What score do you need to pass the Ontario G1 permit test in 2026?
You need 16 correct out of 20 questions in each section: signs and rules. Failing either section means retaking the full test for a $16.00 retest fee. There is no same-day retest.
- You must score 80% on each of the two test sections.
- This means answering 16 out of 20 questions correctly in both the Traffic Signs and the Rules of the Road sections.
- You cannot combine scores across sections.
| Test Section | Total Questions | Passing Score (Correct) | Max Errors Allowed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traffic Signs | 20 | 16 | 4 |
| Rules of the Road | 20 | 16 | 4 |
Note: A total of 32 correct answers across both sections is not enough if you fail one part. For example, 20/20 on signs and 12/20 on rules is a fail.
How the Permit Test Score is Calculated
The computer uses a 'fail-fast' system. It grades each section in real-time.
- ✗ Section Termination: If you get a 5th wrong answer in a section, the test stops for that part. You cannot pass.
- ⚠ Instant Pass: If you reach 16 correct answers, that section ends immediately.
- ✗ Skipping: You can skip a question. It returns later if you haven't passed or failed.
This real-time grading means each question is critical for your permit test passing score.
What Happens If You Are One Question Short
Missing the minimum score by one question results in failure for that section. You must retake it.
- Retake Fee: The fee to retake a failed section is $16.00.
- Section Carry-Over: If you pass one section, that result is valid for 12 months. You only retake the section you failed.
At the Downsview DriveTest centre, a common scenario sees applicants who scored 15/20 on Rules of the Road having to pay and retest, often waiting another 2 hours for an available computer terminal.
Real Examples of Near-Passes and Failures
These examples show why understanding the independent scoring is key to your learners permit test pass rate.
- An applicant answered 19/20 on Traffic Signs but only 15/20 on Rules of the Road. Despite 34 total correct answers, they failed. They had to return the next day to retake the Rules section.
- A test-taker got 5 questions wrong in the Rules section by question 18. The computer terminated the test immediately. They lost the chance to answer the final two questions, which they had skipped hoping to review later.
- Someone passed the Signs section with 16/20. In the Rules section, they answered 15 correctly, 4 incorrectly, and skipped 1. The skipped question reappeared. Answering it incorrectly gave them their 5th error, causing a fail before they could finish.
Essential Details for the Ontario G1 Test
For Ontario G1 applicants in 2026: what score do you need to pass the Ontario G1 permit test in 2026? You need 16 correct out of 20 questions in each section: signs and rules. Failing either section means retaking the full test for a $16.00 retest fee. There is no same-day retest. You must score 80% on each of the two test sections. This means answering 16 out of 20 questions correctly in both the Traffic Signs and the Rules of the Road sections. You cannot combine scores across sections. Quick NavigationWhat score do you need to pass the Ontario G1 permit test in 2026? Test Section Total Questions Passing Score (Correct) Max Errors Allowed Traffic Signs 20 16 4 Rules of the Road 20 16 4 Note: A total of 32 correct answers across both sections is not enough if you fail one part. For example, 20/20 on signs and 12/20 on rules is a fail. How the Permit Test Score is Calculated The computer uses a 'fail-fast' system. It grades each section in real-time. ✗ Section Termination: If you get a 5th wrong answer in a section, the test stops for that part. You cannot pass. ⚠ Instant Pass: If you reach 16 correct answers, that section ends immediately. ✗ Skipping: You can skip a question. It returns later if you haven't passed or failed. This real-time grading means each question is critical for your permit test passing score. What Happens If You Are One Question Short Missing the minimum score by one question results in failure for that section. You must retake it. Retake Fee: The fee to retake a failed section is $16.00. Section Carry-Over: If you pass one section, that result is valid for 12 months. You only retake the section you failed. At the Downsview DriveTest centre, a common scenario sees applicants who scored 15/20 on Rules of the Road having to pay and retest, often waiting another 2 hours for an available computer terminal. Real Examples of Near-Passes and Failures These examples show why understanding the independent scoring is key to your learners permit test pass rate. An applicant answered 19/20 on Traffic Signs but only 15/20 on Rules of the Road. Despite 34 total correct answers, they failed. They had to return the next day to retake the Rules section. A test-taker got 5 questions wrong in the Rules section by question 18. The computer terminated the test immediately. They lost the chance to answer the final two questions, which they had skipped hoping to review later. Someone passed the Signs section with 16/20. In the Rules section, they answered 15 correctly, 4 incorrectly, and skipped 1. The skipped question reappeared. Answering it incorrectly gave them their 5th error, causing a fail before they could finish. Essential Details for the Ontario G1 Test. Review the section below for the full details and current rules.
Application & Fees
- Complete the Application for Ontario Driver's Licence (Form SR-LD-054) in advance.
- The total package fee is $159.75.
- It covers one G1 knowledge test attempt, your future G2 road test, and the five-year licence card.
Print and complete your Form SR-LD-054 at home to avoid filling it out in the lobby. At the Toronto Metro East centre, incomplete forms cause applicants to lose their queue number, adding 45+ minutes to their visit.
Required Documents
Bring original proof of identity (legal name, date of birth, signature) like a Passport or PR Card. Tests are in-person at DriveTest centres.
Check your documents' signatures match exactly. A mismatch between a passport and health card caused a rejection in London, requiring a rescheduled appointment two weeks later.
Retake Policy
If you fail, pay $16.00 per retake. You may retake the same day if time allows at the centre.
How to Guarantee a Pass on Your Permit Exam
Study the Official MTO Driver's Handbook or use Shoro Ontario G1 practice tests. Focus on these high-failure areas:
- Demerit point penalties.
- Stopping distances.
- Right-of-way scenarios.
Practice with tests that mimic the 'fail-fast' format. In Kitchener, applicants who only studied static questions were unprepared for the pressure of the real-time grading and made rushed errors after the 3rd mistake.
What Happens After the Test?
If You Pass: You get a temporary paper G1 licence. You must:
- Never drive alone.
- Be accompanied by a fully licensed (Class G) driver with 4+ years experience.
- Maintain a 0.00% BAC (zero tolerance for drugs/alcohol).
- Hold the G1 for 12 months (8 months with an approved driver education course) before the G2 road test.
If You Fail: You can typically retake the test by paying the $16 fee, subject to centre hours.
Expert Tip: Verify your accompanying driver's experience by checking for four small dots on the front of their licence. Violating G1 conditions (like driving alone) triggers an automatic 30-day licence suspension for a first offense.
