Keeping Your Driver’s Licence
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Ontario’s One-Piece Driver’s Licence
All drivers in Ontario receive a single-piece licence card, which includes a photo and signature.
You must carry your valid driver’s licence with you whenever you drive.
If a police officer requests it, you must be able to produce your licence on the spot.
Renewing Your Licence
You will typically receive a renewal form in the mail before your licence expires.
Renew your licence at a ServiceOntario Centre: sign the form, show ID, pay the fee, and have your photo taken.
If your licence has been expired for more than three years, you must reapply under the graduated licensing system.
If your licence has been suspended, cancelled, or expired over three years, you must meet all graduated licensing requirements again.
Senior Drivers (Age 80 or Older)
Drivers aged 80+ are required to renew their licence every two years.
The renewal process includes: a driving-record review, vision test, group education session, and in-class screening.
Drivers may be required to complete a road test or submit medical information if needed.
No additional fees apply for the tests; only the standard licence-renewal fee is required.
More resources for senior drivers can be found at Ontario.ca/seniordriver or by calling the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Contact Centre.
How Aging Affects Driving Safety
Reduced vision (especially at night) can impact safe driving.
It may become harder to judge speed, distance, and to focus for long periods.
Reaction times can slow, and certain medications can impair driving ability.
Regular medical, vision, and hearing checks help maintain driving fitness.
Making Your Driving Safer
Discuss medications (including over-the-counter) with a doctor or pharmacist to ensure they do not impair driving.
Report vision changes, dizziness, or severe pain to your doctor.
If experiencing pain, consider not driving until it improves.
Regular eye and hearing tests are crucial for safe driving.
Physical exercises can help maintain flexibility and strength.
Taking a refresher driver’s course can boost knowledge and skills.
Ask Yourself: How’s My Driving?
Warning signs may include more near-collisions, difficulty judging distances, and trouble concentrating.
Getting lost on familiar roads, feeling nervous behind the wheel, or noticing family concerns are also signals.
If you check any of these signs, consider reducing or stopping driving and consult with a doctor or family.
Graduated Licensing Requalification
Novice drivers (G1, G2, M1, M2) have five years to complete all levels.
If a G1, G2, or M2 licence is about to expire, you can pay a fee and pass a test to requalify and retain your class.
A reminder notice is sent before licence expiry with instructions to complete or requalify.
If you fail to requalify before expiry, you lose your licence and must start over at Level One.
Changing Your Name or Address
You must notify the Ministry of Transportation within six days of any name or address change.
A new licence is required after changing your name or address; there is no fee for issuing this updated licence.
You can update your address online at the ServiceOntario website or at a Driver and Vehicle Licence Issuing Office.
Driver’s Licence Laws
It is illegal to lend your licence or to use someone else’s licence.
You cannot alter your licence or use a fake one.
Having more than one Ontario driver’s licence is prohibited.
Seatbelt laws are strictly enforced—drivers must wear a seatbelt, and it is a demerit-point offence to fail to do so.
The Demerit Point System
Points remain on your record for two years from the date of the offence.
Too many demerit points can lead to licence suspensions.
New drivers with two or more points receive a warning letter; at nine or more points, their licence is suspended for 60 days.
Fully licensed drivers (G licence) receive a warning letter at six points; at 15 points, the licence is suspended for 30 days.
After the first 15-point suspension, you return with seven points remaining on your record.
Table of Offences (Demerit Points)
7 points: Failing to remain at the scene of a collision or failing to stop for police.
6 points: Careless driving, racing, or speeding by 50 km/h or more.
4 points: Exceeding speed limit by 30–49 km/h, following too closely, failing to stop at a pedestrian crossover.
3 points: Exceeding speed limit by 16–29 km/h, failing to yield or obey traffic signs/lights, holding a handheld device while driving, etc.
2 points: Failing to lower headlight beams, improper turns, failing to signal, reversing on a highway, seatbelt infractions, and similar minor offences.