Chapter 4: Keeping Your Driver’s Licence

Keeping your licence valid

You must carry your licence with you whenever you drive, and you are responsible for making sure you have a valid driver's licence. If a car or motorcycle driver's licence has expired, you can renew it with no tests as long as you do so within one year. If you are 80 years of age or older, you are required to renew your driver's licence every two years. Except for Class M1, novice drivers have five years to complete the graduated-licensing process. You must tell the Ministry of Transportation within six days of changing your name or address. It is illegal to have more than one Ontario driver's licence.

Demerit points

Demerit points stay on your record for two years from the date of the offence. Failing to remain at the scene of a collision is a seven-point offence. Exceeding the speed limit by 16 to 29 km/h is a three-point offence. Towing people is a two-point offence, and so is failing to ensure that a passenger under 16 years is wearing a seatbelt.

Suspensions, cancellation and impoundment

Careless driving is driving without due care and attention, or reasonable consideration for other road users. Driving on a highway with a nitrous-oxide system connected is prohibited. If you violate any of the graduated-licensing conditions, your licence will be suspended for 30 days. The mandatory Back on Track program is for all drivers convicted of impaired, driving-related Criminal Code offences. The Vehicle-Impoundment Program makes vehicle owners responsible for ensuring that anyone driving their vehicles is not suspended.

Impaired driving

You can be charged if you are impaired behind the wheel, even if you have not started to drive. The police can stop any driver to determine if alcohol or drug testing is required. Drugs and any amount of alcohol together can have dangerous effects, even several days after you have taken the drug.