What Do You Need To Take Your G1 Test?

Two pieces of original, valid ID are required, plus the test fee in cash, debit, or credit. Don’t forget your glasses or contacts if you need them to read the screen.

What you’re bringing and why

Ontario’s DriveTest wants to see two IDs that prove who you are and where you live. One must be a government-issued photo ID; the other can be anything else on the Ontario list (health card, passport, PR card, etc.). Glasses or contacts aren’t required if you normally drive without them, but if you do need them to read road signs at arm’s length, bring them—you’ll use them during the test.

Step-by-Step Checklist

1. Pick your ID. Make sure every document is original (no photocopies) and hasn’t expired. As of 2026, Ontario health cards are still valid even if the photo is old, but passports must be current.
2. Decide how to pay. The fee is $159.75 for the whole G1 package (written test plus eventual G2 road test). Cash, debit, Visa, MasterCard, and Interac Online are accepted at all DriveTest centres as of 2026.
3. Book online, phone, or in person. Go to DriveTest.ca, call 1-888-570-6110, or walk in. If you book online, you’ll see the exact centre, date, and time before you pay.
4. Print or save your confirmation. Bring the email or SMS confirmation; some centres scan the barcode at check-in.
5. Arrive 15 minutes early. Doors open at 8:15 a.m. for morning sessions; the last entry is 4:30 p.m. on weekdays. Bring everything—no second chances if you forget.

If this didn’t work

Forgot your ID? You can’t take the test without two pieces of ID. The centre will let you reschedule once, but you’ll pay the $159.75 fee again if you don’t bring valid documents the second time.

Wrong payment type? If the centre’s terminal is down, you can still pay by cash or debit; credit-card machines sometimes time out during peak hours.

Need an interpreter? Since 2024, DriveTest offers free ASL interpreters and written tests in 17 languages. Request it when you book; they’ll send a confirmation within 48 hours.

How to avoid coming back empty-handed

• Check expiry dates. Health cards and passports are the most common expired IDs. Set a calendar reminder six months before anything expires.
• Practice the test. The free online practice test uses the same pool of questions as the real G1. Aim for 18/20 on signs and 18/20 on rules before you book.
• Bring backup cash. A few centres still have card-reader glitches; having $20 in small bills avoids last-minute ATM runs.
• Wear your glasses. Even if you think you can read the screen without them, the examiner will ask you to read a licence plate at 20 metres—better safe than sorry.