Getting an Ontario Driver's Licence

Introduction to Driving in Ontario

An Ontario driver's licence is your proof of your privilege to drive. You must carry it with you whenever you drive. Ontario has introduced a one-piece plastic driver's licence. The licence has a digitized photograph and signature of the driver and a magnetic information strip.

A driver's licence includes your name, address, signature, date of birth, gender, height, licence class, date of licence issue and expiry dates, and codes showing which class of vehicles you may drive and under what conditions (for example, an "X" condition means you need to wear glasses/contacts for driving). If you have a red bar with four white dots under your photograph, it indicates that you qualify to be an accompanying driver under the graduated licensing program.

If you live in Ontario, you must be at least 16 years old and have a valid Ontario driver's licence to drive in the province. A newcomer to Ontario who holds a driver-license from another province or country is required to apply for an Ontario driver's licence within 60 days of taking up residence in the province.