If you are living in Ontario, your first step towards getting a driving license is passing the G1 test. The G1 test is the only paper-based – computer-based – test out of the three you will have to attempt to navigate the graduated license program in Ontario.
The local government allows candidates to choose between paper-based and computer-based versions of this test. Still, most DriverTest locations only offer paper-based versions. In other words, you have to select the center carefully if you want to take this exam on a computer.

But why would you go the extra mile only to take a computer-based test? And if you do, how should you prepare for it? Continue reading to know the answers.
Why Should You Take the G1 Test on Computer
You are Familiar with This Test Format
The simple reason to choose a computer-based test over its paper-based version is that you are familiar with this testing format. If you are a young, first-time driver who has embarked on this skill as a coming-of-age resource, you must have been in school. And development in the learning system over the past couple of years – or before – must have impacted how you took your exams.
These days, computer-based exams are a norm and even if you have taken paper-based exams in the past few years, you must have appreciated that the latter exams are far more difficult during the attempt than the former. After all, writing takes a lot of effort and you can’t go back on your answers easily. And if you can go back on the answers, making these changes is quite difficult than when we do the same in computer-based exams. Simply put, paper-based exams are least productive.
Mot Revision Resources for G1 Test are Available Online Only
If you think you are comfortable with writing instead of selecting the right options with a mouse, you should also consider another factor that makes the paper-based exam a thing of the past – revision tools. These days, you wouldn’t get many revision resources for the G1 test in hard copy. You will, however, see them as online revision partners with real-like mock tests and question banks.
Most students prefer to use these resources to make revision easy for them. These practice tools allow you to access your study material anywhere and anytime. And most importantly, they present the revision topics in small digestible pieces. Consequently, these tools don’t let students crave for motivational quotes to start studying.
If you use online revision tools, you will practice attempting G1 questions on devices more than on paper. This will build your muscle memory around computer-based tests and you will gain confidence in successful test attempts. On the other hand, paper-based exams may appear strange to you after weeks of practicing on devices.
How to Prepare for Computer-Based Exam
The first step of preparing for your G1 test Practice is similar for both test formats – you have to study the subject from the official driver’s handbook.
Revise with a Trusted Revision Partner
Frankly, studying the handbook only makes up 30% of the whole preparation. Although the handbook covers all the topics that will be assessed on the exam, it’s a self-study program and you wouldn’t get help preparing for it at school.
This lack of institutional help makes this – otherwise simple – exam a headache. Getting help from a trusted revision partner will mean getting the right institutional help and you will create and follow a schedule to reasonably prepare for it.
Attempt Revision Questions
Use your device to do so. The best study partner will offer your practice questions according to topics so you can revise as you complete every topic. Once you have gone through the whole handbook, practice random questions to gain confidence about your preparation.
Populate Challenging Question Banks
As you navigate through the practice questions, you will witness that some areas are more difficult than others. These topic areas will demand more attention. Use your revision tool to take note of these topics and keep revising them on the go. After all, on-the-move access to study material is the most loved feature of online study tools.
Take Practice Exams
If you are confident that you have prepared enough, start improving your test-taking skills. You can do this by taking mock exams. These exams will be of comparable difficulty to the real G1 theory test. You will answer 40 questions. Out of these, half will cover the rules of the road and the other half will assess road signs. Note that the G1 test is not timed so you can take all the time you want to take.
Your goal is to get 80% of these questions right. This percentage translates into 16 questions for every part of the test. If you answer less than 80% of questions rightly in one part and compensate for this shortage with the other part, you will fail the test.
Make sure to keep taking these mock tests until you have consecutively scored a pass in three or more attempts.
Take Away
Ontario road authority allows you to choose between paper-based or computer-based tests for G1. Only a few DriveTest centers offer computer-based tests.
If you are a new driver who is learning to drive as soon as you meet the minimum age requirement, a computer-based test will be easier for you than its paper-based counterpart. Plus, the format and delivery of most revision partners for G1 tests make the computer version more suitable for candidates than the paper version.
Consequently, if your nearest test center doesn’t offer the computer-based test, you should check out for the option in other convenient test centers to ensure a pass on the first attempt.