G1 Test Day: 10 Rookie Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

G1 Test Day: 10 Rookie Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Ready to ace your G1 test and finally get on the road? The last thing you want is a simple mistake sending you home empty-handed. From sleeping on the MTO handbook to letting nerves get the best of you, we're breaking down the top 10 rookie errors people make on test day. Read this before you go and

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August 22, 2025

Don’t Let These 10 Rookie Mistakes Fail Your G1 Test

So, you’re ready to get your G1. The freedom of the open road is calling your name, and you can almost taste it. But first, you have to conquer the G1 knowledge test. It might seem like a total breeze, but honestly, a lot of people trip up on their first try over some super avoidable stuff.

Let's be real, failing would be a major vibe kill. So, to make sure you walk in prepped and walk out with your G1, here are the top 10 mistakes people make and how you can easily sidestep them.

1. Thinking You Can Wing It Without the Handbook

Okay, for real: the official MTO Driver's Handbook is basically the answer key for the test. So many people think they can just rely on common sense or what they’ve seen in movies. Bad idea. Every single question they can ask you comes directly from that book. Don't just skim it—actually read it. Think of it as the ultimate cheat sheet, because it literally is.

2. Just Memorizing Answers (Instead of Actually Getting It)

We’ve all crammed for a test by just memorizing facts. But the G1 test is smart. It throws curveball questions and different scenarios at you to see if you actually understand the rules. Instead of just memorizing that you stop for a school bus, understand why you stop. It’ll help the info stick and make you a way better driver later.

3. Sleeping on the Road Signs Section

The G1 test is split into two parts: rules and signs. You have to pass both to pass the whole thing. It’s wild how many people crush the rules section only to fail because they didn’t bother studying the signs. Don't let that be you! Half the test is basically a picture quiz—those should be easy points in the bag.

4. Pulling an All-Nighter to Cram

Trying to absorb the entire handbook the night before your test is a recipe for disaster. Your brain will turn to mush, and you’ll just feel stressed out. The move is to start studying a week or two beforehand. Spend a little time on it each day. It’s way less painful and the info will actually sink in.

5. Rushing Through the Test Like It’s a Race

There’s no prize for finishing first, so slow down! The test creators love to use tricky wording to catch people who are flying through the questions. A single word like "except" or "not" can completely flip the meaning. Read every question twice to make sure you know what it’s actually asking. It’s not a timed test, so use the time you need.

6. Skipping the Practice Tests

Would you play in a championship game without ever scrimmaging? Nah. Practice tests are like the G1 test simulator. They get you comfortable with the format and show you exactly what you need to work on. When you get a question wrong, figure out why. It’s the best way to find your weak spots before they count for real.

7. Forgetting Your Gear on Game Day

Imagine studying for weeks only to get turned away at the door. Total nightmare. Before you leave for the DriveTest Centre, double-check that you have everything you need. This means your proper ID (like your passport or birth certificate) and the money for the test fee. Nothing worse than failing before you even start.

8. Letting Your Nerves Get the Best of You

It’s totally normal to be nervous—it’s a big deal! But the best way to crush those nerves is to be over-prepared. If you walk in there knowing you put in the work and you know your stuff, you’ll feel so much more confident. Get a good night's sleep, eat some breakfast, and walk in ready to own it.

9. Overthinking and Second-Guessing Yourself

You’ve studied, you’ve practiced, and you know the material. Trust your gut! It’s easy to stare at a question and talk yourself out of the right answer. More often than not, your first instinct is the correct one. Answer confidently and move on.

10. Forgetting About the Vision Test

This one’s a simple but crucial final check. You have to pass a quick eye exam on the spot before you can even take the written test. If you wear glasses or contacts to see clearly, please remember to bring them. It’s such a simple thing, but forgetting them means an automatic fail for the day.

You’ve got this! Avoid these common slip-ups, put in a little effort, and you’ll be on the road in no time. Good luck