🚗 Common Mistakes Teens Make on the Ontario G1 Written Test (And How to Avoid Them)

Getting your G1 license in Ontario is a huge first step toward the freedom of driving. But before you can hit the road, you’ve got to pass the written knowledge test. Sounds easy? Not always.

Let’s break down how the test works, the mistakes people often make (especially teens), and how you can avoid them to pass on your first try.

🔍 Common Study Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)

1. 📕 Skipping the Official Handbook

Big mistake! The Ontario Driver’s Handbook is the main source for the test. Don’t just rely on:

• Stuff your parents told you
• YouTube summaries
• Short online guides

Focus on chapters 2, 3, and 6 — they cover key things like traffic safety, signs, and rules.

2. 🚧 Ignoring Road Signs

Road signs make up half the test. Don’t mess this up by:

• Confusing similar-looking signs
• Forgetting what different shapes/colors mean
• Not studying rare signs — they still show up!

3. ⏳ Last-Minute Cramming

Trying to learn everything the night before = stress and low scores. Avoid:

• Cramming instead of spaced studying
• Memorizing answers without understanding
• Skipping topics you don’t like
• Not figuring out what you're weak at

4. ❌ Not Taking Practice Tests

Skipping practice tests is like training for a game without ever playing. Practice tests help:

• Get used to the test format
• Spot what you don’t know
• Boost your confidence
• Calm your nerves

🧠 Test Day Mistakes to Watch Out For

1. 🙈 Misreading Questions

A lot of wrong answers come from:

• Rushing
• Skipping keywords like “except,” “always,” or “never”
• Picking the first answer that looks right
• Not reading all the options

2. 😕 Getting Stuck on Tricky Topics

These areas trip people up the most:

• Who has the right of way in different situations
• What to do when emergency vehicles are around
• Speed limits in different zones
• Steps to take after an accident
• Differences between G1, G2, and G licenses

3. ⌛ Not Managing Your Time

Yes, there’s no time limit — but:

• Don’t spend forever on one question
• Don’t speed through the rest and make silly mistakes
• Save time to double-check your answers

4. 😬 Test-Day Jitters

Your mindset matters:

• Anxiety can make you blank out or second-guess
• Overconfidence leads to underpreparing
• Lack of focus (looking at your phone or feeling tired) = silly errors

✅ Tips to Crush the G1 Test

📚 Prep Like a Pro

• Get the official handbook (you can even read it online for free)
• Study a bit each day for a few weeks
• Focus on understanding, not just memorizing
• Spend extra time on signs and right-of-way rules

🧪 Practice, Practice, Practice

• Take lots of online practice tests (from trusted sites)
• Use the official questions from the Ministry of Transportation
• Focus on the topics you struggle with
• Try a timed session to get in the zone

🧠 Smart Test-Taking Tips

• Read each question twice
• Look for words like “never,” “always,” or “except”
• Not sure about an answer? Skip and come back
• Review all your answers before you hit submit
• For “all of the above” or “none of the above” — make sure you check each option

😌 Stay Chill

• Get a good night’s sleep before the test
• Arrive early so you’re not rushed
• Use deep breathing if you get anxious
• Go in with a positive but realistic mindset

🎯 Final Thoughts

The G1 test isn’t meant to trick you — it’s just making sure you know the rules so you can be a safe driver. Study smart, stay calm, and you’ve got this.

Good luck — and enjoy the ride to your driver’s license! 🚙💨

📚 Helpful Resources

• Ontario Driver’s Handbook (Official)