On This Page You Will Find:
- Overview of Ontario’s new driver’s licence rules
- Key immigration and residency verification requirements
- Updated eligibility for commercial drivers
- One-year Canadian driving experience rule
- Impact on newcomers and the trucking industry
Ontario Tightens Driver’s Licence Eligibility
Ontario has announced major changes to its driver’s licensing system, directly linking eligibility to a person’s immigration or work status. The amendments form part of the Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act (Bill 60), introduced on October 23, 2025.
Under the new rules, the Minister of Transportation will have the authority to verify an applicant’s residency, visa, or work permit status before issuing or renewing a driver’s licence. This shift marks one of the province’s most significant transport policy updates in years, aimed at strengthening road safety, preventing fraud and effectively changing who can drive.
What the New Rules Mean
The Highway Traffic Act will now include a new section empowering the Minister to demand proof that an applicant:
- Is a resident of Ontario;
- Is legally present in Canada; and
- Is legally eligible to work in Canada, if applying for certain licence classes such as commercial vehicle licences.
This means that individuals applying for or renewing their driver’s licences will need to provide evidence such as a Permanent Resident card, work or study permit, or Canadian passport.
Three Key Policy Changes
- Visitors Barred from Commercial Licences
Visitors and short-term residents will no longer be allowed to apply for commercial driver’s licences, such as Class A, D, C, or B. Only individuals with valid work authorization in Canada will qualify. - One Year of Canadian Driving Experience for Class A Licences
Applicants must now have at least one year of verified Canadian driving experience before being eligible to apply for a Class A (commercial) licence. This ensures that truck drivers gain local experience and understand Canadian road and weather conditions before handling large vehicles. - Stronger Legal Status Verification
The Ministry of Transportation will cross-check immigration documents with federal systems to verify an applicant’s legal presence in Canada. Applications may be paused or refused if documents are incomplete, invalid, or expired.
Why Ontario Is Making These Changes
Ontario’s government says these new rules are designed to improve safety, reduce fraud, and protect legitimate drivers and employers.
- Road Safety: Requiring experience and verified legal status ensures that commercial drivers are properly trained and legally authorized to work in Canada.
- Fraud Prevention: Stronger ID and status checks aim to close loopholes that allowed unqualified or short-term visitors to obtain commercial licences.
- Workforce Fairness: The policy ensures that job opportunities in trucking and transportation go to qualified drivers with legal work authorization.
Impact on Newcomers and Employers
The new rules will most affect:
- Newcomers and Temporary Residents: Applicants must keep immigration documents valid throughout the licensing process. Study-permit holders can apply for standard licences but not commercial ones unless authorized to work.
- Trucking and Logistics Companies: Employers may face longer recruitment timelines due to the one-year Canadian driving experience requirement.
- Driver Training Schools: Training institutions will need to verify a student’s legal status before enrolment in commercial licence programs.
Despite concerns about potential labour shortages, the province says safety and compliance remain the top priorities.
When the Changes Take Effect
The driving licence provisions will take effect once Bill 60 passes and receives Royal Assent, expected in early 2026. Transitional measures will apply for current licence-holders and pending applications.
FAQ
Who must provide proof of legal status under the new rules?
All applicants for driver’s licences, permits, or renewals must provide documentation proving they are legal residents of Ontario and are lawfully in Canada.
Can visitors still apply for commercial driver’s licences?
No. Visitors and temporary residents without valid work authorization are no longer eligible to apply for commercial licences such as Class A or D.
How much Canadian driving experience is needed for a Class A licence?
Applicants must now complete at least 12 months of verified Canadian driving experience before applying for a Class A licence, in addition to completing required training and tests.
What documents can prove legal status in Canada?
Acceptable documents include a Canadian passport, Permanent Resident card, work or study permit, or refugee claimant document. Expired or invalid documents will not be accepted.
When will these rules take effect?
The changes will come into force once Bill 60 is enacted, likely in early 2026, after the provincial legislature grants Royal Assent and implementation regulations are finalized.
