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• Driver's Licence

How do I get an Ontario driver's licence?

If you live in Ontario and want to drive, you must have an Ontario driver's licence. The process of getting a driver's licence depends on whether you are a new driver or if you have had a driver's licence before.

If you have an International Driver's Permit (IDP), you can use this when you first arrive in Canada. Find more information about using an IDP in Ontario.

Basic Information

The Ontario driver's licence is a blue plastic card. The card has your photo, name, address, date of birth and signature on it. It is common to use a driver's licence as an identity document. You have to carry your driver's licence with you when you drive.

The licence has an expiry date. You have to renew it before it expires.

Types of Licences

Ontario has different licences depending on which kind of vehicle you want to drive. These are common types of licence:

• G class (includes G1 and G2) - For cars, vans and small trucks
• M class (includes M1 and M2) - For motorcycles, motor scooters and mopeds

You can have more than one kind of licence. You do not need a licence to ride a bicycle.

To Get a Driver's Licence

To get a driver's licence in Ontario, you must be 16 years old or older. You must pass a vision test to show that you can see well enough to drive safely.

You have to apply for a driver's licence. The process depends on if you are a new driver or if you have had a driver's licence before. In all cases, you have to go to a Driver Examination Centre. You have to show:

• Proof of name
• Proof of your date of birth

You have to pay a fee to apply. See more information about how to apply for a driver's licence.

Find more information about how to get a driver's licence in these cases:

• I have a driver's licence from another country - outside of Canada.
• I have a driver's licence from another province in Canada.
• I don't have a driver's licence.

Contact the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario

The Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO) is the government department that controls driver's licences and vehicle registration in Ontario. Call the MTO if you have questions:

• In Ontario: 1-800-387-3445
• In Toronto: 416-235-2999
• TTY: 1-866-471-8929

For More Information

• Driver Examination Centres - You can take written tests and driving tests at these centres. From the DriveTest website.
• Driver and Vehicle Licence Offices - You can renew your driver's licence, change your address or other information on your licence, get a driver's handbook and get other routine services at these offices.
• Driver's Handbook Online - The official guide to the rules of the road, safe driving practices and how to get your licence to drive a car, van or small truck. From the Ministry of Transportation.
• Out-of-Country Drivers - Information on how to get an Ontario licence if you have had a driver's licence before but are not eligible for a licence exchange. From the DriveTest website.
• Get a G driver’s licence: new drivers - As a new driver, you will need to practice driving and gain experience over time. For most people, the two-step process takes about 20 months to finish. From the Ministry of Transportation.