Ontario G1 Failure Rules: $16 Retest Fee, No Mandatory Wait and What to Study Next (2026)

Failing the Ontario G1 knowledge test does not forfeit the $159.75 package fee. You pay a $16.00 retest fee per attempt. There is no mandatory wait period before rebooking.

• Failing the Ontario G1 knowledge test does not forfeit the full $159.75 package fee.
• You pay a $16.00 retest fee to retake both sections.
• There is no mandatory wait period for the G1 knowledge retest.
• You can rebook the next available day.
• Study the signs section first, it produces more near-miss failures than the rules section.

Failing the Ontario G1 knowledge test is common, with first-time failure rates in cities like Toronto and Brampton often between 50% and 70%. The computer screen at the DriveTest Centre gives your result immediately.

Immediate Consequences and Retake Rules

For Ontario G1 applicants in 2026: immediate Consequences and Retake Rules. Review the section below for the full details and current rules.

• ✗ When you fail, the system shows which questions you answered incorrectly.
• ⚠ You do not get a printout to take home.
• ⚠ The test has two sections: 20 questions on Traffic Signs and 20 on Rules of the Road.
• ⚠ You must score at least 16/20 (80%) on each section independently to pass.

• Can you retake the same day? Technically yes, but practical barriers exist. If the centre is open and not overcrowded, you may pay the fee and rejoin the line. In busy centres like Mississauga or Ottawa Walkley, staff often recommend studying and returning another day.
• How long to wait to retake? There is no mandatory waiting period for the G1 knowledge test, unlike the 10-day wait for failed road tests.
• How many times can you retake? Ontario allows unlimited G1 test attempts. You must pay the retest fee each time and your application is valid for one year.

Fees and Booking a Retest

The initial G1 package fee covers your first attempt. Every subsequent attempt requires a separate payment.

• To book your retake, return to any DriveTest Centre on a walk-in basis.
• Bring your original government-issued photo ID and the retest fee.
• You do not need to fill out a new application unless your one-year validity has expired.

• Check specific office hours: Arrive at least 90 minutes before closing at a busy centre like Toronto Downsview to ensure you can get a test slot before computers shut down.
• Bring exact payment methods: Have cash, debit, or credit ready. At the Brampton DriveTest centre, kiosks sometimes reject foreign-issued credit cards, forcing you to lose your place in line to find an ATM.

Preparation After Failing

If you fail, identify your weak section from the feedback at the test terminal. Common challenging areas include right-of-way rules, speed limits in school zones, and roundabout procedures.

• Use the Official MTO Driver's Handbook to review specific chapters.
• Take the official MTO practice test, or use Shoro\'s Ontario G1 practice tests repeatedly under timed conditions.
• Focus on active recall with practice questions, not just passive reading.

• Example: A test-taker in Hamilton failed twice, scoring 15/20 on Rules of the Road each time.
• They focused only on memorizing signs.
• On the third attempt, they used sectional practice tests targeting right-of-way and passing rules, and passed both sections.

Failing Multiple Times and Next Steps

There is no limit on attempts, but failing multiple times indicates a need for a new study strategy.

• If you fail 3+ times, does DFA require a driver's education course even for adults 18+? No. Ontario's DriveTest program does not mandate a driver's education course for multiple G1 knowledge test failures, regardless of age. The course is optional but provides insurance discounts and reduced waiting times for road tests.
• Do multiple failures show on your permanent driving record? No. Failed G1 knowledge test attempts are not recorded on your public driving abstract or permanent record. Only your eventual pass and any subsequent licensing actions are recorded.

What to do if you fail the G1 test multiple times:

• Diagnose the specific problem. Are you failing the same section?
• Seek alternative study materials or a structured course.
• Consider requesting test accommodations if you have a reading barrier or test anxiety.

Example: A student in London failed four times, always narrowly missing the pass mark on the Rules section. They booked a one-hour session with a licensed driving instructor to clarify complex scenarios about highway merging and emergency vehicle protocols, then passed on the fifth try.

Appeals and Final Notes

The $16.00 retest fee is paid at the counter. Rebook at drivetest.ca or walk in to any DriveTest Centre.

• Can you appeal a failed G1 test? No.
• The computer-scored knowledge test does not have a subjective appeals process.
• If you believe a technical error occurred (e.g., a touchscreen malfunction), report it immediately to a supervisor at the test centre.
• They may authorize a free re-test on the spot.

Example: At the Etobicoke centre, a test-taker's screen froze on question 30. They alerted staff, who verified the glitch and reset the terminal, allowing them to restart the test without paying another fee.

• Verify your application details before queuing: At the ServiceOntario location at Bay and College in Toronto, applicants with mismatched information on their Form 023-SR-LD-054E and primary ID are turned away, requiring a full re-application on another day.
• Request a paper test for clarity: If you struggle with the touchscreen, ask for the paper test version when checking in. This can prevent mis-clicks, especially on detailed diagram questions about traffic signs.