So, I finally took the written exam for a G1 license in Ontario. It was pretty quick. I went to the DriveTest location in Downsview because that’s the closest centre from where I live. Yeah, you don’t need an appointment to take the knowledge test, just come at least an hour before the office closes for the day.
Anyway, there’s no lineup at the information kiosk when I got there. The kiosk is basically the information desk for everything inside the center. I would say that this location is a little crowded, given the tiny space it works on. Considering that it serves mostly the west end areas of the city. There are three other testing centers in “Toronto,” but make no mistake, they are not in the downtown core—one is in Toronto Etobicoke (uh-TOW-buh-kow), the other in Toronto Metro East, and the last one is in Toronto Port Union. These areas are collectively called the Greater Toronto Area, or GTA.
Anyway, when I arrived, I informed the friendly lady at the information desk that I was there to take the written/knowledge test. You need to show a government-issued ID that proves your age, name, and signature. If you don’t have a government-issued ID, there are other documents you can bring. Here is the complete list of acceptable documents.
Then, she gave me a form and showed me what and where to fill up and sign, gave her back the form, she then gave a cue number… and that’s it! I just waited for my number to be called. One note about their cueing number though, don’t get confused if you thought you missed your turn because it was the person behind the counters who would call your number. As long as you don’t hear your number called, just sit there and pay attention. Once your number is called, you go to the counter where your cue number is being flashed. There, you will be asked some questions about your health, pass the eye test, and pay the required fees. I paid $159.75 to be exact. It includes the license fee $90, G2 road test fee $53.75, and knowledge test fee $16.00.
About the eye test, each vision test takes only a few minutes, and any DriveTest customer service agent can administer a test. It involves looking into the screen reader vision testing equipment. The customer service agent will then ask you what do you see–it could be reading aloud (or writing or using sign language) a series of letters or numbers that get visually smaller in size as you work through the test. You should also indicate when a flashing light appears and on which side (left or right) the light appears. And that’s it! I believe everyone pass the eye test, and if you’re like me who has poor vision, I think they just make a note on your license about it.
Ok, so, all driving centres in the GTA offer this service. I’m only focusing on the G1 because that’s what I know.
Studying for the test
This is important for beginners, you don’t want to skip it. You have to prepare for the written exam. When I was at the centre, I’ve seen people got disappointed because they didn’t pass the test. Typically, you could retake the exam the same day, but because the system was down at the time, they were asked to come back some other days. And, of course, you have to pay extra $16 for retake.
The Ontario Driver’s Study Guide is a valuable resource for individuals preparing to take their driver’s examination in Ontario, Canada. This comprehensive guide is designed to equip aspiring drivers with the knowledge and understanding necessary to navigate the roads safely and responsibly. Covering a wide range of essential topics, including road signs, traffic laws, and driving regulations, the study guide serves as a fundamental tool for learners aiming to obtain their driver’s license.
Moreover, supplementing the study guide with additional resources such as the G1 Genie app can further enhance your preparedness for the examination, ultimately contributing to a successful and confident test-taking experience.
Whatever source you choose, I recommend you focus on the “Rules of the Road and Driving.” The actual test questions are somewhat tricky, so you really have to get yourself familiar with the rules on responsible and safe driving. Next, you want to focus on the “Information and Traffic Signs.” Don’t be too complacent with just recognizing the shapes and colours of traffic signs. There are regulatory signs, warning signs, and guide signs. Each type has its own purpose and importance, so make sure to study them thoroughly.
Now, as for the booking of the road test, you have to wait a year before you can take the G2 test—assuming you pass your G1 test. In the meantime, you can practice driving with someone who has a full G license and has at least four years of driving experience.
All in all, taking the G1 written test is a manageable process as long as you come prepared and informed. It’s a key step toward gaining the independence and freedom that comes with being a licensed driver. Good luck with your exam preparation!
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Chunks and Tidbits 