Ontario G1 study guide
This guide organizes the high-value Ontario MTO Driver's Handbook topics into plain language. Use it alongside the official guide.
Rules of the Road
The fundamental rules for driving safely in Ontario, from right of way to speed limits.
- Default speed limit in cities, towns, and villages: 50 km/h unless posted otherwise.
- Default speed limit on highways outside built-up areas: 80 km/h unless posted.
- School zones: typically 40 km/h during posted hours.
- Always drive at a speed that allows you to stop within a safe distance.
- Driving 50 km/h or more over the limit is classified as stunt driving.
- Maintain at least a 2-second following distance in good conditions.
Right of Way
Rules for who goes first at intersections and on shared roads.
- At an uncontrolled intersection where two vehicles arrive simultaneously, yield to the vehicle on your right.
- When turning left at a green light, yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.
- At a four-way stop, the first vehicle to come to a complete stop has the right of way.
- When entering a highway from a private road, yield to all highway traffic.
- Yield to pedestrians at all crosswalks (marked or unmarked).
- When entering a roundabout, yield to traffic already in the roundabout.
Traffic Signs and Signals
Understanding the colour, shape, and meaning of Ontario traffic signs.
- Stop sign: red octagon — come to a complete stop.
- Yield sign: red and white triangle — slow and yield.
- Warning signs: yellow diamond — hazard or change ahead.
- Construction signs: orange diamond — road work zone.
- Regulatory signs: white rectangle with black text — must follow.
- Information signs: green rectangles for direction, blue for services.
- Flashing red light: treat as a stop sign.
- Flashing yellow light: proceed with caution.
Lane Changes and Passing
How to safely change lanes, pass other vehicles, and merge onto highways.
- Always signal, check mirrors, and shoulder check before changing lanes.
- Solid yellow line on your side: passing not permitted.
- When merging onto a highway, match traffic speed before merging.
- When another vehicle wants to pass, slow slightly and move right.
- Do not pass on hills, curves, intersections, or railway crossings.
- Drive in the right lane on multi-lane highways unless passing.
Sharing the Road
How to safely share Ontario roads with cyclists, pedestrians, large trucks, and emergency vehicles.
- When passing a cyclist, leave at least 1 metre of space.
- Stop for a school bus with flashing red lights in both directions (unless on a divided highway).
- Pull right and stop for emergency vehicles with lights and sirens.
- Large trucks have bigger blind spots ('no-zones') and longer stopping distances — give them extra room.
- Watch for motorcyclists, especially when changing lanes.
- Yield to pedestrians at every crosswalk.
Impaired Driving
Ontario laws on alcohol, drugs, distracted driving, and fatigue.
- Fully licensed drivers: maximum 0.08 BAC (criminal offence above this).
- G1 and G2 drivers: zero BAC — no alcohol allowed.
- Hand-held devices are illegal while driving — heavy fines and demerit points.
- Drowsy driving impairs reaction time and judgment.
- Some medications can affect driving ability — check labels.
- Cannabis impairment is treated the same as alcohol impairment.
Graduated Licensing (G1 Restrictions)
Rules and limits for G1 drivers in Ontario's graduated licensing system.
- Must be accompanied by a fully licensed G driver with 4+ years of experience.
- Accompanying driver must be in the front passenger seat with BAC under 0.05.
- No driving between midnight and 5 AM.
- No driving on 400-series highways unless with a licensed driving instructor.
- Maximum passengers: as many as there are working seatbelts.
- Zero BAC at all times.
- Hold G1 for 12 months (or 8 months with approved driver education) before taking G2 road test.
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