DriveInOntario.caFailing the G1 knowledge test isn't a big deal in the sense that it happens to plenty of first-time test-takers — but the retake rules trip people up almost as often as the test itself.
There's no limit on attempts
Ontario doesn't cap how many times you can take the G1 knowledge test. Two attempts, five, ten — you can keep retaking it until you pass.
You can't retake it the same day
If you fail, you'll need to wait until at least the next day before you can try again. There's no same-day retest, so plan around that if you're relying on getting your G1 on a specific date.
You'll need to pay again
Each retake costs the standard knowledge test fee ($16.00 as of 2026), on top of whatever you already paid for your first attempt. Fees can change, so confirm the current amount on ontario.ca before rebooking.
Ready for the real thing?
Ready to see how this looks on the real test format?
Both sections have to pass together
The test has two sections — road signs and rules of the road — and you need at least 16 of 20 correct (80%) in each one. If you pass one section but fall short on the other, the whole test counts as a fail. You'll retake all 40 questions, not just the section you missed.
How to avoid a repeat
Most people who fail underestimate one section while over-preparing for the other, or get tripped up by a handful of recurring "gotcha" topics — right-of-way rules, sign shapes, and specific numbers like blood alcohol limits or passing distances. Our most commonly missed questions guide covers the topics worth double-checking, and running through a full practice test beforehand gives you a much better sense of where you actually stand before you're back at the DriveTest centre.