Ontario G1 Test Failure: $16 Retest Fee, No Mandatory Wait and Retake Rules (2026)

Failing the Ontario G1 knowledge test does not forfeit the $159.75 package fee. You pay a $16.00 retest fee per attempt. There is no mandatory wait period before retesting.

• Failing the Ontario G1 knowledge test does not forfeit the full $159.75 package fee.
• You pay a $16.00 fee for each extra attempt. If you retest within one year, you repeat only the section or sections you did not pass.
• There is no mandatory wait period for the G1 knowledge retest.
• For an ordinary failed attempt, there is no mandatory next-day wait. A next-day wait applies if you were removed for cheating or disrupting the test.
• Study the signs section first, it produces more near-miss failures than the rules section.

Failing the Ontario G1 knowledge test is common, with first-time failure rates in cities like Toronto and Brampton often between 50% and 70%. The computer screen at the DriveTest Centre gives your result immediately.

Immediate Consequences and Retake Rules

• ✗ When you fail, the system shows which questions you answered incorrectly.
• ⚠ You do not get a printout to take home.
• ⚠ The test has two sections: 20 questions on Traffic Signs and 20 on Rules of the Road.
• ⚠ You must score at least 16/20 (80%) on each section independently to pass.

• Can you retake the same day? Technically yes, but practical barriers exist. If the centre is open and not overcrowded, you may pay the fee and rejoin the line. In busy centres like Mississauga or Ottawa Walkley, staff often recommend studying and returning another day.
• How long to wait to retake? There is no mandatory waiting period for the G1 knowledge test, unlike the 10-day wait for failed road tests.

G1 Retest Fee and Walk-In Retest Process

The initial G1 package fee covers your first attempt. Every subsequent attempt requires a separate payment.

• For a standard retest, return to a DriveTest Centre on a walk-in basis.
• Bring acceptable original valid ID required by DriveTest and the retest fee.
• You do not need to fill out a new application unless your one-year validity has expired.

Standard knowledge retests are walk-in. Check your chosen DriveTest centre's hours and arrive with enough time to finish before closing. Pay the $16 retest fee using a method accepted at that centre.

How to Prepare for Your G1 Retest

If you fail, identify your weak section from the feedback at the test terminal. Common challenging areas include right-of-way rules, speed limits in school zones, and roundabout procedures.

All Ontario permit requirements are covered in the Ontario permit guide.

Check the Ontario learner's permit guide for current rules and fees.

Review the failed topic in the Official MTO Driver's Handbook and use focused Ontario G1 practice tests before trying again.

Before test day, practice with Shoro AI's Ontario G1 resources to prepare better and improve your chances of passing on your first attempt.

• Example: A test-taker in Hamilton failed twice, scoring 15/20 on Rules of the Road each time.
• They focused only on memorizing signs.
• On the third attempt, they used sectional practice tests targeting right-of-way and passing rules, and passed both sections.

How Many Times Can You Take or Fail the Ontario G1 Test?

DriveTest does not publish a maximum number of ordinary Ontario G1 knowledge-test attempts. Its official guidance says that if you are unsuccessful, you can pay the applicable fee and try again. If you fail the G1 test 2 times or 3 times, the published rules do not state a separate attempt cap or a special retest rule triggered by that number. Test results are valid for one year, and if you retry within that year, you only need to repeat the section or sections that did not meet MTO standards. Beginner Driver Education remains optional. See DriveTest's official knowledge-test guidance: https://drivetest.ca/tests/knowledge-tests/

• Do multiple failures show on your permanent driving record? No. Failed G1 knowledge test attempts are not recorded on your public driving abstract or permanent record. Only your eventual pass and any subsequent licensing actions are recorded.

What to do if you fail multiple times: Focus on the section you keep missing. If a reading or accessibility issue is affecting the test, review the available DriveTest accommodations before your next attempt.

Example: A student in London failed four times, always narrowly missing the pass mark on the Rules section. They booked a one-hour session with a licensed driving instructor to clarify complex scenarios about highway merging and emergency vehicle protocols, then passed on the fifth try.

If You Pass One G1 Section and Fail the Other, What Do You Retake?

If you retest within one year, you only need to repeat the section that did not meet the passing standard. A section you already passed remains valid during that period.

Do You Need an Appointment to Retake the Ontario G1 Test?

No. Standard G1 knowledge retests are normally walk-in. Check the centre's hours and arrive early enough to complete the test before closing.

Is There Ever a Mandatory Waiting Period After Failing the G1 Test?

An ordinary failed attempt has no mandatory waiting period. If you are removed for cheating or disrupting the test, you must wait until the following day.

Can You Switch From the Computer Test to a Paper Test When Retaking G1?

Yes, where the format is available. DriveTest offers paper knowledge tests at all locations, while computer testing is available at some locations.

Technical Problems, Appeals and Retest Options

The $16.00 retest fee is paid for each extra attempt. Standard knowledge retests are handled on a walk-in basis at DriveTest Centres.

• Can you appeal a failed G1 test? No.
• The computer-scored knowledge test does not have a subjective appeals process.
• If you believe a technical error occurred (e.g., a touchscreen malfunction), report it immediately to a supervisor at the test centre.
• They may authorize a free re-test on the spot.

Example: At the Etobicoke centre, a test-taker's screen froze on question 30. They alerted staff, who verified the glitch and reset the terminal, allowing them to restart the test without paying another fee.

• Verify your application details before queuing: At the ServiceOntario location at Bay and College in Toronto, applicants with mismatched information on their Form 023-SR-LD-054E and primary ID are turned away, requiring a full re-application on another day.
• Request a paper test for clarity: If you struggle with the touchscreen, ask for the paper test version when checking in. This can prevent mis-clicks, especially on detailed diagram questions about traffic signs.