This booklet is a guide only. For official purposes, please refer to the Highway Traffic Act, the Motorized Snow Vehicles Act and the Off-Road Vehicles Act of Ontario.
: f4 s2 O0 F% K4 s' [# CFor more information about driver licensing, visit www.mto.gov.on.ca.
$ r' f: a2 a2 W- p9 ^2 c* y$ GTo request a copy of this book in an alternate format, contact Publications Ontario at 1-800-668-9938 or (416) 326-5300 or on the Internet at www.publications.serviceontario.ca.
5 a+ s: |2 b% y ?4 [Disponible en français. Demandez le « Guide officiel de l'automobiliste »Driving is a privilege - not a right5 Y. i/ v$ `5 v' g. w
Introduction 2 E" K4 f b3 F0 x2 ^ U" ^
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Ontario remains a road safety leader in Canada and North America, according to the most recent fatality rate statistics (2006). The Ministry of Transportation has introduced a range of measures to maintain this record and to improve the behaviour of all drivers.2 H. m" L$ |; u7 _0 b. I
In 2006, Ontario's fatality rate per 10,000 licensed drivers declined to 0.87, its lowest level on record. In the 10-year period 1997-2006, the number of traffic fatalities decreased by 130. Fewer people were injured in 2006 (68,793) than in 2005 (71,850).0 K# y6 e" _; o8 x' C& P' d
Many collisions are caused by driver error or behaviours such as following too closely, speeding, failure to yield the right of way, improper turns, running red lights and frequently changing lanes. There are also drivers who intentionally put others at risk through such reckless behaviour. Statistics show that new drivers of all ages are far more likely than experienced drivers to be involved in serious or fatal collisions.
- x r) r% W8 [# Y3 B- `! sProvincial campaigns promoting the correct use of seatbelts and child car seats, and informing people about drinking and driving and aggressive driving, are making a difference. Ontario's Graduated Licensing System (GLS), which lets new drivers gain skills and experience in low-risk environments, is also helping to develop better, safer drivers. Despite the success of GLS, however, statistics show that new drivers of all ages are far more likely than experienced drivers to be involved in serious or fatal collisions.
) n% w3 f0 @3 ~. i. r( S: d# ]; I! v7 ZThis handbook gives new drivers the basic information they need about learning to drive in Ontario: the rules of the road, safe driving practices and how to get a licence to drive a car, van or small truck. The ministry recommends that all drivers would benefit from taking an advanced course in driver training.
$ F% F( U+ O; R- ~! g! l* U, ?As you read, remember that this handbook is only a guide. For official descriptions of the laws, look in the Highway Traffic Act of Ontario and its Regulations, available at www.e-laws.gov.on.ca. Information on how to get licences to drive other types of vehicles is available in Part Two of this handbook, the Official Motorcycle Handbook, the Official Truck Handbook, the Official Bus Handbook and the Official Air Brake Handbook.
, U2 Q3 P. ?8 l" s6 l; KGetting Your Driver's Licence & O2 F7 g# V" K& h' J( |3 a
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This chapter tells you what licence you need to drive in Ontario and how to get it, whether you are a new driver, a visitor or a new resident in Ontario.3 G2 W- `1 P% }* H& C# z5 H8 j
If you are applying for your first licence, this chapter explains the graduated licensing system, how to apply for a licence, the tests you will have to pass and the driving privileges you will have at each licence level.
. a: v5 x8 A$ z6 [Requirements for driving in Ontario
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If you live in Ontario, you must be at least 16 years old and have a valid Ontario driver's licence to drive in this province.* ]4 @ R) h! g/ G* ]4 g
If you are a visitor to Ontario and want to drive while you are here, you must be at least 16 years old and have a valid driver's licence from your own province, state or country. If you are from another country and visiting Ontario for more than three months, you need an International Driver's Permit from your own country. If you are taking up residence, you must get an Ontario driver's licence.
2 l3 J) c( f! ], v( I2 z) m& WIf you are a new resident in Ontario and have a valid driver's licence from another province, state or country, you can use it for 60 days after you move to Ontario. If you become a resident of Ontario, you must get an Ontario driver's licence. Ontario has licence exchange agreements with every Canadian province and territory. Also with Australia, Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Great Britain, the Isle of Man, Japan, Korea, Switzerland and the United States.! u5 A. g6 W, R0 {* T* |5 {4 h
Driver's Licence Classification Chart
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7 r- l1 C) h, N5 }Class A
; T& r8 ^5 R+ u6 a* @Allowed to drive any tractor-trailer combination
# O0 p6 ^( f9 B. ]May also drive vehicle in class D and G
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. ^! J+ @8 p$ fDiagram 1-1a-1
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, }8 T" ^" ?9 l' bClass B
" }- z" n. W, q" q3 |2 x0 yAllowed to drive any school purposes bus& n: c x/ _9 m3 {
May also drive vehicle in class C, D, E, F and G
. o- Q# v9 l: ~0 x( w# s$ N8 X& J& n1 p& U3 D9 F
; D3 r$ c$ ^2 g# [" BDiagram 1-1a-2
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Class C
& O, g' c8 [ Z9 w- r5 N* }2 ]Allowed to drive any regular bus
1 h2 p4 z- b# |+ l# pMay also drive vehicles in class D, F and G.* k6 I. k9 M2 ?9 f% ^) {4 e
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, g5 b4 m' ~) J: }. ]; W/ yDiagram 1-1a-3& j% A7 `( V9 K0 n. S2 _1 `" B7 C
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2 D: N9 b+ t- X3 D7 @: ?* ]: M- x: D* kClass D2 Y* C* \$ g, e, E: O
Allowed to drive any truck or combination provided the towed vehicle is not over 4,600 kg
( @0 ]: [2 M$ O0 J' P6 XMay also drive vehicle in class G& m8 F3 I" f. V
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9 g' O3 \& P2 @, q; ^0 s1 |4 jDiagram 1-1a-4
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3 E! V; |- R8 ~- DClass E0 f# u! G; \2 z, n' Z% v0 V. R$ x6 i
Allowed to drive any school purposes bus - maximum of 24-passenger capacity: I5 G4 `! I, s2 U
May also drive vehicle in class F and G
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. ?7 l w8 [( {& W; X$ F
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Diagram 1-1a-5
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Class F+ k6 W; Q+ T# f/ m+ ~) D+ \
Allowed to drive any regular bus - maximum of 24-passenger capacity - and ambulances
# ]/ D3 l1 B7 h; i, i" r/ Z1 YMay also drive vehicle in class G
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Diagram 1-1a-6/ Y5 l8 x7 J% L. ]
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Class G8 \) G# [- P4 h% k5 R
Allowed to drive any car, van or small truck or combination of vehicle and towed vehicle up to 11,000 kg provided the towed vehicle is not over 4,600 kg
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( K0 p: k$ Q7 W( U rDiagram 1-1b-1
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! t8 _3 \- I% |5 ]% \ |Class G1* O0 X$ l4 f2 l: z' l
Level One of graduated licensing. Holders may drive Class G vehicles with an accompanying fully licensed driver with at least four years' driving experience. Subject to certain conditions.6 Z7 k/ M: n% A, x7 ? k1 W( e4 G9 n
/ g' P8 P, ^6 p3 T3 ^8 b. W3 @$ dClass G2
7 ?" B( R. k% a3 t2 w- j5 xLevel Two of graduated licensing. Holders may drive Class G vehicles without accompanying driver but are subject to certain conditions.5 L5 x4 Q) F% `+ p5 s0 ~! @7 A/ c
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- o/ P6 |) q: Y$ uClass M
% P @9 w. \# T; j* R7 { s3 SAllowed to drive any motorcycles, including limited-speed motorcycles (motor scooters) and motor-assisted bicycles (mopeds). Holders may also drive a Class G vehicle under the conditions that apply to a Class G1 licence holder.8 x* S* }# C, Z' I- ?$ P, c8 i
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! d* {8 \8 S6 E- r) N; R8 hDiagram 1-1b-2- y/ ? ]. r3 n, x% ^+ m. S, t$ g
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: ], a3 c0 _# }8 f% ?/ ]: |( QClass M1
, P' q6 G! P i3 j1 U d/ tLevel One of graduated licensing for motorcycles, including limited-speed motorcycles (motor scooters) and motor-assisted bicycles (mopeds). Holders may drive a motorcycle under certain conditions.
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6 D4 J6 e2 w1 X/ H' uClass M2, y# f$ v8 F0 R+ e' g
Level Two of graduated licensing for motorcycles, including limited-speed motorcycles (motor scooters) and motor-assisted bicycles (mopeds). Holders may drive a motorcycle but only with a zero blood alcohol level. Holders may also drive a Class G vehicle under the conditions that apply to a Class G1 licence holder. y$ W7 p! d M7 y
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Diagram 1-1b-3 n& C1 Q7 B; p4 y2 S+ O- r
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* Z; v2 S& ~' i wClass M with L condition8 q9 }" X9 F9 Y7 u- {8 F y1 M
Holders may operate a limited-speed motorcycle or moped only. & c8 K& {' i! [. X+ N
May operate a limited speed motorcycle or moped only
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# b# @9 N6 e9 ]& ~- KClass M2 with L condition
8 ^" f3 y( o2 qHolders may operate a limited-speed motorcycle or moped only.
9 {0 c2 x; a1 k! y& PMay operate a limited speed motorcycle or moped only
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6 P" `7 r9 J T+ G* lNote: A "Z" air brake endorsement is required on a driver's licence to operate any air brake equipped motor vehicle.
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What kind of licence?
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In Ontario, there are 14 different kinds of licences. Each one qualifies you to drive a different type of vehicle. The class of licence you have must match the type of vehicle you are driving. You need a Class G licence to drive a car, van or small truck. You must have a Class G licence before you can be licensed to drive any other type of vehicle. The only exception is motorcycles. You may get a motorcycle licence (Class M) without first getting a Class G licence. The Driver's Licence Classification Chart shows you what class of licence you need to drive different vehicles.7 u, g* \8 v! d8 e v+ _5 @" k0 B
For information on the skills and knowledge you'll need to get a Class M motorcycle licence, study the Official Motorcycle Handbook. You can get information on other kinds of licences - classes A, B, C, D, E and F - in the Official Truck Handbook and the Official Bus Handbook. If you want to drive a vehicle equipped with air brakes, the Official Air Brake Handbook tells you how to qualify. ~8 ^6 y9 W0 t/ g3 }
Some recreational vehicles have special licence requirements. If you plan to drive an off-road vehicle or snowmobile, read the Off-Road Vehicles section in the Official Driver's handbook.
: s5 \; U% g; M1 D yYou do not need a licence to ride a bicycle in Ontario.
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Graduated licensing6 K0 F2 r0 w' }! C7 j6 ?
' Y- I: ~, L9 S+ K4 z) ?# @5 JNew drivers applying for their first car or motorcycle licence enter Ontario's graduated licensing system. Graduated licensing lets new drivers get driving experience and skills gradually. The two-step licensing process takes at least 20 months to complete. @1 a. a0 m( }- g, d
To apply for a licence, you must be at least 16 years old, pass a vision test and pass a test of your knowledge of the rules of the road and traffic signs. After you pass these tests, you will enter Level One and get a Class G1 licence. 8 l2 t9 T7 {, L8 Q8 Q
You must pass two road tests to become fully licensed. Passing the first road test lets you move to Level Two (Class G2) and the second one gives you full Class G driving privileges.
4 o/ K n. Z3 RApplying for a licence
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To apply for a licence, you must show proof of your legal name, date of birth (showing day, month and year of birth) and signature. Documents must be original and valid. Photocopies and expired documents are not acceptable. Any one of the following documents may be used to satisfy the requirement to provide proof of legal name, complete date of birth and signature: - Passport (Canadian or foreign)
$ k/ X: v/ v7 D Z- Canadian Citizenship Card with photo
- Permanent immigration documents
- Permanent Resident Card (PRC) or
- Record of Landing (Form 1000) or
- Confirmation of Permanent Residence (Form IMM 5292)
- Temporary immigration documents
- Student Authorization (IMM 1442)
- Employment Authorization(IMM 1442)
- Visitor Record (IMM 1442)
- Temporary Resident's Permit (IMM 1442)
- Refugee Status Claim (IMM 1434)
- Acknowledgement of Intent to Claim Refugee Status (IMM 7703 with photo)
- Report Pursuant to the Immigration Act (IMM 1442 with photo)
$ Y! e' ~2 N0 E- v! V4 |2 C, F& @0 pAdditional documents
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Additional documents are required if the document presented from the list above does not indicate the legal name, complete date of birth (day, month, year) or signature. The additional documents must provide proof of the missing or incomplete information. The following documents are acceptable as proof of date of birth and legal name - Canadian or U.S. Birth Certificate
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The following documents are acceptable as proof of signature: - Driver's Licence (Canadian and U.S. only)
- Identity Card with signature(issued by Canadian province/territory or U.S. state authority)
- Canadian Certificate of Indian Status
- Ontario Student Card with signature
- Ontario Health Card with applicant's signature (Clients may choose to produce their Ontario Health Card for proof of signature. The Health Card and Health Number will not be recorded or photocopied.)
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Proof of legal name
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If additional documents presented to prove date of birth or signature do not indicate the applicant's legal name (i.e. name has been changed or is different on the two documents presented), the applicant will be required to provide additional documents as proof of legal name. The following additional documents are acceptable as proof of legal name: - Marriage Certificate (Canadian or Foreign, government issued)
- Change of Name Certificate
- Court Order for adoption, change of name or divorce (must bear legal name, date of birth and court seal)
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To confirm complete date of birth where no or only partial date of birth is available: - Sworn affidavit stating reason why partial or no date is available, with supporting documents. Please contact the Ministry of Transportation's Driver and Vehicle Licensing Call Centre at (416) 235-2999 or toll free at 1-800-387-3445 (Canada-wide) for further information.
3 p4 j8 R) C, C2 DNote: Direct identification by a parent or guardian is not acceptable. The applicant is required to present an acceptable document with his or her own signature.
- s5 j1 R- o: m' kDeclaration from a Guarantor
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If an applicant is unable to present one of the above documents as
5 F( ]) X' A- y; ?6 o W3 D/ xproof of signature, the applicant may present an original, completed Declaration from a Guarantor form attesting to their signature. Applicants must first ensure that no other acceptable documents for signature are available from the list identified above. To obtain a Guarantor form: - request a copy of the form at any DriveTest Centre.
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Bring the documents to a DriveTest Centre or Travel Point (a temporary DriveTest Centre where there is no regional centre). Phone ahead to find out where the nearest Travel Point is and when it is open. You will find the telephone number under "Drivers and Vehicles" in the Government of Ontario section of the blue pages in your phone book. You can also find it on the Internet at www.drivetest.ca.
+ W: ~ e1 V% g/ ?5 IYou must pay a fee when you apply. This fee includes the cost of the knowledge test, your first road test and a five-year licensing fee. There are more charges for your second road test and for any retests you may need to take. In order to schedule a road test appointment, you must prepay the road test fee.
) I3 o+ s# d! K8 t2 pYou must pay a fee when you apply. This fee includes the cost of the knowledge test, your first road test and a five-year licensing fee. There are more charges for your second road test and for any retests you may need to take. In order to schedule a road test appointment, you must prepay the road test fee.
: x* X) L1 t [When you apply for your licence, you will be asked questions about your health. People with certain physical or medical conditions are not allowed to drive for safety reasons. If your physical or medical condition means you cannot be licensed, you will be told when you apply.. x! E* Q) C; ?& d
Once you have a licence, you should report any change in your medical condition that may affect your ability to drive safely. By law, doctors and optometrists must report the name and address of anyone over 16 who has a condition that may make it unsafe for him or her to drive. , ?" h5 f% }9 U+ X
For further details on applying for a licence visit the Ministry of Transportation's website at www.mto.gov.on.ca. . Q" O5 `! \/ I6 W$ `
Graduated licensing requirements # ?' @# T- G- M/ L( G# H
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Here are the rules you must follow at each level:
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3 J7 ~6 ~: H7 _+ }7 p0 XLevel One (Class G1): 7 Y- G( q2 j( f
9 V( |2 B/ ^" c. z% H9 jLevel One lasts 12 months. The Ministry of Transportation encourages all new drivers to take an approved driver education course to help learn the proper driving skills and knowledge. You should begin your training as soon as you become a Level One driver so you can get as much driving experience as possible. If you pass an approved course, you can complete Level One in eight months. While at Level One, the following rules apply: - You must not drive if you have been drinking alcohol. Your blood alcohol level must be zero.
- You must not drive alone; an accompanying driver must sit in the front passenger seat. This is the only person who can be in the front seat with you while you drive. The accompanying driver must have a valid Class G (or higher) licence, at least four years of driving experience, and must have a blood alcohol level of less than .05 per cent when accompanying you. Time spent at the Class G2 level, as long as the G2 licence was valid (not suspended), does count toward the accompanying driver's four years of experience. The accompanying driver's licence may have demerit points, but it cannot be suspended.
- Each person in the vehicle must have a working seatbelt.
- You must not drive on 400-series highways with a posted speed limit over 80km/h. Also you must not drive on certain high-speed roads including the Queen Elizabeth Way, Don Valley Parkway and the Gardiner Expressway in the Greater Toronto Area, the E.C. Row Expressway in Windsor and the Conestoga Parkway in Kitchener-Waterloo. However, if your accompanying driver is a driving instructor, you may drive on any road.
- You must not drive between midnight and 5:00 a.m.
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You must pass a road test of your driving skills to move to Level Two. At this time, you will be given a Class G2 licence.
! o1 B. a8 i0 z! yG1 Knowledge Test - Checklist
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Before taking the G1 knowledge test, make sure you have studied the Official Driver's Handbook. Bring the following items to the test: - 2 pieces of identification
- Money for test fees - cash, debit or credit card
- Glasses or contact lenses (if you need to wear them to drive)
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G1 Exit Test - Checklist ! e2 O" F1 F0 ~( |' @. H
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: u, w" R8 b% ]: n2 \Before taking the G1 exit test, make sure you have studied the Official Driver's Handbook.7 n a1 G6 u( y$ w
Bring the following items to the test: - Vehicle in good working order
- Money for test fees (if applicable)
- Glasses or contact lenses (if you need to wear them to drive)
- Beginner Driver Education Student Record (if licensed between 8 and 12 months)
@: w# a4 K" q XArrive at least 30 minutes before Road Test appointment / }% W; |0 o5 B/ [
Level Two (Class G2): 8 J! E. j3 A6 a- g
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I2 h8 `1 n6 y$ g. sLevel Two lasts at least 12 months. At this level, you have more privileges because of your driving experience. At Level Two:
# ^8 F/ E! L" I" [6 _8 ]Out-of-order road test 3 G4 _3 \! l" B' G7 o* x% i9 A! i
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1 L; X" u" X/ i, X/ d" W# D- You must not drive if you have been drinking alcohol. Your blood alcohol level must be zero.
- Each person in the vehicle must have a working seatbelt.
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In addition, the following restrictions apply between the hours of midnight and 5 a.m. to G2 drivers aged 19 years and under. - In the first six months after receiving your G2 licence, you are allowed to carry only one passenger aged 19 or under.
- After six months with your G2 licence and until you obtain your full G licence or turn 20, you are allowed to carry up to three passengers aged 19 or under.
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Exemptions: The passenger restrictions for G2 drivers aged 19 and under do not apply if you are accompanied by a fully-licensed driver in the front passenger seat, or if the passengers are members of your immediate family (a guardian, or those related to you by blood, marriage, common-law relationship, or adoption).
3 L: [4 }& a* ?. ~- {3 }After 12 months at Level Two, you may take a road test to qualify for full licence privileges. You must pass this test to get a Class G licence.7 O. m. Y/ X0 m$ D& E" _
Note: It is now law that all young drivers 21 years and under, regardless of licence class, must have a blood alcohol level of zero. 3 ?* z7 v6 s9 [1 v6 b
Note: A restricted Class M licence for limited-speed motorcycle and moped drivers allows licence holders to drive only a limited-speed motorcycle and moped. You are not permitted to drive a limited-speed motorcycle or moped on any driver's licence other than a class M licence (including M1, M2(L), M2, M(L) or M). For more information on how to obtain a restricted Class M licence to drive a moped, and graduated licensing requirements, please read the Official Motorcycle Handbook.& r0 q% H% } Q' `( v0 b
Road tests + c" W$ y9 ~* v7 G3 X" S
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Road tests check your driving skills in the vehicle and in traffic. You will be tested on your ability to follow the rules of the road and safe driving practices.
% B& {. @2 R" J& L% AThe Level One road test deals with basic driving skills. The Level Two road test deals with more advanced knowledge and driving skills. Your performance in each of the tests will tell you whether you need more training or practice.. \; I1 ^& s$ l1 k* n) m
When you feel qualified to drive safely and confident enough to take your road test, contact the Road Test Booking Call Centre at (416) 325-8580 or 1-888-570-6110, or go online to www.mto.gov.on.ca, to schedule an appointment. If you are unable to keep the appointment, call the Road Test Booking Call Centre or go online to cancel your test. If you fail to attend or you cancel your appointment without providing at least 48 hours notice, your prepaid road test fee will not be refunded. % q9 o" K1 y" { C3 p V, m
You must bring the appropriate vehicle to each of your road tests. Make sure it is in good working order and you feel comfortable driving it. Bring your current licence to the appointment. If you are a Level One driver, an accompanying driver must come with you to the test centre. If you are a Level Two driver, please be prepared to take alternate transportation home in case you fail your road test and are unqualified to drive.
, W" g; C' }7 @# e! d& ENo pets or passengers other than the driver examiner are allowed in the vehicle during a road test.
" `3 U+ C" k& L5 m. J0 iAll road tests have a set time frame. Before you begin your test, the examiner will inform you of the amount of time you have to complete the test. You will not be asked to do anything illegal during the road test. The examiner will explain the test and you should follow her or his instructions. The examiner is not allowed to coach you during the test, so if you have any questions, ask them before you begin. / L; H2 s. I+ ?9 p
While the Level One road test checks your basic driving skills, the Level Two road test is much more demanding. You should learn the proper driving skills as soon as you become a Level One driver so you can get as much driving experience as possible before taking the Level Two test.
; d S8 A5 u4 MFor the Level Two test, you must demonstrate a high level of driving skill and knowledge. You will also have to show that you can drive well on a freeway or high speed highway.
% v1 w% c" z& `8 f: K! rWhile you are taking the test, the examiner will be watching to see how well you control your vehicle and perform such driving tasks as starting, stopping, turning, parallel parking and three-point turning. The examiner will check your observation skills, including when and how often you use the mirrors, where you look, and how you respond to traffic, signs, pavement markings and possible hazards.3 L6 z) h+ G0 `4 {1 @' E
You will be tested on how well you manage the space around your vehicle, your ability to make safe lane changes and how closely you follow and stop behind other vehicles. How you communicate with other road users - using turn signals and brake lights and making eye contact with other drivers and pedestrians - will also be noted, as well as the correctness of your driving decisions, such as knowing when to yield the right-of-way. For more information on the Level Two road test, click here.
8 f7 G5 n3 Q/ o* j4 `At the end of each test, the examiner will give you a complete report of your skills and explain any mistakes you have made. If you fail the test, the report will show you where you need to improve. When you have had more practice, you can make an appointment to take the test again. You must wait at least 10 days between tests.$ K( ~# {+ _' `
G2 Exit Test - Checklist
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You must have highway driving experience (experience driving on highways with speed limits of at least 80 km/h) before taking the G2 exit test. You must complete a Declaration of Highway Driving Experience form, describing the highway driving experience you have, before taking the road test. Bring the following items to the test: 4 g$ i* J' D: m+ E* L7 t
Arrive at least 30 minutes before Road Test appointment 5 i- j2 l1 P, e
Failure to attend road test, or short notice cancellation
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If you cancel or reschedule your road test appointment with less than 48 hours notice, or if you fail to attend your appointment, your prepaid road test fee will not be refunded. Under certain extenuating circumstances only (such as a death in your immediate family), the road test fee will remain as a credit on your driving record.5 S; c8 n- c* a
8 o# K/ S+ A- G$ L- H3 _" N0 WOut-of-order road test
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If your vehicle does not meet ministry standards for the purpose of a road test, or if there is a non-vehicle related reason for which the examiner determines that the road test cannot be completed, the examiner declares the road test out-of-order. If your road test is declared out-of-order, you lose 50% of your road test fee. The other 50% of the fee remains as a credit on your driving record, and may be applied when booking a new road test. In order to book the new road test, you will have to pay the 50% of the fee deducted due to the out-of-order.
( [. a5 T/ f, {4 _If you have any concerns that your road test may be declared out-of-order, contact the DriveTest Centre before your scheduled test to discuss it. ; r; q& L2 O9 v1 x6 Z; D: M
5 H1 j6 s, |" hNew Ontario residents & y' i3 P0 ^. o5 L
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If you are a new resident of Ontario and have a valid driver's licence from another province or country, you can use that licence for 60 days in Ontario. If you want to continue to drive after 60 days, you must get an Ontario driver's licence. Effective May 1, 2006, licensed driving experience for out-of-country applicants will be credited as follows:Requirements for all driver's licence applicants: - All applicants for an Ontario driver's licence are required to present a valid foreign driver's licence (if it is not in English or French, it is to be accompanied by a written translation from a qualified translator), pass a vision test and a written knowledge test regarding Ontario's traffic rules, pay all applicable fees, and provide acceptable proof of identity.
- Applicants who fulfill these requirements can obtain a G1 licence.
- All applicants must declare their licensed driving experience on the driver's licence application form.
- Applicants are required to provide adequate proof of foreign licensed driving experience. However, if that is not possible, the ministry will accept an applicant's declaration of their foreign licensed driving experience on the driver's licence application for up to a maximum of 12 months licensed experience.
- This policy only applies to applicants for Class G licences.
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Applicants declaring less than 12 months licensed driving experience within the preceeding three years: - Applicants are credited with the amount of licensed driving experience declared on the driver's licence application.
- Applicants must have 12 months licensed driving experience before attempting the G1 road test.
- If an applicant successfully completes a ministry-approved Beginner Driver Education course, the mandatory waiting time, prior to taking the G1 road test, will be reduced from 12 to 8 months.
- The 8-12 months may be a combination of licensed driving experience in the foreign jurisdiction and licensed experience in Ontario.
Applicants declaring more than 12 months licensed driving experience but less than 24 months within the preceding three years: - Applicants will be credited with 12 months licensed driving experience and may proceed to take the G1 road test without having to fulfill the mandatory 12-month G1 wait period.
- If the applicant passes the G1 road test, they will be issued a G2 licence and will not be subject to the six restrictions of the G1 licence, including the requirement to have a fully licensed driver accompany them in the vehicle and prohibition from driving on 400-series expressways.
- To obtain credit for more than 12 months licensed driving experience, applicants are required to obtain written authentication of their foreign licensed driving experience from the originating licensing agency, or from the Embassy, Consulate or High Commissioners' offices representing the jurisdiction. The authentication letter must be on official letterhead and be written in either English or French.
- Applicants will be credited with their foreign licensed driving experience as certified on the authentication letter.
- Credited licensed driving experience will be applied toward the G2 12-month waiting period prior to taking the G2 road test.
- If applicants do not provide a letter of authentication, applicants must fulfill the 12-month mandatory waiting period prior to taking the G2 road test.
Applicants declaring a minimum of 24 months licensed driving experience within the preceding three years: - To obtain credit for more than 12 months licensed driving experience, applicants are required to obtain written authentication of their foreign licensed driving experience from the originating licensing agency, or from the Embassy, Consulate or High Commissioners' offices representing the jurisdiction. The authentication letter must be on official letterhead and be written in either English or French.
- Applicants will be credited with their foreign licensed driving experience as certified on the authentication letter.
- Applicants have, pending a letter of authentication of a minimum of 24 months of foreign licensed driving experience, the option of attempting the G1 or G2 exit road tests (mandatory waiting times are waived).
- If the applicant chooses to attempt the G1 road test and successfully completes it, the applicant will then be eligible to attempt the G2 road test.
- Upon successfully passing the G2 exit road test, applicants will be issued a G licence.
- If applicants do not provide a letter of authentication, applicants must pass the G1 road test and must fulfill the 12-month waiting period prior to taking the G2 road test.
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Who does the policy affect?: i* m' k" @0 o6 ?
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The policy applies to all applicants coming from either a foreign jurisdiction that does not have a driver's licence reciprocal agreement with Ontario, or a U.S. state that is not part of the Inter-provincial Record Exchange.
$ V( c! p' ?- r6 s+ P0 fThis policy does not apply to drivers from the following jurisdictions: - Canadian provinces and territories
- Canadian Forces Europe
- U.S. states
- Australia, Austria, Belgium, France, Great Britain, Germany, Isle of Man, Japan, Korea and Switzerland
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Motorcycle licence exchanges 0 L1 p. _! z( H, ]9 H
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" H: T) x' M* L4 o+ e' p+ a4 G5 ^- }9 UExchange agreements apply to licensed motorcycle drivers from Canada, the United States, Australia and Switzerland. If you have less than two years of driving experience, you may get credit for your experience and enter Level Two of the graduated licensing system. Once you have a total of two years of driving experience, you may take the Level Two road test to earn full driving privileges.! U# q0 U3 `' ]7 r# m* W
There is no exchange agreement for motorcycle drivers from Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Great Britain, the Isle of Man, Japan and Korea. However, credit for holding a motorcycle licence from one of these countries will be granted for previous motorcycle experience when applying for a Class M motorcycle licence in Ontario.
; G" y4 F# K) E1 R5 _- }5 s: L* AIf you hold a motorcycle licence from another Canadian jurisdiction that is equivalent to Ontario's restricted Class M licence, you will be able to exchange your licence for a restricted Class M Ontario licence.) R0 J( o& k$ C) S0 h
Driving customs vary from place to place. That is why experienced drivers from other countries should familiarize themselves with Ontario's laws. The Official Driver's Handbook and the Ministry of Transportation website are good resources.
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0 U, P* ~5 B& k1 {) vCould You Pass?
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The rest of this handbook gives you information you need to pass your tests and to keep your driving privileges once you get your licence. The written test may ask you about: - seatbelts
- traffic signs and lights
- emergency vehicles
- how to use headlights
- speed limits
- getting on or off a freeway
- what drivers must do when they meet streetcars and school buses
- driver licence suspensions
- the demerit point system
- passing other vehicles
- collision reporting
- sharing the road with other road users
- rules of the road
+ S; ~" a" _. l5 Z {$ k0 \( B. H' UThe road tests will test how well you use your knowledge while driving. You will be tested on: - starting, stopping and turning
- traffic signs and lights
- passing vehicles, including bicycles, and driving in passing lanes
- travelling through controlled and uncontrolled intersections
- parallel parking and reversing
- foreseeing hazardous conditions and being ready for them
- other safe driving practices
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% }$ ]- ^- |8 B+ L" h8 |% B: zMake sure you know the information in this handbook before you take these tests. To see sample test questions that could appear on the knowledge test click here.% s) d$ B& e! \3 b$ q
# A3 j; Q( e3 l1 x+ X( KSummary) G# |/ M5 j. C6 k- m( N1 U
m, @" ]7 `$ [: A# E1 ]By the end of this chapter you should know: - The legal requirements you must meet to obtain a driver's licence
- The different licence classifications and what type of vehicle they permit you to drive
- The identification you need to provide when applying for a driver's licence
- The restrictions and testing requirements under the graduated licensing system
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