Keeping Your Driver’s Licence

Ontario has a one-piece driver’s licence. The licence card has a

photograph and signature of the driver. All drivers in Ontario should have

a one-piece licence card.

You must carry your licence with you whenever you drive.

Renewing your licence

You will get a renewal application form in the mail. Take the form into any

ServiceOntario Centre in the province. They are all equipped to take

photographs. You will be asked to sign the form, show identi!cation, pay a

fee and have your photograph taken. You will get a temporary licence on

the spot if your application and documents are in order, and your

permanent one will be mailed to you. You must carry it with you whenever

you drive and produce it when a police o"cer requests it.

If you do not get a renewal application form in the mail when your licence

is due for renewal, call the Ministry of Transportation. You are responsible

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for making sure you have a valid driver’s licence. You can renew an

expired car or motorcycle driver’s licence within one year without taking

any tests.

If your licence has been suspended, cancelled or expired for more than

three years, you will be required to re-apply for a licence in Ontario and

meet all the requirements of graduated licensing, including passing all the

required tests.

Senior drivers age 80 or older

Licensing

If you are 80 years of age or older, you are required to renew your driver’s

licence every two years. This renewal process helps keep seniors mobile

and independent longer, while helping to ensure that unsafe drivers are

identi!ed and appropriate actions are taken.

You need to undergo a driving-record review, complete a vision test and

participate in a 45-minute group education session, followed by an in-

class screening component. The in-class screening component will help

better assess your !tness to drive.

You may be required to pass a road test before being able to renew your

licence, or you may be able to renew but will have to follow up and submit

medical information. The driver improvement counsellor at the group

education session will discuss this with you.

There is no charge for any of the licence-renewal requirements. You only

have to pay the licence-renewal fee.

More information that speci!cally addresses the concerns of senior

drivers can be found at#Ontario.ca/seniordriver

(https://www.ontario.ca/driving-and-roads/renew-g-drivers-licence-80-years-and-

over) . You can also call the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Contact Centre at

(416)#235-2999 or 1-800-387-3445.

How aging affects driving safety

Reduced vision - especially at night

Di"culty judging distance and speed

Limited movement and range of motion

Slower reaction time

Di"culty focusing attention for long periods of time

Easily distracted

More time needed to understand what you see and hear

More use of prescription and/or over-the-counter drugs that may

impair your driving ability

What you can do to make your driving safer

Your health is a key factor in your ability to drive. To help you handle the

demands of safe driving:

Check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure current and new

medications will not negatively a$ect your ability to drive. Over-the-

counter drugs and combinations of drugs can also impair your

driving.

Report to your doctor:

vision changes, unexplained dizziness or fainting spells;

Overview

Keeping Your Driver’s Licence provides essential information for Ontario drivers about obtaining, renewing, and maintaining a valid driver's licence. It outlines the renewal process, especially for senior drivers aged 80 and over, including necessary tests and requirements. The document also explains the demerit point system, detailing how points accumulate and the consequences of violations. This guide is crucial for anyone looking to understand Ontario's licensing regulations and ensure compliance with driving laws. Key Points Explains the process for renewing a driver's licence in Ontario Details requirements for senior drivers aged 80 and older Describes the demerit point system and its implications Provides information on changing your name or address on your licence

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Keeping Your Driver’s Licence — You must tell the Ministry of Transportation within six days of changing

FAQs

how to renew my driver's licence in Ontario

To renew your driver’s licence in Ontario, you will receive a renewal application form in the mail.

Take this form to any ServiceOntario Centre, where you will need to show identification, pay a fee, and have your photograph taken. If everything is in order, you will receive a temporary licence on the spot, and your permanent licence will be mailed to you.

what are the requirements for senior drivers renewing their driver's licence

If you are 80 years of age or older, you must renew your driver’s licence every two years.

This process includes a driving-record review, a vision test, and a 45-minute group education session. Depending on the assessment, you may need to pass a road test or submit medical information to complete your renewal.

what happens if my driver's licence is expired in Ontario

If your driver's licence has expired, you can renew it within one year without taking any tests.

However, if your licence has been suspended, cancelled, or expired for more than three years, you will need to reapply for a licence in Ontario and meet all the requirements of graduated licensing, including passing all necessary tests.

how does the demerit point system work for driver's licences

The demerit point system in Ontario is designed to encourage safe driving behavior.

Drivers accumulate points for driving-related offences, which stay on their record for two years. For example:

Two points: Warning letter
Six points: Second warning letter
Nine points: Licence suspension for 60 days

Accumulating too many points can lead to further penalties, including longer suspensions.

what are the penalties for accumulating demerit points on my driver's licence

Accumulating demerit points can lead to various penalties based on the number of points you have.

For instance:

Six points: Warning letter
Nine points: 60-day licence suspension
Fifteen points: 30-day licence suspension

These points can affect your driving privileges and may require you to improve your driving behavior.

what should I do if I change my name or address related to my driver's licence

You must inform the Ministry of Transportation within six days of changing your name or address.

To change your address, you can do it online via ServiceOntario or visit a Driver and Vehicle Licence Issuing Office. For a name change, you will need to provide documentation and get a new licence, which includes a new photograph.

how do medications affect my ability to drive safely

Medications can significantly impact your ability to drive safely.

It is essential to consult with your doctor or pharmacist to ensure that your current and new medications do not impair your driving. Common issues include:

Reduced vision
Slower reaction times
Drowsiness or dizziness

Regular health checks can help you maintain safe driving capabilities.

what are the requirements for novice drivers in Ontario

Novice drivers in Ontario must complete a two-step licensing process under the graduated licensing system.

This includes:

Holding a Class G1 licence for at least 12 months
Passing a road test to obtain a Class G2 licence
Completing a minimum of 12 months with a G2 licence before taking the final road test for a full Class G licence

Failure to complete these steps may require reapplication.