Driver's Knowledge Test in Canada: How It Works by Province

The driver's knowledge test is the written, multiple-choice test you pass to get your learner's licence in Canada. Each province runs its own: BC's ICBC test has 50 questions with 40 needed to pass, Alberta's has 30 with 25 needed, Ontario's G1 test covers road rules and signs from the MTO handbook, and Québec adds a school test plus an SAAQ knowledge test later in the process. The questions come from your province's official driver's handbook, so that handbook is your main study source.

This guide explains how the test works in the four largest provinces and how to prepare, as of 2026.

Knowledge tests compared

All of them also include or sit alongside a vision test.

Ontario: the G1 knowledge test

You take the G1 test at a DriveTest centre after a vision test. Ontario's handbook says the test may ask about topics like seatbelts, traffic signs, speed limits and the demerit point system. Ontario doesn't publish the number of questions or pass mark on its official pages, so treat any figure you see on third-party sites with caution.

Study the Official MTO Driver's Handbook, especially:

• signs, signals and pavement markings;
• right of way at intersections, including four-way stops;
• speed limits and stopping rules (school buses, emergency vehicles, pedestrian crossovers);
• the G1 and G2 conditions themselves;
• alcohol, drugs and penalties.

Bring two pieces of identification and the fee. The G1 package fee covers this test, your first road test and a five-year licence.

British Columbia: the ICBC knowledge test

ICBC's test has 50 multiple-choice questions and you need 40 right to pass. ICBC says almost one in five questions is about road signs, so learn them thoroughly.

• Where: online with a computer and webcam, or in person on a touch-screen kiosk at a driver licensing office.
• Audio: you can listen to an audio recording of the test.
• Languages: English, Arabic, Croatian, French, Farsi, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Punjabi, Russian, Spanish, Ukrainian and Vietnamese.
• Rules: no talking, notes or electronic devices. In person, using phones, smartwatches, earbuds, smart glasses or translation devices is an automatic fail.
• Retakes: you can try again after one day, paying the $15 knowledge test fee each time (as listed by ICBC in 2026).

Study from ICBC's Learn to Drive Smart guide, then use ICBC's free practice knowledge test and road signs practice test.

Alberta: the Class 7 knowledge test

Alberta's test is taken at a registry agent. The system picks 30 questions at random from a pool for each test, and you need 25 correct to pass. It covers safe driving practices, driving laws and road signs. You can sit it once a day and pay for each attempt; registry agents set and collect the fees. Study Alberta's Driver's Guide.

Québec: two theory tests

In Québec, theory is built into the compulsory driving course:

1. School knowledge test (Module 5). At the end of Phase 1 of the course, the driving school gives a written test created by the SAAQ. Passing it lets you apply for your learner's licence.
2. SAAQ knowledge test. After at least 10 months on your learner's licence, you take the SAAQ's knowledge test. If you fail, you must wait at least 28 days before trying again.

The SAAQ also publishes an online quiz for checking your road safety knowledge.

A study plan that works in any province

1. Read the official handbook end to end once. Don't skip chapters; questions can come from anywhere in it.
2. Learn signs by shape and colour first, then the specific meanings. Shape tells you the category (regulatory, warning, temporary) before you can read the sign.
3. Make a list of numbers: blood alcohol limits for new drivers, distances for parking near hydrants or crossings, demerit thresholds, school bus rules. These are classic multiple-choice traps.
4. Use official practice tests where your province offers them, and review every wrong answer in the handbook rather than memorising the answer.
5. Space your revision. Several short sessions over two or three weeks beat one long night. Our theory test guide explains spaced revision in detail (it's written for the UK test, but the study method is the same).
6. Read each question twice on test day. Words like "not", "always" and "except" change the answer.

What to avoid

• "Real test questions" sites. Provinces don't publish their live question banks, so leaked or "exact" question lists are unreliable and may be out of date.
• Studying another province's rules. Passenger limits, supervisor rules and penalties differ, and your test is about your province.
• Rushing to book. A failed attempt costs time and a fee. Book when you're consistently passing official practice tests.

After you pass

Passing the knowledge test gets you a learner's licence, not the right to drive alone. Read the restrictions for your stage, such as zero alcohol, night-time limits and supervisor requirements, before your first drive. Our Canada licence guide explains what comes next in each province.

Summary

Canada's knowledge tests are provincial. BC uses 50 questions (40 to pass), Alberta 30 (25 to pass), Ontario tests road rules and signs from the MTO handbook, and Québec has a school test before the learner's licence plus an SAAQ test after 10 months. Study the official handbook, learn signs and numbers carefully, use official practice tests and book when you're ready.

About Co-Drive

Co-Drive is an iOS app for learner and new drivers. Its driving technique lessons and defensive driving habits apply on any road; it does not yet include Canada-specific knowledge test practice, and it isn't affiliated with any provincial licensing authority. Find out more.