Ontario Driving Record

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Driving Record

What Is A Driving Record In Ontario?

A driving record in Ontario is an official document that contains information about an individual's driving history, including any convictions, demerit points, suspensions, and collisions. It is maintained by the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) and can be accessed by the driver, potential employers, and insurance companies. The driving record is a critical document that reflects a driver's behavior on the road and compliance with Ontario's Highway Traffic Act and other relevant laws.

Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO)

Address: 777 Bay St, Toronto, ON M7A 1Z8

Phone Number: 1-800-268-4686

Official Website: https://www.ontario.ca/page/ministry-transportation

What Is A Clean Driving Record In Ontario?

A clean driving record in Ontario means that the driver has no demerit points, convictions, suspensions, or at-fault collisions on their record for a specified period, usually three years. Maintaining a clean driving record is essential for:

  • Keeping insurance premiums low

  • Securing employment in jobs that require driving

  • Avoiding license suspensions and other penalties

Drivers can maintain a clean record by following traffic laws, driving defensively, and completing a government-approved driver improvement course if needed.

What Does Driving Record In Ontario Include?

A driving record in Ontario includes the following information:

  • Driver's name, address, and license number

  • Demerit points accumulated

  • Convictions for traffic offenses

  • Suspensions and reinstatements

  • Collision history

  • Driver's license class and status

  • Any restrictions on the driver's license

This information is collected by the MTO and can be accessed by authorized parties, such as the driver, employers, and insurance companies, depending on the type of driving record requested.

What Are The Types Of Driving Records In Ontario?

Ontario has two main types of driving records: uncertified and certified. Uncertified records are sufficient for most purposes, while certified records, which bear a seal from the Ministry of Transportation, are usually required for legal matters.

Both uncertified and certified records include driver identification details such as:

  • Name (as it appears on the driver's licence)

  • Driver's licence number

  • Date of birth

  • Sex

  • Height

  • Licence class (e.g., G or M)

  • Expiry date

  • Status (e.g., licensed, unlicensed, suspended)

  • Earliest licence date available

  • Conditions and endorsements (e.g., requirement to wear glasses or contact lenses to drive, ability to drive a vehicle with air brakes)

The 3-year driver record includes driver identification details, demerit point total, active fine suspensions, Highway Traffic Act and Criminal Code of Canada convictions, suspensions, and reinstatements for the past three years. It does not include the driver's address, Ontario beginner driver education course completion, or expired medical suspensions.

The driver's licence history includes driver identification details, Ontario beginner driver education course completion, and all licence replacements, renewals, and class changes (e.g., G2 to G). It also includes past and current residential addresses when ordered online or by mail. However, it does not include the demerit point total, conviction and suspension information, or past and current residential addresses when ordered in person for immediate delivery.

Driving records can be ordered online, in person, or by mail, with payment and delivery options varying depending on the chosen method.

How To Check Your Driving Record In Ontario?

To check your driving record in Ontario, follow these steps:

  1. Visit the official ServiceOntario website

  2. Choose the type of driver's record you need (uncertified or certified).

  3. Provide the required information, such as your driver's license number, name, and date of birth.

  4. Pay the applicable fee using a credit card.

  5. Your driving record will be mailed to the address on file within 15 business days, or you can access it online immediately if you request an uncertified abstract.

Can You Access Your Driving Record For Free In Ontario?

No, you cannot access your driving record for free in Ontario. There are fees associated with obtaining a copy of your driving record, which vary depending on the type of record requested:

  • Uncertified Driving Record: $12

  • Certified Driving Record: $18

These fees are set by the Ministry of Transportation and are subject to change.

How Long Do Demerit Points Stay On Your Record In Ontario?

Demerit points stay on your driving record in Ontario for two years from the date of the offense. However, the conviction associated with the demerit points remains on your record for three years. If you accumulate enough demerit points, you may face license suspension.

To avoid License Suspensions due to demerit points, drivers can complete an MTO-approved defensive driving course or wait until the points expire after two years.

What Factors Affect My Driving Record In Ontario?

Several factors can affect your driving record in Ontario:

  • Traffic convictions: Violations of the Highway Traffic Act, such as speeding, failing to stop, or distracted driving, result in demerit points and convictions on your record.

  • At-fault collisions: If you are found to be at fault in a collision, it will appear on your driving record and may impact your insurance premiums.

  • License suspensions: Suspensions due to traffic offenses, unpaid fines, or medical reasons will be recorded on your driving record.

  • Demerit points: Accumulating demerit points can lead to license suspensions and negatively impact your driving record.

  • Criminal convictions: Serious offenses like impaired driving or dangerous driving are criminal matters that will appear on your driving record.

How To Clear My Driving Record In Ontario?

In Ontario, convictions and demerit points automatically clear from your driving record after a specified time:

  • Demerit points expire after two years from the date of the offense.

  • Convictions remain on your record for three years from the date of the offense.

To maintain a clear record:

  • Drive responsibly and obey traffic laws to avoid accumulating demerit points and convictions.

  • Consider completing a government-approved defensive driving course to remove up to four demerit points from your record.

  • Wait for the required time for convictions and demerit points to clear automatically.

Note that some severe convictions, such as impaired driving, will remain on your record for more extended periods and cannot be removed by completing a defensive driving course.

How Do I Get My Driving Record In Ontario?

To get your driving record in Ontario, you can:

  1. Order online:

  2. Visit a ServiceOntario center:

  3. Mail a request:

    • Download and complete the Driver's Record Request form

    • Include a copy of your driver's license and a cheque or money order payable to the Minister of Finance

    • Mail the form and payment to the address provided on the form

Who's Eligible For A Driving Record In Ontario?

Any individual who holds or has held a valid Ontario driver's license is eligible to request their driving record. Employers, insurance companies, and other authorized third parties may also request a driver's record with the driver's consent or if law permits.

To be eligible, the driver must provide:

  • A valid Ontario driver's license number

  • Full name and date of birth

  • Payment for the applicable fee

Individuals without an Ontario driver's license, such as those with an out-of-province license or international drivers, may not have a driving record in Ontario.

Who Can Access Your Driving Record In Ontario?

Your driving record in Ontario can be accessed by:

  1. You: As the license holder, you can request a copy of your driving record for personal use or to provide it to employers or insurance companies.

  2. Employers: Potential or current employers may request your driving record with your consent if the job involves driving or operating a vehicle.

  3. Insurance companies: Auto insurance providers can access your driving record to determine your risk level and set your insurance premiums.

  4. Law enforcement: Police and other agencies can access your driving record for traffic violations, collisions, or criminal investigations.

  5. Government agencies: Certain agencies, such as the Ministry of Transportation and the courts, can access your driving record for licensing, suspension, and legal purposes.

Third parties must have a legitimate reason and consent to access your driving record, or be legally authorized to do so without your consent.

Do Ontario Cross-Check Driving Records?

Yes, Ontario participates in the Canadian Driver License Agreement (DLA), which allows provinces and territories to share information about drivers' records. This means that if you have a driving offense or license suspension in another province, it may be recorded on your Ontario driving record.

Additionally, Ontario has reciprocal agreements with some U.S. states, such as New York and Michigan, to share information about traffic offenses committed by each other's licensed drivers.

These cross-checking measures help ensure that drivers with poor records or suspended licenses cannot avoid consequences by moving to another province or state.

What Are The Problems With Bad Driving Records In Ontario?

A bad driving record in Ontario can lead to several problems:

  1. Higher insurance premiums: Insurance companies consider your driving record when setting your rates. A record with convictions, demerit points, or at-fault collisions can significantly increase premiums.

  2. Employment difficulties: Driving jobs often require a clean driving record. A bad record can limit your employment opportunities or lead to termination if you are a current employee.

  3. License suspension: Accumulating too many demerit points or committing severe traffic offenses can result in a license suspension, affecting your ability to drive legally.

  4. Legal consequences: Some traffic offenses, such as impaired driving or dangerous driving, are criminal matters that can result in fines, jail time, and a permanent criminal record.

  5. Financial strain: The costs associated with a bad driving record, such as increased insurance premiums, fines, and legal fees, can significantly burden the driver.

How Does A Bad Driving Record Impact Auto Insurance In Ontario?

A bad driving record can significantly impact your auto insurance in Ontario:

  1. Higher premiums: Insurance companies perceive drivers with poor records as riskier and may charge them higher premiums to offset potential claims.

  2. Difficulty finding coverage: Some insurers may refuse to cover drivers with multiple convictions, at-fault collisions, or serious offenses like impaired driving.

  3. Mandatory high-risk insurance: Drivers with very poor records may be required to obtain coverage through the Facility Association, a high-risk insurance pool with significantly higher premiums.

  4. Limited coverage options: Drivers with bad records may not be eligible for specific discounts or optional coverages, such as accident forgiveness or vanishing deductibles.

To minimize the impact of a bad driving record on auto insurance:

  • Shop around for insurers willing to offer more favorable rates

  • Take a government-approved defensive driving course to demonstrate improved skills

  • Maintain a clean record moving forward to improve your insurability over time gradually

Driver's Abstract Vs. Driver's Record.

In Ontario, the terms "driver's abstract" and "driver's record" are often used interchangeably, but there are some distinctions:

Driver's Abstract:

  • A driver's abstract is a condensed version of your driving record, typically covering the past three years

  • It includes information such as demerit points, convictions, and suspensions

  • There are two types of driver's abstracts: uncertified (available online) and certified (official document with a seal)

  • Driver's abstracts are often requested by employers and insurance companies

Driver's Record:

  • A driver's record is a more comprehensive document that includes your entire driving history in Ontario

  • In addition to the information in a driver's abstract, a driver's record may include:

    • Lifetime conviction history

    • Reinstated suspensions

    • Collision history

    • Driver's license class and status

  • The Extended Driver's Record is the most detailed version of a driver's record

  • Driver's records are typically used for legal and government purposes

While both documents provide information about your driving history, a driver's abstract is more commonly used for employment and insurance purposes. In contrast, a driver's record is a more exhaustive account of your driving history in Ontario.