Driving Tests

What to Bring to the Ontario G1 Test: ID, Fee and Glasses

informational·how to guide·Published August 8, 2026

What do I need to bring to the Ontario G1 knowledge test?

Bring original, valid ID that shows your legal name and full date of birth. Bring two documents to be safe, because the Driver's Handbook checklist says two. Also bring money for the fee (DriveTest lists CAD 159.75 for the G1 package) and glasses or contact lenses if you need them to drive. You must be 16 or older and live in Ontario.

Where this information comes from

This guide uses the ontario.ca G driver's licence page, the Official MTO Driver's Handbook and the DriveTest pages on acceptable ID, fees, the G1 process, knowledge tests and FAQs, as of 2026. Confirm the rules and the fee with the Ministry of Transportation (ontario.ca) before your visit.

Who can apply, and what you declare

You must be at least 16 years old.
You must live in Ontario. Visitors to Ontario are not eligible for an Ontario driver's licence.
Since May 11, 2026, you must declare two things when you apply for a class G or class M licence: Ontario is your primary place of residence, and your presence in Canada is legal. Study permit holders can read more in the guide to the G1 licence for international students.

Do you need one ID document or two for the G1 test?

The Driver's Handbook checklist says to bring two pieces of identification. DriveTest says one document is enough when it is on its single-document list (the table below), for example a passport or a Permanent Resident Card. Bring two documents to be safe.

Rules for your ID documents

Bring original, valid documents. Copies are not accepted, including certified copies, unless the ID list says so.
Your documents must show your full date of birth: day, month and year.
Your documents must show your legal name: the name registered at birth, or a name changed by adoption, a court order or change of name certificate, or marriage. If one document shows only one of these, add a second document that shows the other.

Single ID documents for the G1 test

Single ID documents for the G1 test
Who you are	Document	Condition
Canadian citizen	Canadian or U.S. birth certificate, or a U.S. proof of birth document	Quebec birth certificates issued before January 1, 1994 are not accepted
Canadian citizen	Passport	Canadian or foreign
Canadian citizen	Canadian Citizenship Card with photo	Only if issued before February 1, 2012. Citizenship documents issued from February 1, 2012 do not prove name or date of birth
Canadian citizen	Secure Certificate of Indian Status Card	Issued on or after December 15, 2009
Permanent resident	Canadian Permanent Resident Card (with or without signature), or a passport	Either one alone is enough
Permanent resident	Record of Landing (IMM 1000), or Confirmation of Permanent Resident form (IMM 5292)	The IMM 5292 form must come with a valid passport from your country of origin
Temporary resident	Passport, study permit, work permit or Temporary Resident's Permit	The permits are IMM 1442 documents. Each document alone is enough
Refugee documents	Refugee Travel Document issued by the Government of Canada, or a Refugee Status Claim (IMM 1434), or an Acknowledgement of Intent to Claim Refugee Status (IMM 7703) with photo	The Refugee Travel Document is on the DriveTest list. The two IMM forms are on the ontario.ca list

Using an Ontario Photo Card as ID

You can use an Ontario Photo Card as ID, as a citizen or as a resident. If you apply for a licence with it, you must give up the card as part of the process. The ontario.ca list differs from the DriveTest list in places, so check your own documents on the DriveTest ID page before you go.

What to add when your documents do not fit

The name on your ID is different from the name that will be on your licence

Bring extra documents that link the names, such as a marriage certificate or a change of name certificate.

Your main document does not show your legal name or your full date of birth

Bring an additional document that shows what the first one does not.

You have none of the single documents in the table

Use a combination of two documents. The DriveTest ID page lists the pairs that work.

How much money to bring for the G1 fee

You pay when you apply. The G1 licence package costs CAD 159.75. It covers the knowledge test, a G2 road test and a five-year licence. The Government of Ontario sets the fee, and the price includes all taxes (fee list effective July 12, 2019). Each extra knowledge test attempt costs CAD 16.00. The guide to the G1 test cost has the full fee list and the ways to pay.

Glasses or contact lenses for the vision test

You must pass a vision test to get a G1 licence. A customer service agent does the test when you apply, and it takes a few minutes. If you need glasses or contact lenses to drive, bring them with you.

Appointment and arrival time for the G1 knowledge test

You take the standard knowledge test at a DriveTest centre

You do not need an appointment. Tests run first come, first served. Arrive at least one hour before the office closes, and allow more time on Saturdays and school holidays. The guide to the G1 test format and pass mark explains what the test covers.

You apply at the ServiceOntario Bay and College location in downtown Toronto

This location is by appointment only.

Key takeaways

Bring original, valid ID that shows your legal name and full date of birth, and bring a second document to be safe.
Bring money for the fee (DriveTest lists CAD 159.75 for the G1 package) and glasses or contact lenses if you need them to drive.
Since May 11, 2026, you must declare that Ontario is your primary place of residence and that your presence in Canada is legal.
The standard knowledge test needs no appointment. Arrive at least one hour before the office closes.
Next step: practise on the free Ontario G1 practice test.

G1 test day: common questions

Can I use a study permit or a work permit as ID for the G1 test?

Yes. A study permit or a work permit (both IMM 1442 documents) is accepted as one ID document, because it shows your legal name and date of birth. Bring the original, and make sure it is valid. You must also live in Ontario and declare that your presence in Canada is legal.

Can I pay the G1 fee by credit card or debit card?

Yes. You can pay by cash, VISA or MasterCard credit card, or debit card. Certified business or personal cheques, bank drafts, money orders and travellers cheques are also accepted. Make cheques, bank drafts and money orders payable to Serco Canada Inc.

Can I bring a photocopy of my birth certificate or passport?

No. Take the original document with you. A photocopy is not accepted, and a certified copy is not accepted either, unless the ID list says so. This applies to a birth certificate and to a passport.

Do I take off my glasses for the licence photo?

You may be asked to take off your glasses, a hat or headphones for the licence photo. Keep your glasses with you for the vision test, which happens when you apply.

Do I need an appointment for a verbal G1 knowledge test?

Yes. Verbal knowledge tests are held at all DriveTest centres by appointment only. A test with an interpreter also needs an appointment. For other languages, see the guide to G1 test languages.