Getting your Ontario learner licence
Your first Ontario licence is the G1. To get it you apply in person, prove who you are, pass a vision test and pass a knowledge test on the rules of the road and traffic signs.
Turning up with the wrong documents is one of the most common reasons people are sent home, so it pays to prepare before your visit.
By the end of this topic you can
- You can list who is eligible to apply for an Ontario G1 licence.
- You can choose acceptable original ID that shows your legal name and full date of birth.
- You can explain where to apply and what the application fee covers.
- You can describe the photo and health questions that are part of applying.
What you need to know and understand
- You must be at least 16 and an Ontario resident; visitors cannot get an Ontario licence.
- Since May 11, 2026, applicants for a class G or M licence must declare that Ontario is their primary residence and that their presence in Canada is legal.
- Documents must be original and valid; photocopies and expired documents are refused.
- Knowledge tests are taken at a DriveTest centre (no appointment needed) or at the ServiceOntario Bay and College location in Toronto (appointment only).
- The application fee covers the knowledge test, your first road test and a five-year licensing fee.
- You cannot hold an Ontario driver's licence and an Ontario Photo Card at the same time.
Documents that prove who you are
You need original identification that shows your legal name and your complete date of birth (day, month and year). Examples accepted by Ontario include:
- A Canadian or foreign passport
- A Canadian Citizenship Card with photo
- A Permanent Resident Card or other permanent immigration documents
- Temporary immigration documents such as a study or work permit
- An Ontario Photo Card
On the day: step by step
- Bring your original ID, payment for the fee and any glasses or contact lenses you wear to drive.
- Answer the health questions honestly. Some medical conditions may mean you cannot be licensed for safety reasons.
- Have your photo taken. Your face must be fully visible with a neutral expression; religious or medical headwear is allowed if it does not cover your face.
- Take the vision test.
- Take the knowledge test. Pass it and you leave as a G1 driver.
Fees, the handbook and parental consent
Fees change from time to time, so check the current amount with DriveTest before you go. Paying the application fee also covers your first road test, but you must pay again for the second road test and any retests. The official MTO Driver's Handbook is free to read online, and a printed copy is sold at DriveTest centres and many stores.
Ontario's official application guidance does not list a parental consent form for applicants under 18, but confirm with DriveTest if you are unsure. Our guide How to Get a G Licence in Ontario walks through the full journey.
Common mistakes
- Bringing a photocopy or an expired passport. Only original, valid documents are accepted.
- Forgetting your glasses. If you need them to see the road, bring them for the vision test.
- Smiling or wearing a cap in the photo. You may be asked to remove headwear that is not religious or medical.
- Paying a third-party website to 'book' your test. Book only through official DriveTest channels: online, by phone or at a DriveTest centre.
Test yourself: Getting your Ontario learner licence
Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.
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Sources: The Official Ministry of Transportation (MTO) Driver's Handbook, Ministry of Transportation Ontario (ontario.ca); Get a G driver's licence: new drivers, Government of Ontario (ontario.ca). Independent guide, not affiliated with any licensing agency. Always check the latest official rules with your province or territory.