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Frequently Asked Questions: Drivers

Drivers

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Address Change


What information do I need to change my address online?

To identify you, the ministry will need your driver's licence or Registrant Identification Number (RIN), your full name and old address (as it appears on driver's licence or vehicle permit).

You will also need your new address including street number, street name, apartment number or lot concession (if applicable), township and rural route, city and postal code. The ministry requires a complete residential address — a post office box is not sufficient.

Who can change an address? Can I order an address change online for someone else?

Address changes are limited to the principal licence holder as well as other individuals in the same residence, spouses and children.

How much does this service cost?

There is no charge for address changes.

How can I ensure that my information is secure?

Address information is protected under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Internet transactions are secured through data encryption.

Will I need my picture taken for an address change on my driver's licence?

No picture is required to process an address change.

When do I need to change my address on my driver's licence and vehicle permit?

By law, drivers and vehicle/plate owners are required to advise the ministry within six days of the address being changed.

After I make the change online, when can I expect to receive a new driver's licence and/or vehicle permit?

You should receive your new licence within 8 weeks through the mail. A new permit is not issued — a confirmation slip is issued which will be sent to the addressee, and this should be attached to the old vehicle permit.

If you need a new vehicle permit showing your current address, you must provide your original vehicle permit at a ServiceOntario Driver and Vehicle Licence Issuing Office. Then they will issue a new free vehicle permit for you.

What should I do I do with my old driver's licence/vehicle permit?

Once you have your new driver's licence, destroy the old one. A new vehicle permit is not issued — a confirmation slip is issued which will be sent to the addressee, and this should be attached to the old vehicle permit.

What if I don't get my new driver's licence/vehicle permit within 8 weeks?

Call the ServiceOntario Driver and Vehicle Licensing Call Centre at 416-235-2999 or toll free 1-800-387-3445(Canada wide) or visit your local Driver and Vehicle Licence Issuing Office.

Can my vehicle address be different from my driver's licence?

An Ontario residential address is required on drivers' licences and vehicle permits. If you change the address on your driver's licence, the address on your vehicle permit will be automatically changed (and vice versa). However, the vehicle must be registered in your name for this change to take effect.

I've lost my driver's licence and vehicle permit. Can I order a replacement online?

No, a replacement driver’s licence or vehicle permit cannot be ordered online.

To replace a driver’s licence, visit a ServiceOntario Driver and Vehilce Licence Issuing Office to have your photo retaken. You must provide acceptable identification that shows you legal name, date of birth and signature, and pay a $10 fee. You will get a temporary licence to use until your permanent one is mailed to you. Please refer to the DriveTest website at
http://www.drivetest.ca/en/license/HowToApply.aspx for a list of acceptable identify documents.

If your driver’s licence has been lost or stolen, be sure to report it to your local police.

To replace your vehicle permit visit a ServiceOntario Driver and Vehicle Licence Issuing Office provide acceptable identification to verify your name, date of birth and signature and pay a $10.00 fee.

I have more than one vehicle. How many of my vehicles can I update with my new address at once?

An address change affects all vehicles/plates registered under a particular Registrant Identification Number (RIN).

The RIN for an individual is their driver’s licence number. The ministry assigns a nine-digit RIN for non-individuals.

If you have more than one RIN you must file an address change for each RIN.

You can update up to five vehicles at a time using this service.

What if my mailing address is different from my residential address?

An Ontario residential address is required and will appear on your driver's licence and vehicle permits. However, the ministry will require your mailing address to send your driver's licence and vehicle permits, as well as any other future correspondence/products such as renewal notices. If your mailing address changes, please notify the ministry within six days of the change.

What should I do if I no longer need a mailing address for my driver’s licence or vehicle permit?

If you had previously filed a mailing address with the ministry and no longer wish to use that mailing address, you must file an address change with the ministry to remove the mailing address. Otherwise, renewal notices etc. will still be sent to the mailing address showing on ministry computer files.

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Driver Handbooks


How can I obtain a driver's handbook?

Drivers who want a handbook may purchase one at a DriveTest centre or select a ServiceOntario Driver and Vehicle Licence Office. Book stores and many other commercial retail outlets province wide also carry these books. The cost is $14.95 plus applicable taxes. Individual copies are also available for viewing at public libraries and some Ontario government libraries.

Are the driver handbooks available in an electronic or web site version?

Currently an online version of the ministry's Official Driver's Handbook is available for viewing on the ministry's web site, as a guide to improve road safety. In addition, the web site contains a number of practice questions of the type found on the ministry's knowledge tests.

Driver's Handbook Online

The ministry's licensing manuals are published as reference materials and are available in a book form that can be easily kept in a vehicle glove box.

It was recognized several years ago that for licensing manuals to be easily accessible to drivers, they needed to be available in commercial outlets as well as in government offices. To this end, the ministry entered into a distribution arrangement with a book distributor. The books are now in major book chains and other commercial retail outlets province wide.

Official Driver's Handbooks

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Licence Classes and Fees


What are the fees involved in getting an Ontario driver's licence?

Fee Table: Getting a Licence Cost
G1 Licence - cost includes knowledge test, G1 road test and five year licence $125.00
Knowledge Test $10.00
Class G1 or M1 Road Test $40.00
Five Year Licence $75.00
M1 Licence - cost includes knowledge test and 90 day licence $17.50
Knowledge Test $10.00
90 Day Licence $7.50
Class G2 or M2 Road Test $75.00
 
Classified Licence (class A, B, C, D, E, F) Test Fees Cost
Complete Classified Test - cost includes knowledge test and road test $85.00
Knowledge Test $10.00
Road Test $75.00
Complete Air Brake (Z) Endorsement Test $50.00
Air Brake (Z) Endorsement Practical Test $40.00

What are the options for paying fees at a ServiceOntario Driver and Vehicle Licence Issuing Office?

Payments can be made using cash, certified personal cheque, debit card, VISA, MasterCard, American Express, traveller's cheque or money order.

What are the options for paying fees at a DriveTest Centre?

Payments can be made using cash, debit card, VISA, Mastercard, traveller's cheques or money order. Please note that personal cheques are not accepted at DriveTest Centres.

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New Drivers

Driving Age

Graduated Licensing

How many Driver Licence Permits are issued in Ontario?

This chart reflects the number of new driver licence permits (G1 and M1) issued monthly in Ontario. These numbers represent applicants who are being licensed for the first time.

This chart reflects the number of new driver licence permits (G1 and M1) issued monthly in Ontario. These numbers represent applicants who are being licensed for the first time.

Jan Feb Mar April May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
2002 G1 - - - - 18,114 25,032 28,765 31,363 19,728 20,604 17,122 16,344
2002 M1 - - - - 6,110 5,069 4,033 3,052 2,190 778 114 73
2003 G1 17,874 14,733 20,122 16,800 18,687 19,303 19,041 20,863 19,701 20,166 16,271 16,541
2003 M1 241 842 2,857 4,448 4,757 4,473 3,286 2,311 2,191 757 91 80
2004 G1 15,270 14,851 22,607 17,617 16,983 16,161 22,728 11,260 19,361 17,579 16,325 16,415
2004 M1 166 832 3,329 4,556 4,337 4,427 3,644 1,469 1,866 741 109 45
2005 G1 15,131 17,662 21,827 20,854 20,734 21,269 25,766 31,877 22,307 20,948 19,832 19,025
2005 M1 162 821 2,501 5,808 4,654 4,267 3,524 3,015 2,186 788 117 40
2006 G1 20,622 16,889 24,638 18,016 20,829 20,655 24,045 29,874 20,203 19,575 18,810 16,410
2006 M1 297 863 3,445 5,423 5,804 5,003 3,971 3,356 1,767 675 131 69
2007 G1 19,872 15,601 21,724 17,614 19,184 19,367 24,875 30,615 18,042 20,626 18,489 14,710
2006 M1 239 738 3,496 5,664 6,486 5,465 4,648 3,888 2,115 1,065 155 53
2008 G1 19,855 16,057 20,717 21,255  19,503 19,473 25,479  27,807 20,333 20.785 17,581 20,136
2006 M1 304 1,094 2,825 8,442 7,315 6,604 6,169 4,207 2,563 997 145 43
2009 G1 17,360 15,449 23,788 19,356 19,399              
2009 M1 211 1,082 4,871 6,662 6,052              

Driving Age

Is the ministry planning on raising the driving age?

No. The Ministry of the Attorney General reviewed all Ontario laws that set a minimum age requirement. This was done to ensure they obeyed provisions prohibiting age discrimination under the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Canadian Charter of Rights. After this review, the government decided to maintain 16 years as the minimum legal age for many "adult" activities in Ontario, such as leaving school, working full-time, and driving.

The Ministry of Transportation agrees that the average 16 year-old has sufficient maturity and judgement to handle the responsibility of driving. Nevertheless, we are concerned by the number of collisions involving young people and inexperienced drivers. That is why we introduced the Graduated Licensing System in 1994.

Graduated licensing introduces beginners into the driving population in a low-risk manner. Under this program, new drivers are expected to earn full driving privileges in two stages. In stage one, they learn while accompanied by a licensed driver who has at least four years of driving experience. This stage lasts 12 months, or is reduced to eight months for those who successfully complete a ministry approved Beginner Driver Education course.

Is the ministry planning on lowering the driving age?

No. The Ontario government reviewed all provincial laws that set a minimum age. Our province wanted to make sure it didn't discriminate under the Ontario Human Rights code and the Canadian Charter of Rights. After this review, the government decided to maintain 16 as the legal minimum age for many "adult" activities such as leaving school, working full-time and driving.

The Ministry of Transportation (MTO) realizes many teenagers regard a driver's licence as an important step towards independence and adulthood. Some would even like to see the driving age lowered to 15. Statistics, however, show that drivers between 16 and 20 are involved in the greatest number of collisions per age group. MTO is extemely concerned by the number of young people killed and injured in these accidents. That is why we introduced graduated licensing in 1994.

Graduated Licensing

Who is a new (novice) driver?

A new driver is any driver in Ontario who holds a G1, G2, M1, or M2 class driver's licence, M2 class driver's license with condition "L" or a driver's licence with any combination of new classes (e.g., G2M2).

A driver who holds a combination of a full class licence and a new class licence (.e.g., AM2 or MG2) is deemed to be a new driver in the novice class only (e.g., M2 or G2).

Why are there new class licences?

With the introduction of Ontario's Graduated Licensing System in 1994, new drivers progress through a two-stage program by completing the mandatory time periods for each level and passing the required road tests (also called exit tests). New licence holders have five years to complete the program and graduate from Level 1 (G1 or M1) to Level 2 (G2 or M2 or M2 with condition "L") to a full class licence (G or M or M with condition "L").

What happens to the new class licence after five years?

If new (novice) drivers do not exit the graduated licensing program in five years, their new class licence expires. Unlike a full class driver's licence (e.g., classes G or M, or M with condition "L"), a new class licence is not renewable and cannot be extended).

New drivers who do not exit graduated licensing or requalify for their new class licence before their new licence expires, will be unlicensed and unable to drive. These drivers will be required to reapply for the Level 1 licence by completing a vision and knowledge test and paying the prescribed fee.

How do new (novice) drivers know when their licences expires?

The licence expiry date is printed on the driver's licence.

As well, holders of new class licences receive a notice in the mail before their new class licence expires. The notice is called Notice of Novice Driver's Licence Expiry. It advises new drivers of their licence expiry date and explains the test options available to them. The notice is mailed 6 months before the licence is due to expire to the last address registered with the ministry.

What should new drivers do when they receive their driver's licence expiry notice?

First, they should read the notice carefully. It explains their options for retaining their driver's licence.

Typically, new drivers may either take a test to graduate to the next level of licence (e.g. G1 to G2, or G2 to G); or take a test to requalify for (that is, retain) their current new class (e.g. M2 stays M2).

After they have decided which option they are eligible for and wish to choose, new drivers should then book the appropriate road test at a DriveTest centre or contact the Road Test Booking Call Centre at (416) 325-8580 or 1888-570-6110 or go online.

What are the options for the holder of a G1 licence coming up for expiry?

A G1 driver may:

  • take the G1 road test (road test fee is $40 if not previously paid) to graduate to G2; or,
  • take the knowledge test (knowledge test fee is $10 and the G1 road test fee is $40 if not previously paid) and vision test to keep G1

Upon passing the test, the driver pays the $75.00 licensing fee and receives a new licence good for another five years. Once the licence expires, the driver must reapply for the Level 1 licence.

What happens when the holder of a G1 licence, who wants to graduate to G2 by taking the G1 road test, fails the test?

A G1 driver who fails the G1 road test remains G1 until their licence expires or they pass a G1 road test. They may also take the G knowledge and vision tests to requalify for (that is, retain) their G1. A G1 driver may attempt the G1 road test again before the expiry date. After the expiry date, the driver must reapply for the level 1 licence.

What are the options for the holder of a G2 (or M2 or M2 with condition "L") class licence coming up for expiry?

A G2 (or M2 or M2 with condition "L") driver may:

  • take the G2 (or M2 or M2 with condition "L") road test to graduate to a full G (or M or M with condition "L");
  • take the G1 (or M1) road test to keep their G2 (or M2, or M2 with condition "L").

Upon passing the G1 or M1 road test, the driver pays the $75.00 licensing fee and receives a new licence good for another five years.

Upon passing the G2 or M2 or M2 with condition "L" road test, the driver pays a licensing fee based on their birth date. The driver must go to a ServiceOntario Driver and Vehicle Licence Issuing Office.

What happens when the holder of a G2 (or M2 or M2 with condition "L") licence who wants to graduate to a full G (or M or M with condition "L") by taking the G2 (or M2 or M2 with condition "L") road test, fails the test?

A G2 (or M2 or M2 with condition "L") driver who fails the G2 (or M2 or M2 with condition "L") road test remains G2 (or M2 or M2 with condition "L") until their licence expires or they pass another road test. They may attempt the G2 (or M2 or M2 with condition "L") road test again before the licence expires, or attempt the G1 (or M1) road test to requalify for (that is, retain) G2 (or M2, or M2 with condition "L"), before their licence expires. Once the licence expires, the driver must reapply for the Level 1 licence.

What happens when the holder of a G2 (or M2 or M2 with condition "L") class licence who wants to keep their G2 (or M2 or M2 with condition "L") by passing the G1 road test, fails the test?

A G2 (or M2 or M2 with condition "L") driver who fails the G1 (or M1) road test will have their licence downgraded to G1 (or M1). They may attempt the G1 (or M1) road test to regain their G2 (or M2 or M2 with condition "L") class licence, before their licence expires. A road test cannot be scheduled after the licence expiry date. The driver must reapply for the Level 1 licence and pay the prescribed fee.

Do new drivers (classes G1, G2, M1, M2 or M2 with condition "L") who have recently passed a road test have to take a test again when they get an expiry notice?

New drivers who have passed a road test anytime within twelve months before their licence expiry date, do not have to take the test again. For example, if the holder of a G1 class licence passed the G1 road test to become G2 eight months before their licence expiry date, they would not have to take the test again to requalify for their G2. They would automatically requalify for G2 and receive a new licence good for another five years by going to a DriveTest centre and paying the $75.00 licensing fee before their licence expires.

What happens if the holder of a new class licence can't get a road test before their licence expires?

New drivers are advised to book their road test early before their licence expires The road test appointment must be booked before the licence expires . If a road test is not available before the licence expires, a temporary driver's licence will be issued to the date of the road test.

Once the licence expires, the driver must reapply for the Level 1 licence.

What about new drivers who hold two new classes (e.g. G2M2)?

Drivers who hold two new classes will receive a Notice of Novice Driver's Licence Expiry for each class. Usually, the licence expiry date is the expiry date of the first new class obtained. Holders of two new classes must pass the appropriate test for each class they wish to retain.

What about drivers who hold a combination of a full class plus a new class licence (e.g., GM2)?

Drivers who hold both a full and a new class will receive a Notice of Novice Driver's Licence Expiry for the new class, and they must pass the appropriate test to retain the new class.

The licence expiry date of the licence is usually the expiry date of the full class, so if drivers choose not to retain the new class and do not pass a road test by the expiry date of the new class, their licence will be downgraded to the full class.

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Replacing a Licence

I have lost my wallet and all my ID. How can I get my driver's licence replaced?

To replace a driver's licence, visit a ServiceOntario Driver and Vehicle Licence Issuing Office to have your photo retaken. You will be required to produce identification to show your legal name, date of birth and signature and pay a $10 fee. You will get a temporary licence to use until your permanent one is mailed to you. Please refer to the DriveTest website at
http://www.drivetest.ca/en/license/HowToApply.aspx for a list of acceptable identity documents.

If your driver's licence has been lost or stolen, report it to your local police.

I am the holder of an Ontario driver's licence and I am temporarily outside the province. Unfortunately, I have lost my driver's licence. How can I get a replacement or temporary licence which I need while I am here?

Normally, in order to replace a driver's licence, the ministry requires that you have your photograph retaken. If you will be returning to Ontario within the next six months, the ministry can mail you a temporary licence, provided that your driver's licence is valid and not cancelled or under suspension. When you return to Ontario, please visit a ServiceOntario Driver and Vehicle Licence Issuing Office to replace your driver's licence. You will be required to produce identification showing your legal name, date of birth and signature and pay a $10 fee. Please refer to the DriveTest website at
http://www.drivetest.ca/en/license/HowToApply.aspx for a list of acceptable identity documents.

If you will be away longer than six months, we may be able to replace your driver's licence with the current photograph and expiry date, provided it is valid and not cancelled or under suspension. For further information, please call the ministry's Service Ontario's Driver and Vehicle Licensing Call Centre at 416-235-2999 or toll free (Canada-wide) 1-800-387-3445 or write to:

Ministry of Transportation
Licensing Administration and Support Office
2680 Keele Street
Bldg “A”, Room 178
Downsview, ON  M3M 3E6

Fax: 416-235-4414

The ministry will require your out-of-province mailing address, your return date to Ontario, telephone number and either your driver's licence number or your full name and date of birth.

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