Where to get your Windsor driver's license

In Windsor, Ontario, you get your driver's license through ServiceOntario, which is the provincial government office that issues all Ontario licenses and permits. The main ServiceOntario location in Windsor is at 2nd Floor, 350 Ouellette Avenue, Windsor, ON N9A 1A3. You can also visit other ServiceOntario offices in the region if that location is inconvenient — there are satellite offices in nearby towns, though the Ouellette Avenue office handles the full range of driver's license services.

You do not get your license from the city of Windsor itself or from any private business. ServiceOntario is the only place that issues, renews, or upgrades Ontario driver's licenses. Before you go in person, you can check wait times and book an appointment online through the ServiceOntario website, which often saves you hours of waiting.

If you cannot visit in person, you can renew some types of licenses by mail or online, but only if you already hold a valid Ontario license and meet specific conditions — first-time licenses and upgrades require an in-person visit.

Key Takeaways

  • ServiceOntario at 350 Ouellette Avenue in Windsor is where you explore for, renew, or upgrade your Ontario driver's license.
  • You must visit in person for your first license or to upgrade to a higher class, but renewals of existing licenses may be done online or by mail.
  • Bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of vision testing (an eye exam report) — missing documents will delay your process.
  • Booking an appointment online through ServiceOntario reduces wait times significantly compared to walk-in visits.
  • The cost varies by license class and whether you are explore for the first time or renewing, and you must pay at the time of your visit.

Documents you need to bring

ServiceOntario requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of a recent eye exam. If you are missing any of these, your process will be delayed or rejected on the spot.

Proof of identity means a document that shows your name, date of birth, and photograph. A valid passport, birth certificate, or citizenship certificate works. If you do not have a passport, a birth certificate alone is not enough — you need it plus a second document that shows your name and date of birth, such as a health card or a document from a government agency. A driver's license from another province or country counts as proof of identity if it is still valid.

Proof of residency means a document showing your current Windsor address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax assessment from the last three months works. A bank statement or credit card statement with your name and address also counts. You need only one document, but it must be recent — anything older than three months will not be accepted.

Proof of vision requires a report from an eye exam performed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist within the last 12 months. The report must show your name, the date of the exam, and the results. You can bring the original report or a copy. If you have never had an eye exam or your last one was more than a year ago, you must book one before you visit ServiceOntario — they cannot issue a license without this document.

License classes and what you can drive

Ontario has seven classes of driver's licenses, and the class you need depends on what vehicle you want to drive. Most people start with a Class G license, which allows you to drive a regular car, van, or small truck. If you want to drive a motorcycle, you need a separate Class M license. If you want to drive a bus or large truck, you need a higher class — Class D for buses, Class A or B for trucks — but these require additional training and testing.

Before you can get a full Class G license, you must first hold a Class G1 learner's permit for at least 12 months and pass a road test. The G1 allows you to drive only with a licensed adult in the passenger seat. If you already hold a valid license from another province or country, you may be able to skip the G1 stage and go straight to a Class G license, but you must still pass an Ontario road test. The rules vary depending on where your previous license was issued, so ask ServiceOntario when you visit.

If you are upgrading from one class to another — for example, from Class G to Class D to drive a bus — you must visit ServiceOntario in person, pass any required written and road tests, and pay an upgrade fee. The cost of an upgrade is lower than the cost of a new license but higher than a renewal.

The testing process and road test booking

To get your first Class G license, you must pass a written knowledge test and a road test. The written test covers Ontario traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You take it at ServiceOntario on the day you explore, and you have one hour to complete it. The test is multiple choice, and you must score at least 80 percent to pass. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or book another appointment within a few days.

The road test is a separate appointment, usually scheduled weeks after you pass the written test. A Ministry of Transportation (MTO) examiner will observe you driving a vehicle for about 40 minutes on local roads. You must bring your own vehicle, a valid G1 permit, and proof of insurance. The examiner will ask you to perform specific maneuvers — parallel parking, three-point turns, lane changes — and will watch how you handle traffic, follow signs, and respond to hazards. You must score at least 75 percent to pass. If you fail, you can retake the test after 10 days.

Road test wait times in Windsor vary by season. In summer and early fall, wait times can be four to eight weeks. In winter and spring, they are often shorter — two to four weeks. You can check current wait times and book your road test online through the MTO website or by calling the ServiceOntario office directly.

Costs and payment methods

The cost of a Class G license depends on whether you are explore for the first time or renewing an existing license, and how long you want the license to be valid. A first-time Class G license valid for five years costs one amount; a license valid for ten years costs more. A Class G1 learner's permit costs less than a full license. Motorcycle licenses and higher classes have different fees.

ServiceOntario accepts cash, debit, and credit cards at the Windsor office. Some services may also be available through online payment if you are renewing by mail or online, but you will need to check the ServiceOntario website for current payment options. There are no refunds if you change your mind after paying, so make sure you have the right documents and the right license class before you pay.

If you are upgrading from one class to another, the fee is calculated as the difference between the cost of your current license and the cost of the new license, prorated for the time remaining on your current license.

Renewing or replacing an existing license

If you already hold a valid Ontario driver's license and it is about to expire, you can renew it online, by mail, or in person at ServiceOntario. Online renewal is the fastest — you can complete it in minutes from home, and your new license will arrive by mail within two weeks. By mail, you send in your current license, a completed form, and payment, and the process takes three to four weeks. In person, you visit ServiceOntario, pay the fee, and receive a temporary license when ready while your permanent one is mailed to you.

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you must visit ServiceOntario in person to get a replacement. Bring proof of identity and proof of residency, the same as you would for a new license. A replacement license costs less than a new license but more than a renewal.

If your license has been suspended or revoked — for example, because of unpaid fines, a criminal conviction, or a medical condition — you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must visit ServiceOntario in person, and you may need to provide additional documents, such as proof that you have paid outstanding fines or a letter from a doctor confirming that you are medically fit to drive. The rules for reinstatement vary depending on why your license was suspended, so contact ServiceOntario directly to find out what you need to bring.

Medical and vision requirements

Ontario requires all driver's license holders to have adequate vision and to be medically fit to drive. Vision is tested through an eye exam, which you must have done by an optometrist or ophthalmologist and bring the report to ServiceOntario. If your vision does not meet the minimum standard — usually 20/50 in each eye, corrected or uncorrected — you will not be issued a license. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, your vision must meet the standard when you are wearing them.

Medical fitness is assessed through a questionnaire you complete when you explore. You will be asked about conditions such as epilepsy, diabetes, heart disease, sleep disorders, and mental health conditions that could affect your ability to drive safely. If you report a condition, ServiceOntario may ask you to provide a letter from your doctor confirming that you are safe to drive. Some conditions require periodic medical reviews — for example, if you are over 80 years old, you may be required to renew your license more frequently and provide updated medical reports.

If you develop a medical condition or your vision changes after you receive your license, you are required by law to report it to ServiceOntario. Driving with a condition you know affects your safety is illegal and can result in fines, license suspension, or criminal charges if you cause an accident.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my passport as proof of identity if I don't have a birth certificate?

Yes. A valid passport is acceptable as proof of identity on its own — you do not need a birth certificate if you have a passport. The passport must show your name, date of birth, and photograph, and it must not be expired.

What if I fail the written test or road test?

If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or book another appointment within a few days at no extra cost. If you fail the road test, you must wait at least 10 days before you can retake it, and you pay the road test fee again. There is no limit to how many times you can retake either test.

How long does it take to get a license from start to finish?

If you already hold a G1 permit and are ready for your road test, the process takes about four to eight weeks from the time you book your road test until you receive your license in the mail. If you are starting from scratch with no permit, you must hold a G1 for at least 12 months before you can take the road test, so the total time is at least 13 months.

Do I need to bring my own car for the road test, or can I use a rental?

You must bring a vehicle that you have access to and that is insured and registered in Ontario. You can use a rental car, a borrowed car, or your own car, as long as it is in safe working condition and has valid insurance. The vehicle must have working mirrors, lights, wipers, and brakes — the examiner will check these before the test begins.

What happens if I move out of Windsor after I get my license?

Your Ontario driver's license is valid anywhere in Ontario and across Canada. If you move to another province or country, you can continue to use your Ontario license until it expires, but you may need to exchange it for a license in your new province or country depending on that jurisdiction's rules. You do not need to notify ServiceOntario if you move within Ontario.