Need an Ontario Driving Licence?
Ontario accounts for almost 40% of the total Canadian population, while also being a huge area which includes everything from the rocky and mineral rich Canadian shield, to fertile farmlands, and over 250 thousand freshwater lakes. Obviously, the ability to get around is vital. Driving almost any kind of motorized vehicle on public roads or waterways requires an Ontario driving licence. The driver's license Ontario offers, provides enormous benefits to those that hold one. From being a near perfect form of ID to expanded employment opportunities, increased mobility and the ability to explore this beautiful place at will.
Every year, many thousands of Canadians apply for the driver's license Ontario provides. Our the team at ICanDrive.ca want to make the process of getting an Ontario license as fast and easy and stress-free as possible. It does take a bit of effort on your part, but having a drivers license in Ontario id definitely worth it.
The most common types of drivers license Ontario residents apply for are the Ontario car drivers licence (or G license) and the Ontario motorcycle drivers licence (or M license), but there are other Ontario license types as well...
Choose from one of the Ontario driving license options below to get started.
Choose the Type of Drivers License Ontario Makes Available
What kind of vehicle do you need to get an Ontario licence for?
In Ontario, the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) is responsible for facilitating all G, M, commercial vehicle driver licensing (CDL) and tests. The MTO employs hundreds and is structured to provide Ontario driving license services across the province. The only way to legitimately acquire the driver's license Ontario provides is through the MTO. In addition to providing drivers license in Ontario, the MTO also devotes significant resources to building transit and transportation infrastructures while staying heavily focused on transportation safety. For those looking to get the specific type of drivers license Ontario requires for particular vehicles, we offer the following guides. While most Ontario drivers get an Ontario motorcycle drivers license or an Ontario car driving license, many others need or want a more specific type of Ontario license like an Ontario truck driving license, or Ontario bus driver license, an Ontario air brake license or an Ontario boating license. Click the links for more information.
Drivers In Ontario Must Abide By All Ontario Road Signs & Rules
To be a competent and safe driver, there are specific rules of the road and road signs you must follow at all times. All of these are detailed within the Ontario driver's handbook. A key requirement to get your Ontario driver's licence is learning these rules and being formally tested on them through a written knowledge test. For a more thorough exploration of the topic, please see our Ontario G1 practice test series and Ontario motorcycle knowledge test practice. (You must also have the appropriate Ontario vehicle insurance.) While there are many Ontario road rules, below, we've summarized some of the key ones you must know before you can start driving in Ontario. For a more comprehensive overview, please see our articles: Ontario G1 License Restrictions and Requirements and Ontario G2 License Rules, Restrictions and Requirements
Valid Drivers Licence
The driver's license Ontario provides must be valid and is essential if you're driving in Ontario. If visiting less than 3 months, a valid license from your home country or province is ok as well, however, if you are visiting for longer than 3 months you will need to apply for an international drivers license.
Right Turns On Red
As long as there is no sign indicating otherwise, you are allowed to turn right on a red light. Keep in mind that you still have to watch for pedestrians and be aware of any other hazards that might be around you.
Mandatory Seatbelts
By law, Ontario requires that all adults and children weighing more than 40 pounds (18.14 kg) must be wearing proper seat belts. If your child is under 40 pounds, they must be properly restrained in a child-appropriate car seat, either rear facing (infants) or forward facing (toddlers).
Obey Speed Limits
Always be aware of the speed limits around you. Typically, Ontario freeways/highways have a speed limit of 100 km/h, Trans-Canada routes are at 90 km/h and rural highways or country roads are usually at a speed of 80 km/h.
Road Services And Patrol
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) very regularly patrols all highways and non-municipally patrolled roadways. They ensure there is no speeding, drivers are practicing safe driving and will provide guidance in accident situations.
School Bus Rules
Traffic travelling in both directions (unless it's a divided road/highway) must stop for a yellow school bus when its lights are flashing and the stop sign is extended. This is to ensure safety for any children getting on or off the bus.
Stop For Streetcars
Specifically in Toronto where streetcars operate, all vehicles must come to a complete stop at least 2 meters (6 ft) behind the rearmost door of a stopping or stopped streetcar. This is to ensure the safety of passengers getting on or off the streetcar.
Tolled Roadways
Any international bridges, tunnels or ferries will require the payment of a toll. In addition, the Ontario highway 407 is a tolled highway that runs from Burlington, to Pickering with cameras at both entry and exit points, so users can receive their highway usage billing in the mail.
Looking to Get Your Driving Licence in a Different Province?
Choose the province or territory you're looking to get licensed in
Depending on where you live, the process of getting a Canadian drivers license can be different. Choosing your province or territory allows us to direct you to the right people and resources who can provide the best possible driver licensing information.
