What you need to know about Ontario driver's licenses
An Ontario driver's license is issued by ServiceOntario, a government office that handles identification and licensing. You need one to drive legally in Ontario, and the process differs depending on whether you are getting your first license, renewing an expired one, or upgrading to a different class. The steps, documents required, and fees all depend on which situation applies to you.
You can explore in person at a ServiceOntario office, by mail for renewals, or online for certain renewals. Processing times vary: in-person applications are often completed the same day, while mail and online renewals typically take two to three weeks. The cost depends on the license class and how long you want it valid — usually between $90 and $150 for a standard five-year license.
Key Takeaways
- First-time drivers must pass a written test and a road test at a ServiceOntario office; you cannot do this by mail or online.
- Renewals can be done online, by mail, or in person, depending on your situation and whether your license is expired or still valid.
- You will need proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate), proof of Ontario residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your current or expired license.
- ServiceOntario offices are located across Ontario; you can find the nearest one and book an appointment on the ServiceOntario website.
- If you learned to drive in another province or country, you may be able to exchange your license without taking tests, depending on agreements Ontario has with that jurisdiction.
Getting your first Ontario driver's license
If you have never held a driver's license in Ontario, you must pass two tests: a written knowledge test and a road test. You cannot do this online or by mail — you must go to a ServiceOntario office in person. The written test covers Ontario traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the official Ontario Driver's Handbook, which is free on the ServiceOntario website.
After you pass the written test, you receive a temporary license valid for a set period (usually 180 days) to practice driving. During this time, you must follow certain rules: you cannot drive alone, you must display an "L" plate on your vehicle, and you must follow speed limits set for new drivers. Once you are ready, you book a road test at the same ServiceOntario office. A test examiner watches you drive and scores your performance on vehicle control, awareness, and decision-making.
If you pass the road test, you receive your full Ontario driver's license on the spot. If you do not pass, you can book another test, though you must wait a set number of days between attempts. Bring your temporary license, proof of identity, and proof of residency to your road test appointment.
Renewing your Ontario driver's license
If your license is still valid or expired less than two years ago, you can renew it without taking tests. ServiceOntario sends renewal notices by mail about two months before your license expires. You have three ways to renew: online through the ServiceOntario website, by mail using the renewal form in your notice, or in person at a ServiceOntario office.
The online method is fastest — you can complete it in minutes if your license is not expired, and you receive your new license by mail within two to three weeks. To renew online, you need your current license number, your date of birth, and a valid payment method. The mail method works the same way: fill out the form, include payment, and send it to the address on the form. In-person renewal at an office takes about 30 minutes and you can often get your license the same day.
If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew it — you must explore as a new driver and take both tests again. If you have had any serious driving violations or medical issues since your last license, ServiceOntario may ask for additional documents or a medical report before approving your renewal.
Documents you need to bring
The documents required depend on whether you are explore for the first time or renewing. For a first-time process, bring one piece of primary identity (such as a passport, birth certificate, or citizenship certificate) and one piece of secondary identity (such as a health card, social insurance number letter, or bank statement). You also need proof that you live in Ontario, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement dated within the last three months.
For a renewal, bring your current or expired license and proof of residency if your address has changed. If you are renewing by mail or online, you do not need to bring anything in person — you just mail the form and documents or upload them through the website. If you are renewing in person, bring the originals or certified copies.
If you are exchanging a license from another province or country, bring that license plus the same identity and residency documents. Some countries and provinces have agreements with Ontario that let you exchange without testing; ServiceOntario can tell you whether yours does.
License classes and what they allow you to drive
Ontario has several license classes, each allowing you to drive different types of vehicles. Class G is the standard license for cars and light trucks. Class G1 is the temporary license you get after passing the written test but before the road test. Class G2 is an intermediate license you can get after passing your road test and driving for a certain time; it has some restrictions but lets you drive alone.
Other classes exist for motorcycles (Class M), buses (Class D), and heavy trucks (Class A or B). If you want a motorcycle license, you follow a separate process with its own written and road tests. You can add a motorcycle endorsement to your car license, or hold a motorcycle-only license.
When you renew your license, you keep the same class unless you request a change. If you want to upgrade from G2 to G, or add a motorcycle class, you can do this during renewal or at any time by visiting a ServiceOntario office.
Finding a ServiceOntario office and booking an appointment
ServiceOntario has over 160 offices across Ontario. You can find the nearest one using the office locator on the ServiceOntario website — enter your postal code and it shows you locations, hours, and whether appointments are available. Some offices are in government buildings, some in malls, and some in smaller towns. Hours vary by location, but most are open weekdays and some offer Saturday hours.
For in-person services like road tests or first-time applications, you must book an appointment in advance. You can book online through the ServiceOntario website or by calling the office directly. Appointment availability varies by location and season — during busy times, you may need to wait several weeks. If you are renewing by mail or online, you do not need an appointment.
Fees and how long it takes
The cost of a driver's license depends on the class and how long you want it valid. A standard five-year Class G license costs around $90 to $110. An eight-year license costs more. A Class G1 or G2 temporary license costs less. Motorcycle licenses and endorsements have separate fees. Payment methods include cash, debit, credit card, and online payment depending on how you explore.
Processing times vary by method. If you explore in person and pass your tests the same day, you receive your license when ready. If you renew online or by mail, expect two to three weeks for delivery. If you explore in person for a renewal without tests, you usually get your license the same day or within a few days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with an expired Ontario license?
No, you cannot legally drive with an expired license. However, if your license expired less than two years ago, you can renew it without retaking tests. If it has been expired longer than two years, you must explore as a new driver and take both tests.
What happens if I fail my road test?
You can book another road test after waiting a set number of days (usually seven days). There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, though you pay the test fee each time. Many people pass on their second or third attempt.
Can I exchange a driver's license from another country?
It depends on the country. Ontario has agreements with some jurisdictions that let you exchange your license without taking tests. ServiceOntario can tell you whether your country qualifies. If not, you must take the written and road tests.
How do I change my name or address on my license?
You can update your address online or by mail during renewal, or in person at a ServiceOntario office anytime. For a legal name change, bring a court order or marriage certificate along with your license and proof of residency.
What if I lost my license or it was stolen?
You can request a replacement at a ServiceOntario office in person or by mail. Bring proof of identity and residency. A replacement license costs less than a new license and is usually issued the same day if you explore in person.