Requirements for
Crediting Driving Experience for Out-of-Country Applicants
Frequently
Asked Questions
- Who does the policy affect?
- What class of licence does this policy apply to?
- What are the first steps in applying for an Ontario licence?
- Where does an applicant self-declare their driving experience?
- How will ‘self-declaring’ driving experience assist Out-of-Country driver’s licence applicants? ?
- What are the requirements to be credited with additional driving experience?
- Where do applicants obtain an authentication document?
- What must an authentication document state?
- What is a ministry-approved translator?
- What must a letter of authentication state?
1. Who does the policy affect?
The policy applies to all applicants coming from a jurisdiction that does not have a reciprocal driver’s licence agreement with Ontario.
2. What class of licence does this policy apply to?
The policy applies to Class G licences only.
3. What are the first steps in applying for an Ontario licence?
All applicants for an Ontario driver’s licence are required to present a valid out-of-country driver’s licence, (if it is not in English or French, it is to be accompanied by a written translation from a ministry-approved translator) at time of application.
Applicants must have acceptable identification verifying: legal name; date of birth; and signature. Please visit the DriveTest website at www.drivetest.ca for a list of acceptable identification documents.
Applicants must pass, a vision test, and a written knowledge test regarding Ontario’s traffic rules, and pay all applicable fees.
Applicants must self-declare their driving experience on the driver’s licence application form at the time of application.
Applicants who fulfil these requirements can obtain a G1 licence.
4. Where does an applicant self-declare their driving experience?
An applicant self-declares their driving experience in the appropriate section of the driver’s licence application form at the time of application.
5. How will ‘self-declaring’ driving experience assist Out-of-Country driver’s licence applicants?
- Out-of-Country driver’s licence applicants who self-declare 12 months or more driving experience will be deemed to have fulfilled the G1 mandatory waiting period. Upon successfully completing the G1 road test, they will receive their G2 licence.
6. What are the requirements to be credited with additional driving experience?
Applicants who present a valid out-of-country driver’s licence at time of application and self-declare 12 or more months of driving experience, can return at a later date to be credited with additional driving experience provided they submit an authentication document.
7. Where do applicants obtain an authentication document?
The applicants may obtain an authentication document from the originating licensing agency, or from the Embassy, Consulate or High Commissioners’ offices representing the licensing jurisdiction.
The authentication document must be on official letterhead and be written in either English or French. (If the authentication document is written in languages other than English or French, it must be accompanied by a written translation from a ministry-approved translator). The authentication document must be dated and presented within six months from the date of issue.
8. What must an authentication document state?
The authentication document must state clearly that it is certifying the duration of the applicant’s driving experience, and that the applicant holds a valid driver’s licence from that jurisdiction. The licence cannot be expired or suspended.
For the purpose of crediting driving experience, translation of the data presented on the out-of-country driver’s licence may not be sufficient as the licence may only indicate the date the licence was issued, not the driver’s experience.
9. What is a ministry-approved translator?
The ministry accepts translations made by a Ministry-approved translator. Ministry-approved translators include non-Canadian embassies, consulates, or high commissioner’s office, but do not include other translators from the country where the licence was issued.
10. What are the consequences of making a false statement on the driver’s licence application form?
If an individual is found to have falsely stated his/her out-of-country driving experience, the individual may be subject to prosecution for making a false statement under the Highway Traffic Act. This offence carries a fine of up to $5000 and imprisonment up to 30 days (or both). The individual’s licence may also be suspended for up to six months. In addition, penalties under the Criminal Code of Canada or other laws may be applied.
For further information about exchanging driver’s licence from another jurisdiction, please visit the DriveTest website at www.drivetest.ca or telephone 1-800-387-3445 (English) or 1-800-416-4803 (French).
