Ontario G1 Test Time Limit: Untimed Exam, Break Rules and Session Conditions (2026)

The Ontario G1 knowledge test is untimed.

• The Ontario G1 knowledge test is untimed.
• Most applicants finish in 20-30 minutes.
• If the kiosk screen freezes or you have a technical issue, alert the front desk immediately.

This guide covers the Ontario G1 permit test format and what to expect on test day.

Is the Ontario G1 knowledge test timed?

No. The Ontario G1 knowledge test has no time limit. Take as long as you need. Most applicants finish in 20 to 30 minutes.

Official Time Limit and Test Structure

The Ontario G1 knowledge test is untimed. There is no countdown timer on the screen, and the computer does not shut off automatically. You can take as long as you need to answer the 40 questions.

• Test Format: 20 questions on road signs and 20 questions on rules of the road.
• Passing Score: You must score at least 80% (16 correct) on each section independently.
• Average Completion Time: Most applicants finish in 20-30 minutes.

Is there a time limit for each individual G1 question?

No. DriveTest describes the knowledge test as untimed, so there is no published countdown for each question. The practical limit is that testing must finish before the office closes.

Critical Time Constraints and Office Hours

While the test itself is untimed, DriveTest centre hours create a strict, practical time limit for your permit test session.

• Arrival Cutoff: You must arrive at least one hour before the centre closes. If you arrive later, you will be turned away.
• Office 'Hard Stop': If you are still testing when the office closes, the system is shut down. You cannot stay past closing to finish.
• What happens if you run out of time: If the office closes before you finish, your test is terminated. You must pay the $16.00 retake fee to attempt the test again on another day.

• Example: The Brampton DriveTest centre closes at 7:00 PM.
• If you arrive at 6:10 PM, staff will likely refuse to start your test.
• If you start at 5:45 PM and are still working at 7:00 PM, your session will be ended.

What happens if the DriveTest centre closes before you finish the G1 test?

An untimed test still has to be completed during the centre's operating hours. DriveTest recommends arriving at least one hour before closing so there is enough time to complete the test.

Managing Time Pressure and Common Mistakes

Internal pressure and poor planning are the main time-related challenges for the permit test.

• Ignore the Queue: Do not rush because of a long waiting room line. Your seat is secured until you finish.
• Use the Skip Function: Skip difficult questions and return to them later. This prevents getting stuck on one question and helps manage your pace.
• Plan for Delays: Arrive much earlier than the one-hour cutoff. For a 5:00 PM closing, aim to arrive by 3:30 PM to account for unexpected lines or paperwork.

Example: At the busy Toronto Metro East centre, a common mistake is joining the written test queue immediately after a long wait, without using the restroom first. Once called to a kiosk, you cannot leave, leading to discomfort and distraction during your 20-30 minute test.

Complete the driver's licence application form (Form 023-SR-LD-054) online before your visit to avoid form errors and delays at the counter, which can eat into your available time before closing.

See the Ontario learner's permit guide for complete requirements.

Are breaks allowed once the Ontario G1 computer test has started?

No. Once you begin the test session, you must complete it without leaving your terminal. If the screen freezes or you have a technical issue, alert front desk staff immediately.

Breaks During a Standard G1 Knowledge Test

You cannot take breaks once the Ontario permit test has started. Leaving the testing area is considered a refusal to complete the exam and counts as a failure.

• Test Integrity: The rule prevents cheating and maintains a fair testing environment.
• No Exceptions: Leaving for any reason, including a restroom break, will terminate your session.
• Emergency Protocol: If you feel ill, raise your hand and wait for an examiner. Do not walk away.

Accommodations and Support

If you need disability-related testing support, tell DriveTest before starting the test. Audio, verbal-test and interpreter options are available depending on the accommodation.

Keep the full eligibility, documentation and booking process in the Disability Accommodations guide.

How to Prepare for an Uninterrupted Test Session

Since breaks are not allowed, preparation is essential to complete the test comfortably in one sitting.

• Bathroom Strategy: Use the restroom before joining the 'Written Test' queue, as you may be called to a kiosk immediately.
• Familiarize with Format: Taking full-length, untimed practice test, or use Shoro\'s Ontario G1 practice testss builds confidence and reduces the need to pause.
• ? Bring Required Items: Have all necessary identification and documents ready to avoid last-minute stress.

Example: An applicant at the Ottawa Canotek centre failed because they left their station to ask a friend for clarification on a rule. The examiner saw them leave the silent testing zone and terminated the exam, resulting in a lost test fee.

If the touchscreen kiosk freezes or malfunctions, raise your hand and wait for staff assistance. Do not touch other equipment or leave your station, as this can be misinterpreted as cheating and void your test.

Can you pause an Ontario G1 test and restart it later?

Do not assume a normal test session can be stopped and resumed on another day. If you need a break or an accommodation, tell DriveTest staff before testing so they can explain the available option for your situation.