Rural reporting requirements: report within 24 hours if you cannot locate a police station.
The Ontario Classified Drivers Licensing System (overview):
Class G licences replace L; G1/G2 conditions apply; M licences for motorcycles with restrictions; G1 requires accompaniment by a fully licensed driver with at least four years’ experience; zero BAC while driving; passenger limits for G1/G2; restrictions during late-night hours for teenage drivers; exemptions when accompanied by an instructor or family members; stepping stones to obtain a full G licence.
Important Numerical References (quick glance)
Knowledge Test: 40 questions total; 20 Traffic Signs + 20 Rules of the Road; pass requires at most 4 incorrect in each section. questions; incorrect limit per section.
Vision test required prior to knowledge test.
Knowledge Test Fee: (includes knowledge test, first G1 road test, and licence valid for five years).
Timeframes:
Minimum GLS duration: months
Maximum GLS duration: months (5 years)
Graduated Licensing Stages:
G1: must drive with a fully licensed driver (≥4 years experience) with a blood alcohol level of < ; front passenger allowed only if accompanied; passenger count limited to working seat belts.
G1 conditions include zero BAC during operation; driving between midnight and 5:00 a.m. prohibited without supervision/authorization; no expressways or 400-series highways unless accompanied by an instructor.
G2: zero BAC; can drive on any Ontario road; still limited to seat belt rules; teenage G2 restrictions implemented (between midnight and 5 a.m., for up to 6 months after obtaining G2, limits on age of passengers unless accompanied by a fully licensed driver).
Distances and safety margins (examples):
Stop at least from the back of a school bus unloading passengers.
Stop not less than (5 ft) from the nearest rail at a railway crossing (electrical/mechanical signal warning device).
Stop at least from the track when a train is approaching (railway crossing).
Expressway driving guidelines and entering/exiting procedures emphasize maintaining safe following distances (~3–4 seconds in normal conditions; more in poor weather) and signaling before lane changes.
Demerit Point System (highlights):
Severe offences may carry up to demerit points (e.g., Failing to remain at the scene of a collision).
Other common offences carry fewer points (e.g., or or , depending on the offence).
Repeated offences or reaching certain thresholds trigger licence suspensions and other penalties (e.g., suspensions at 9 points; extended suspensions at higher point totals).
General note on penalties and licences:
Driving with a suspended licence or other major violations attract serious penalties including fines, potential jail time, and vehicle impoundment.
Useful reminders for exam prep
Know the graduated licensing flow and the restrictions at each stage.
Memorize the two-second rule and conditions when increasing that distance in poor weather.
Understand the basic meanings of common road signs and pavement markings (especially signs indicating school zones, railway crossings, and pedestrian crossings).
Practice the Road Test maneuvers: proper stopping positions, lane changes, blind-spot checks, three-point turns, parallel parking, angle parking, and one-way street navigation.
Be ready to discuss winter driving, car maintenance basics, accident steps, and how to handle expressway entering/exiting safely.
Remember the testing formats: Knowledge Test (A & B) followed by Road Test, with a Bonus Section and Appendix material on licensing.
Quick recap of core numbers to memorize (LaTeX-ready)
Knowledge Test: 40 questions total; 20 signs + 20 rules; pass requires at most incorrect in each section.
Vision test is required before knowledge test.
Test fee: .
Minimum GLS duration: months; maximum months.
Zero Blood Alcohol Concentration: for G1/G2 driving.
Follow distance: Two-second rule; extend to seconds in poor weather.
Stop distances: e.g., from back of a stopped school bus; at railway crossings: minimum from rails; or from track in certain conditions.
Demerit points: up to points for some offences; suspensions tied to point totals (e.g., starting at points for certain licences).
Occupant and passenger limits during G1/G2: accompanying driver with at least four years of experience; zero BAC; seat belt compliance; night-time driving restrictions for teens.
// End of notes