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G1 Test Languages in Ontario: Punjabi, Hindi, Urdu and 29 More

informational·how to guide·

Where the G1 test language rules come from

The language list, audio, interpreter, road test and document rules come from the DriveTest pages on knowledge tests and translators and languages. The rules for translating a foreign licence come from the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) page on exchanging a licence, and the test locations come from its page on getting a G licence. Information is as of 2026. Confirm the rules with the Ministry of Transportation (ontario.ca) before you go to a test.

The 32 languages of the Ontario G1 computer test (cars, vans and small trucks)

The 32 languages of the Ontario G1 computer test (cars, vans and small trucks)
Alphabet rangeNumberLanguages
Amharic to Greek14Amharic, Arabic, Armenian, Badini, Bengali, Chinese (Cantonese), Cree, Croatian, English, Farsi, Finnish, French, German, Greek
Hindi to Punjabi9Hindi, Italian, Korean, Kurmanji, Ojibway, Oji-Cree, Polish, Portuguese, Punjabi
Russian to Urdu9Russian, Somali, Spanish, Tamil, Thai, Tigrinya, Turkish, Ukrainian, Urdu

Computer test or paper test: audio, headphones and appointments

  • Knowledge tests are on paper at all locations and on the computer at some locations. Ask your DriveTest Centre which languages it offers on paper before you go.
  • Audio needs no appointment. Tell the DriveTest agent before you enter the test room, or as soon as you see that you need audio. DriveTest gives you disposable headphones.
  • You can use your own headphones if they are wired, not Bluetooth, with a 3.5 mm jack.
  • At ServiceOntario Bay and College in downtown Toronto, the knowledge test is by appointment only.

How to bring an interpreter to the Ontario G1 knowledge test

  1. 1
    Book a verbal test

    Make an appointment at a DriveTest Centre. A DriveTest Centre employee gives the verbal test.

  2. 2
    Choose a qualified interpreter

    The interpreter must meet DriveTest's criteria. The criteria depend on the region of Ontario (see the table below).

  3. 3
    Bring proof of qualification

    Your interpreter must provide proof of qualification. Any support person must act in a professional way and must not interfere with the verbal test.

  4. 4
    Pay your interpreter's expenses

    A verbal knowledge test has no extra fee. You pay any expenses linked to your interpreter.

Who counts as an approved interpreter in each region of Ontario

Who counts as an approved interpreter in each region of Ontario
RegionThe interpreter must be
North and southwest OntarioEmployed, or formerly employed, in interpreter services; or a current or former member of a professional association that provides interpreter services; or an experienced interpreter who is a member of the clergy (a religious leader)
Central Ontario, the Greater Toronto Area and eastern OntarioA member of a provincial association that provides accreditation or certification, or accredited by a provincial or federal government

Sign-language interpreters for the G1 knowledge test

If you are deaf, deafened or hard of hearing, you can use a sign-language interpreter for the knowledge test. Make an appointment at a DriveTest Centre. You must find the interpreter yourself, because DriveTest does not provide one. DriveTest reimburses the reasonable and necessary costs of the sign-language interpreter appointment.

Will the Ontario road test be in my language?

You speak a language other than English or French
Road tests are in English or French only. No interpreter, driving instructor or other passenger may be in the vehicle. The examiner can use hand signals and basic driving terms, such as turn right, turn left, stop and park.
You are deaf, deafened or hard of hearing
You can also use a sign-language interpreter for the road test.

Must my documents be in English or French?

Yes. All documents for your driver's licence application must be in English or French, unless otherwise specified. This includes foreign licences, personal ID and letters of authentication (an official letter from the government or agency that issued your foreign licence). If a document is in another language, get it translated, and bring the original and the translation to the DriveTest Centre. A translation of a foreign licence must be dated within six months of your application. The guide on what to bring to the G1 test lists the ID you need. If you apply with a foreign licence, read about exchanging a licence from another country.

Who can translate a foreign driver's licence in Ontario

  • A non-Canadian embassy, consulate or high commissioner's office. You can use any such office worldwide. Other translators from the country that issued the licence are not approved.
  • A translator with credentials that prove they are, or have been, employed in translation services.
  • A current or former member of a professional association that provides translation services, such as ATIO (the Association of Translators and Interpreters of Ontario).
  • A member of the clergy (a religious leader) with experience as a translator.

Key takeaways

  • DriveTest offers the computer G1 test in 32 languages, and every kiosk has audio with skip and repeat.
  • To bring an interpreter, book a verbal test at a DriveTest Centre. There is no extra test fee, and you pay the interpreter's expenses.
  • Road tests are in English or French only. A deaf, deafened or hard-of-hearing applicant can use a sign-language interpreter.
  • Documents must be in English or French. A foreign licence in another language needs a translation by an approved translator.
  • Next step: practise on the free Ontario G1 practice test.

G1 test language questions

Can I take the G1 test in Mandarin or another language that is not on the list?

Mandarin is not on the list of 32 languages. The list has Chinese (Cantonese). To use an interpreter, make an appointment for a verbal test at a DriveTest Centre. The interpreter must meet DriveTest's criteria and show proof of qualification.

Do I need an appointment to take the G1 test in my language?

Not for the computer test at a DriveTest Centre. You need an appointment for a verbal test, for an interpreter, and for any knowledge test at ServiceOntario Bay and College in downtown Toronto.

Who pays for an interpreter at the Ontario G1 test?

You do. DriveTest charges no extra fee for a verbal knowledge test, but any expenses linked to your interpreter are yours. For a sign-language interpreter, DriveTest reimburses the reasonable and necessary costs of the appointment.

How recent must the translation of my foreign licence be?

An approved translator must make it, and it must be dated within six months of the day you apply for an Ontario licence. Bring the original licence and the translation to the DriveTest Centre.

Can my friend or relative interpret for me at the G1 test?

Only if they meet DriveTest's criteria for interpreters and show proof of qualification. The criteria are different in north and southwest Ontario than in central Ontario, the Greater Toronto Area and eastern Ontario. You also need an appointment for a verbal test.

Practise for your Ontario G1 test

6 free practice tests with 120 questions, answers and explanations.

Start free Practice Test 1

See all Ontario G1 practice tests

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