G1 Test Price in Ontario

Fees, Retests & Costs

Getting your G1 license is a substantial first step towards freedom. But before you can hit the road, you have to pass the knowledge test and driving test. This naturally leads to the question: What is the actual G1 test price?

You have probably heard different numbers from friends or family, making it hard to know what to expect. Knowing the real G1 test price helps you budget correctly and avoids any surprises on test day.

Breaking Down the G1 License Package Fee

Let’s clear things up right from the start. You do not just pay for the written test itself. Instead, you pay for a package deal that covers a few different things. This total cost can seem high if you are not prepared for it.

The fee you pay when you first apply for your G1 is what the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario calls the “Class G1 licence package.”

Think of it as your entry ticket into Ontario’s graduated driver’s licensing system. It is a one-time fee that sets you up for the whole process from your knowledge exam to getting your first driver’s licence.

So, what exactly does this package include?

It covers your written knowledge test, your Class G2 road test, and a five-year license. According to official Ontario sources, this package fee is currently $159.75. This is the amount you will need to have ready when you head into a DriveTest Centre for the first time.

This structure is helpful because it bundles the significant costs upfront. It is a good idea to double-check the official DriveTest fee list before you go, just in case prices have recently changed. This avoids any confusion when you arrive at your local DriveTest.

What Your Initial Fee Actually Pays For

It is easy to get sticker shock when you see that number. But knowing what it covers makes it feel a bit more reasonable. Let’s look at the pieces of the puzzle that make up this initial payment.

First, you have the G1 knowledge test fee itself. This portion pays for your chance to prove you know the rules of the road. It covers the administration of the written exam, which is a mix of multiple-choice questions about road rules and road sign recognition.

Part of your visit to the DriveTest Centre also includes a mandatory eye exam. This simple vision test is included in the process and must be passed before you can take the written portion. It confirms that your vision meets the provincial standards for safely operating a vehicle.

Next up is the fee for your first G2 road test attempt. Even though you will not be taking this test for a while, the cost is bundled in. This is Ontario’s way of encouraging you to move through the licensing system promptly.

Finally, a big part of that initial payment goes towards your five-year license fee, which starts the day you pass the G1.

The Real G1 Test Price: What if You Don’t Pass?

No one likes to think about failing, but it happens. The perception that the G1 test is hard is common, but often it comes down to preparation. The good news is that you can retake the G1 test as many times as you need. The bad news is that it is not free.

If you do not pass your G1 knowledge exam on the first try, you will have to pay a fee for each subsequent attempt. This is where the G1 test price can start to add up if you are not prepared. This additional fee is where the test cost can become a burden for some.

Currently, the fee to retake the written knowledge exam is $16.00. This fee only covers the test itself; you pay it each time you need to retake the test. This is a pretty strong incentive to study hard the first time.

Preparing to Avoid Retest Fees

Preparation is everything. Do not just skim the official manual an hour before your test. Spend real time learning the road rules, traffic laws, and the consequences of demerit points.

The G1 test has two parts: road signs and rules of the road. You need to pass both sections to get your license. You are allowed a few mistakes in each section, but exceeding the limit results in a fail. Knowing how many mistakes are allowed can help manage test anxiety.

Online practice tests are your best friend. They mimic the format of the real test and help you identify areas where you might be weak. Dozens of websites offer free Ontario G1 practice tests based on the official handbook.

Take your time during the actual test. Read each of the multiple-choice questions carefully. You are not being timed, so there is no need to rush and make a silly mistake. Correctly answer enough exam questions, and you will walk out with your G1.

Additional Costs to Keep in Mind

The G1 license package and potential retest fees are the main costs. But there are a few other things you might need to budget for. These are not direct parts of the G1 test price, but they are related expenses that new drivers in Ontario will face.

Road Tests

The fee for your first G2 road test is included in that initial $159.75 package. But if you fail that drive test, you will need to pay again for each attempt. Here is a simple breakdown of the road test fees:

Test	Cost per Attempt
G2 Road Test	$53.75
G Road Test	$91.25

Licence Renewal

You will also need to consider the cost of renewing your license. The five-year permit included in the initial package starts from the day you get your G1. If your G1 license expires, you will have to start the entire process over again. This means paying the full $159.75 package fee again and retaking the knowledge exam.

This rule also applies to your G2 licence. You must complete the entire graduated licensing process within five years. If you do not get your full G license within that time, you revert to the beginning. This can be a costly and frustrating setback.

Other Potential Licensing Expenses

Life happens, and sometimes things get misplaced. If you lose your G1 license card, you will need to get a replacement at a local DriveTest centre. There is an additional fee for this service, which is currently $35.75.

There can also be other fees if you need to make changes to your driver’s licence, like updating your address or getting a new photo. While small, these are all things to remember as you budget for your driving journey. Being aware of all the potential test costs helps you stay on track financially.

Finally, think about driver training. While not mandatory, taking a ministry-approved beginner driver education course can be very valuable. It teaches you essential driving tips and defensive driving techniques, but it also costs money, often several hundred dollars or more. The benefit of a recognized driving school is that it can reduce the time you have to wait for your G2 road test from 12 months to 8 months.

Completing one of these courses can also lead to lower insurance premiums for a new vehicle owner. Over time, these insurance savings can often cover the initial cost of the course. It is a significant upfront investment that can pay off financially and make you a safer driver.

Understanding the Graduated Licensing Timeline and Fees

Ontario’s graduated driver’s licensing system is designed to introduce new drivers to the road safely and slowly. The fees are structured around this step-by-step process.

This system is similar in principle to those in other provinces like British Columbia, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and even the Northwest Territories. However, the specific test costs and timelines differ.

You have up to five years to complete the whole thing. Here’s a quick recap of the typical timeline and when you will pay at Ontario DriveTest Centres:

Day 1: Pay the $159.75 G1 license package fee. You can now take your written knowledge exam after passing an eye exam.
After passing G1, you can practice driving with an experienced driver. You must hold your G1 for at least 12 months (or 8 with a certified driving school).
G2 Road Test: Your first attempt is covered by the initial fee, which includes payment. If you fail, you will pay $53.75 for each new effort.
After passing G2, you have more freedom but still have some restrictions. You can practice with your G2 for at least 12 months.
G Road Test: You will need to book and pay $91.25 for your final road test to get your full driver’s license.

This structure spreads the costs out over a couple of years. But it also means you need to stay on top of your timeline. The whole test takes just a portion of your day, but the licensing process takes years.

How and Where to Pay Your G1 Fees

When you are ready to take your written test, you will go to a DriveTest Centre. These are the only places authorized to conduct driver examinations for an Ontario driver’s license. You can find your nearest location on the DriveTest website.

Before you go, make sure you have the required identification. You will need original documents that prove your legal name, date of birth, and signature.

Acceptable documents often include a Canadian passport, birth certificate, or permanent resident card. Check the official list online to see what you need to bring.

You will need to pay the fees before you can write your test. DriveTest Centres accept several forms of payment, including:

Cash
Debit Card (Interac)
Credit Card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express)
Certified Cheque
Money Order

It is a good idea to bring at least two forms of payment in case one is not accepted. The last thing you want is to be turned away on test day because of a payment issue. This is especially true if you took time off work or school to go to the DriveTest centre.

Conclusion

Getting your G1 licence is an exciting time, and understanding the G1 test price makes the process much smoother. The main cost is the $159.75 Class G1 licence package, which covers your first written test, your first G2 road test, and a five-year driver’s licence.

Remember that this fee is the starting point of your total test cost. If you need to retake the written test, it will cost you $16.00 for each attempt. Additional fees also apply for road test retakes and other services like license replacement.

By preparing well with the official manual, you can avoid retest fees and minimize your overall G1 test cost. Budgeting properly and knowing the rules of the road are your first steps to driving success in Ontario.

Try Your Free Driving Practice Test A.S.A.P.