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Pass Your G1 Written Test: 15 Ontario Practice Questions You Need to Know

The G1 written knowledge test is your first official step into the world of driving in Ontario. It's designed to ensure you have a solid understanding of the rules of the road and traffic signs before you even get behind the wheel. While the idea of a test can be nerve-wracking, with the right preparation, you can walk into the DriveTest Centre with confidence.

The entire test is based on the Official MTO Driver's Handbook. The best way to prepare is to study the handbook thoroughly. To help you gauge your knowledge and get a feel for the types of questions you'll face, here are 15 practice questions covering key topics.

About the G1 Test

The test has two sections: rules of the road and road signs. You need to get at least 16 out of 20 questions right on each section to pass.


Practice Questions

1. When a streetcar is stopped to pick up or drop off passengers and there is no safety island, what must you do? a) Slow down, sound your horn, and pass with caution. b) Stop at least 2 metres behind the rearmost door and wait for all passengers to get on or off. c) Pass on the left side of the streetcar. d) You are not required to stop.

Answer: b) Stop at least 2 metres behind the rearmost door and wait for all passengers to get on or off. Explanation: This is a critical safety rule to protect vulnerable pedestrians. You must stop and wait until the doors close and the streetcar begins to move before you proceed.

2. A G1 driver must be accompanied by a fully licensed driver with at least how many years of driving experience? a) 1 year b) 2 years c) 3 years d) 4 years

Answer: d) 4 years Explanation: The supervising driver for a G1 learner must hold a valid, full G license (or higher) and have a minimum of four years of driving experience.

3. What does a flashing green light at an intersection indicate? a) The light is about to turn yellow. b) You have the right-of-way to turn left. c) You may go straight or turn right or left if the way is clear. d) The intersection is closed.

Answer: c) You may go straight or turn right or left if the way is clear. Explanation: A flashing green light gives you priority over other vehicles at the intersection, but you must still proceed with caution and ensure the way is clear before making your move.

4. How many demerit points will be recorded on your license for failing to remain at the scene of a collision? a) 3 points b) 5 points c) 7 points d) 9 points

Answer: c) 7 points Explanation: This is one of the most serious traffic offenses and carries the highest number of demerit points, along with a significant fine and possible jail time.

5. When are you required to use your headlights? a) Only from sunset to sunrise. b) Between 30 minutes before sunset and 30 minutes after sunrise, and anytime you cannot see clearly for 150 metres. c) Only when it is raining or foggy. d) Whenever you are driving.

Answer: b) Between 30 minutes before sunset and 30 minutes after sunrise, and anytime you cannot see clearly for 150 metres. Explanation: This rule ensures you can see and be seen. Using headlights in poor visibility conditions like rain, snow, or fog is mandatory.

6. This sign means: (Image of a sign showing a red circle with a white horizontal bar inside) a) Do not enter b) Stop c) Yield d) Road closed

Answer: a) Do not enter Explanation: This regulatory sign indicates that traffic is not allowed to enter a specific road or area.

7. For a G2 driver who is 19 years old or younger, how many passengers aged 19 or under can they carry between midnight and 5 a.m.? a) Zero b) One c) Two d) Three

Answer: b) One Explanation: This is a key G2 restriction for young drivers. For the entire G2 period, a driver 19 or under can only have one passenger in their age group during the late-night hours.

8. If you are approaching an intersection and the traffic light turns from green to yellow (amber), what should you do? a) Speed up to clear the intersection. b) Stop. If a stop cannot be made safely, proceed with caution. c) Stop immediately, even in the intersection. d) Always continue through.

Answer: b) Stop. If a stop cannot be made safely, proceed with caution. Explanation: A yellow light indicates that the green light is ending. You must stop before the intersection unless you are too close to stop safely.

9. When must you report a collision to the police? a) Only if someone is injured. b) If the total damage to all vehicles and property is more than $2,000. c) In all circumstances. d) If the other driver agrees to it.

Answer: b) If the total damage to all vehicles and property is more than $2,000. Explanation: You are legally required to report any collision to the police if there are injuries or if the combined property damage appears to be over $2,000.

10. A "School Zone" sign indicates a maximum speed of: a) 30 km/h b) 40 km/h c) 50 km/h d) The speed limit is as posted on the sign.

Answer: d) The speed limit is as posted on the sign. Explanation: While school zones often have reduced speed limits (like 40 km/h), the sign itself is a warning of the zone. The actual maximum speed will be posted on an accompanying black-and-white regulatory sign.

11. What is the minimum following distance you should maintain behind another vehicle? a) One car length for every 20 km/h. b) A space of at least two seconds. c) A fixed distance of 30 metres. d) A space of at least four seconds.

Answer: b) A space of at least two seconds. Explanation: The two-second rule allows you enough time to react and brake safely if the vehicle in front of you stops suddenly. This distance should be increased in poor weather.

12. This sign means: (Image of a diamond-shaped sign with a picture of a deer) a) Deer farm ahead b) Watch for deer crossing the road c) Hunting area d) Zoo ahead

Answer: b) Watch for deer crossing the road Explanation: This is a warning sign. It alerts drivers to areas where deer are known to cross the road, so you should be extra cautious.

13. What is the consequence for a G1 or G2 driver who accumulates 9 or more demerit points? a) A warning letter. b) A mandatory defensive driving course. c) A 30-day license suspension. d) A 6-month license suspension.

Answer: c) A 30-day license suspension. Explanation: The demerit point system is very strict for new drivers. At 9 points, you will lose your license for 30 days.

14. When approaching a railway crossing with flashing red lights and a ringing bell, you must: a) Slow down and cross if no train is visible. b) Stop at least 5 metres from the nearest rail and wait for the signals to stop. c) Stop and then proceed if you can do so quickly. d) Change gears and cross the tracks as fast as possible.

Answer: b) Stop at least 5 metres from the nearest rail and wait for the signals to stop. Explanation: These active warning signals indicate a train is approaching. You must stop and wait for it to pass completely and for the signals to cease.

15. A solid line on the left of your lane means: a) It is a passing lane. b) It is unsafe to pass. c) You may pass with caution. d) It is a high-occupancy vehicle lane.

Answer: b) It is unsafe to pass. Explanation: A solid line on your side of the road indicates that you are not allowed to cross it to pass another vehicle.


Remember, these questions are a study aid. The best way to guarantee a pass is to read, understand, and review the official MTO Driver's Handbook. Good luck!

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