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. If you fail one section, a retest within one year covers only that failed section. The extra knowledge-test attempt fee is $16.00.
- 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.
Can you get 32 out of 40 and still fail the Ontario G1 test?
Yes. A total of 32 correct answers is not enough by itself. You need at least 16 correct answers in the road-sign section and at least 16 in the rules-of-the-road section.
Do you need 80% overall or 80% in each G1 section? You need 80% in each 20-question section, not just 80% across all 40 questions combined.
Being One Question Short of a Pass
Missing the 16/20 minimum in either section means that section is unsuccessful.
| Result | What happens |
|---|---|
| Pass both sections | You pass the G1 knowledge test. |
| Pass one section, fail one | The passed section can carry forward for up to one year. |
| Retest within one year | You retake only the section or sections that did not meet the MTO standard and pay the $16 extra-attempt fee. |
For full retake rules and failure scenarios, see the Failed Knowledge Test guide.
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 pay the extra-attempt fee and retake only 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.
Can a 20/20 score in one G1 section make up for 15/20 in the other?
No. A perfect score in one section does not offset a failed section. For example, 20/20 on road signs and 15/20 on rules of the road still means the rules section did not meet the 16/20 passing standard.
Key Ontario G1 Scoring and Retest Rules
You need 16 correct out of 20 questions in each section: signs and rules. If you fail one section, a retest within one year covers only that failed section. The extra knowledge-test attempt fee is $16.00. 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.
Visit the Ontario learner's permit guide for step-by-step 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 Improve Your Chances of Passing the G1 Test
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.
After the G1 Test
If you pass: You receive a temporary paper G1 licence and move into the G1 driving stage.
If you fail: You can pay the $16 extra-attempt fee and try again. If you retry within one year, only the section or sections that did not meet the MTO standard must be retaken.
Detailed retake timing, multiple-failure scenarios and fees belong in the Failed Knowledge Test guide.
