What you need to know about Ontario driver's licenses
An Ontario driver's license is issued by ServiceOntario and is your legal proof that you can operate a motor vehicle in the province. The license shows your name, address, photo, signature, and driving record — including any suspensions or restrictions. You need one to drive legally on Ontario roads, and police can stop you and ask to see it at any time.
Ontario issues different classes of licenses depending on what you want to drive: a Class G is for regular cars, a Class D is for motorcycles, and a Class A is for trucks over a certain weight. Each class has its own testing requirements and age minimums. Your license also shows any conditions — like "corrective lenses required" or restrictions on when or where you can drive.
The license itself is a physical card that expires every five years for most drivers, though some people get shorter validity periods based on their age or medical status. You can renew it in person at a ServiceOntario office, by mail, or online depending on your situation.
Key Takeaways
- Ontario driver's licenses are issued by ServiceOntario and must be renewed every five years, though some drivers renew more frequently based on age or medical conditions.
- You must pass a written knowledge test, a vision test, and a road test before you receive your first license, unless you hold a valid license from another province or country.
- The license shows your class (G for cars, D for motorcycles, A for trucks), any conditions or restrictions, and your driving record including suspensions.
- You can renew by mail, online, or in person at ServiceOntario, but the method available to you depends on whether your license is expired, suspended, or subject to medical review.
- If your license is suspended, you cannot legally drive until the suspension is lifted and you have paid any fines or completed required programs.
Getting your first Ontario driver's license
To get your first Ontario license, you must be at least 16 years old and pass three tests: a written knowledge test about traffic laws and road signs, a vision test, and a road test with an examiner. You also need to provide proof of identity (like a birth certificate or passport), proof of Ontario residency (like a utility bill or lease), and your Social Insurance Number.
Most new drivers start with a Class G1 license, which is a learner's permit. With a G1, you can drive only with a licensed adult in the front passenger seat, you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot use a hand-held phone. You must hold a G1 for at least 12 months before you can take the road test for a full G license.
If you already hold a valid driver's license from another Canadian province or from certain countries, you may not need to take all three tests. ServiceOntario recognizes licenses from other provinces and some countries and may issue you a full G license without a road test. You will still need to pass the vision test and provide proof of identity and residency.
Renewing your Ontario driver's license
Your Ontario license expires five years from the date it was issued. ServiceOntario sends a renewal notice to your address on file about two months before expiry. You can renew online if your license is not expired, suspended, or subject to medical review — the online process takes about 10 minutes and costs less than renewing in person.
If you cannot renew online, you can renew by mail by sending your license, the renewal form, and a cheque to ServiceOntario. Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks. You can also renew in person at any ServiceOntario office; you will need your license, proof of identity, and proof of residency if your address has changed.
If your license has already expired, you can still renew it, but you may need to pass a vision test and provide updated documents. If your license has been suspended or if you are over 80 years old, you must renew in person and may need to pass a medical exam or vision test.
License classes and what they allow you to drive
Ontario has several license classes, each allowing you to operate different types of vehicles. A Class G is the most common and allows you to drive a regular passenger car, van, or small truck. A Class D is for motorcycles and motorized scooters. A Class A is for large trucks over 11,000 kilograms, and a Class B is for buses.
You can hold more than one class on the same license. For example, you might have both a Class G and a Class D if you drive both a car and a motorcycle. Each class has its own age minimum — you must be at least 16 for a Class G, 16 for a Class D, and 18 for a Class A or B.
Your license card shows your class or classes in the top right corner. If you want to add a new class, you must pass the knowledge test and road test for that class. You do not need to retake tests for classes you already hold.
Conditions and restrictions on your license
Your license may show conditions or restrictions that limit how and when you can drive. Common conditions include "corrective lenses required" (you must wear glasses or contacts), "automatic transmission only" (you cannot drive a manual car), or "daylight driving only" (you cannot drive at night). These conditions appear on the back of your license card.
Restrictions are different from conditions. A restriction means you cannot drive at all — for example, if your license is suspended due to unpaid fines or a medical issue, you are restricted from driving until the suspension is lifted. If you drive while restricted, you can be charged with a criminal offense and face jail time, a large fine, and a longer suspension.
If you believe a condition on your license is wrong, or if a condition has changed (for example, you had eye surgery and no longer need glasses), you can request a review at a ServiceOntario office. You may need to provide medical documentation or pass a new vision test.
Suspensions and what they mean for your driving
A suspension means your license is temporarily taken away and you cannot legally drive. Suspensions happen for several reasons: unpaid fines or court-ordered restitution, failing to pay child support, accumulating too many demerit points, driving under the influence, or failing a medical exam.
The length of a suspension depends on the reason. A suspension for unpaid fines lasts until you pay; a suspension for demerit points lasts a set number of months (usually two to 12 months depending on how many points you have); a suspension for impaired driving can last months or years. You will receive a notice in the mail explaining the reason and the length of your suspension.
To lift a suspension, you must do what the notice tells you to do — pay fines, complete a program, pass a medical exam, or wait out the suspension period. Once the suspension is lifted, you can explore to have your license reinstated. Some suspensions require you to pay a reinstatement fee to ServiceOntario before you can drive again.
Updating your address and personal information
If you move to a new address in Ontario, you must update your driver's license within a reasonable time. You can update your address online through ServiceOntario's website if your license is not expired or suspended. The online update takes a few minutes and is free.
If you cannot update online, you can update in person at a ServiceOntario office by bringing your license and proof of your new address (like a utility bill or lease). You do not need to pay a fee to update your address.
If you change your name due to marriage, divorce, or other legal reasons, you must update your license in person at a ServiceOntario office. You will need to bring your license, proof of your legal name change (like a marriage certificate or court order), and proof of identity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an Ontario driver's license cost?
The cost depends on what you are doing. A first-time license costs around $90 to $110 and includes the knowledge test, vision test, and road test fees. Renewing online costs around $50 to $60. Renewing in person costs slightly more. Fees change periodically, so check ServiceOntario's website for current prices.
Can I drive in other provinces or countries with my Ontario license?
Yes, your Ontario license is recognized in all Canadian provinces and territories. It is also recognized in most countries, though some countries require an International Driving Permit in addition to your Ontario license. Check the rules for the country you plan to visit before you travel.
What happens if I lose my driver's license?
You can request a replacement at any ServiceOntario office by bringing proof of identity and proof of residency. There is a replacement fee, usually around $20 to $30. You can drive while you wait for your replacement as long as you have not been suspended.
Do I need to take a road test again if I renew my license?
No, you do not need to take a road test to renew a valid license. You only take a road test when you first get your license or when you add a new class. Renewal is a simpler process that usually just requires you to confirm your information and pay the renewal fee.
What is the difference between a G1 and a G license?
A G1 is a learner's permit that allows you to practice driving with a licensed adult in the front seat. You cannot drive alone, cannot drive at night, and cannot use a phone. A G license is a full license that allows you to drive alone anytime. You must hold a G1 for at least 12 months and pass a road test before you can get a G license.