Ontario G1 Test Languages: 27 Options Available and How to Request One (2026)

Yes, you can take the Ontario G1 permit test in a language other than English. The test is available in 27 languages at DriveTest Centres.

Which 27 languages can you take the Ontario G1 knowledge test in?

The Ontario G1 knowledge test is available in 27 languages. You select your language on the touchscreen kiosk before starting the exam.

Complete List of Supported Languages

The permit test is available in these languages:

• ⚠ Amharic
• ⚠ Arabic
• ⚠ Armenian
• ⚠ Chinese (Simplified & Traditional)
• ⚠ Croatian
• ⚠ Cree
• ⚠ English
• ⚠ Farsi (Persian)
• ⚠ Finnish
• ⚠ French
• ⚠ German
• ⚠ Greek
• ⚠ Gujarati
• ⚠ Hindi
• ⚠ Italian
• ⚠ Korean
• ⚠ Oji-Cree
• ⚠ Ojibway
• ⚠ Polish
• ⚠ Portuguese
• ⚠ Punjabi
• ⚠ Russian
• ⚠ Somali
• ⚠ Spanish
• ⚠ Tamil
• ⚠ Turkish
• ⚠ Ukrainian
• ⚠ Urdu
• ⚠ Vietnamese

How to Request a Language and Audio Options

You request your language when you check in at the DriveTest counter. The staff will direct you to a kiosk where you select your language from the on-screen menu.

Audio assistance is available for many languages. Request headphones at the counter. The kiosk will read the questions and answers aloud.

• Example: An applicant in Mississauga requested the test in Punjabi with audio.
• They failed their first attempt because they didn't use the audio feature and struggled with reading the specific G1 terminology.
• On their second try, using the headphones, they passed.

Interpreter Availability and Translation Rules

You cannot use personal translation aids. The rules are strict to ensure test integrity.

• Dictionaries/Phones: Not allowed. You cannot bring any translation aid into the testing area.
• Personal Interpreters: Generally not permitted. An exception exists for languages not on the official list. You must book an appointment in advance for an oral test with an MTO-approved interpreter.
• ASL Support: Available for deaf or hard-of-hearing applicants. You must book this accommodation ahead of your test date.

• Example: A family in Ottawa brought a relative to translate the test into a dialect not offered.
• The DriveTest staff turned them away.
• They had to reschedule and take the test in the closest available official language.

Translation Quality and Study Resources

The test uses standard translations of the Official MTO Driver's Handbook. Some technical terms may differ from casual speech.

Study the official handbook concepts, not just word-for-word translations from generic apps. A Brampton applicant failed the rules section twice because online practice test, or use Shoro\'s Ontario G1 practice testss used different phrasing for 'right-of-way' than the actual MTO test.

Use Ontario-specific practice tests that mirror the official test's wording and structure.

Language Requirements for Driving

Your G1 licence card does not show the language you tested in.

For the subsequent G2 road test, examiners typically give instructions in English or French only. You must understand basic driving commands like 'turn left,' 'change lanes,' or 'parallel park.'

Example: A driver in Toronto passed the G1 test in Mandarin but failed their first G2 road test because they misunderstood the examiner's English instruction to 'make a three-point turn.' They practiced with a friend giving commands in English before their retest and passed.

Test Process and Common Mistakes

The total fee for the G1 Licence Package is $159.75. A retake after failing costs $16.00 per attempt.

The test has 40 questions: 20 on road signs and 20 on rules. You must score at least 16/20 in each section to pass.

Bring original, physical identification documents. A Scarborough applicant was rejected because they only had a photo of their Permanent Resident card on their phone, causing a long delay and rescheduling.

You cannot switch languages mid-test. Choose carefully at the kiosk.