Major Changes Coming to Ontario Driver’s Licence Rules
What the Government Announced
The Ontario government has introduced new rules for getting or renewing a driver’s licence.
Through Bill 60 – the Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act, they want to make sure that only people with legal status and valid work rights in Canada can get certain types of licences.
The main goal is to improve road safety, stop licence misuse, and protect honest drivers.
Inside Bill 60 The Legal Base
Bill 60 changes the Highway Traffic Act.
Now, before giving or renewing a licence, the Ministry can check your immigration documents such as your visa, work permit, or proof of residency.
If you cannot prove legal presence or work rights, your application can be refused.
This gives the government more power to verify each driver’s legal status.
The Four Major Driving Licence Changes
1. Proof of Visa or Work Permit Required
From now on, everyone must show proof of legal status in Canada (citizen, PR, or work/study permit holder).
If your immigration papers cannot be verified, your licence application may be stopped.
2. Visitors Cannot Get Commercial Licences
Visitors or short-term residents can no longer get Class A or D licences (truck or commercial).
Only those with valid work rights can apply.
This prevents misuse by people who are not authorized to work.
3. End of Automatic Foreign Licence Recognition
Ontario will now only accept licences from countries with reciprocal agreements (like the U.S. or U.K.).
Others must pass local written and road tests.
This ensures better training and stops fake foreign licences.
4. One Year of Canadian Experience for Truck Drivers
To get a Class A licence, applicants must now have one year of Canadian driving experience first.
This helps new drivers learn local road rules and weather conditions before driving large trucks.
Why Ontario Is Making These Changes
The government says these updates aim to:
- Stop licence fraud and fake documents
- Protect jobs for legal, trained drivers
- Increase road safety by ensuring drivers understand local conditions
- Match federal immigration rules so only authorized people can work as drivers
Who Will Be Most Affected
- Newcomers and Temporary Residents: Must keep valid immigration papers for licence renewals.
- Trucking Industry: May face longer hiring times due to new experience requirements.
- Driver-Training Schools: Must verify students’ work status before training.
- Municipalities: Must follow new road safety and lane-use guidelines under Bill 60.
When These Rules Will Start
Bill 60 is still being reviewed in Ontario’s Legislative Assembly.
Once approved, it could begin in early 2026, either immediately after Royal Assent or on a later announced date.
What Applicants Should Expect
- Proof of Ontario Residency: Such as a lease or utility bill.
- Proof of Legal Status: Such as a PR card, work permit, or passport.
- Proof of Work Rights: Required for commercial licences.
- Verification Process: The Ministry may check documents with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
- Testing Changes: Class A applicants must show 12 months of Canadian experience.
Final Summary
Ontario is linking driving licences directly to immigration and work authorization.
This means driving, especially professionally, is now a privilege tied to both skill and legal status.
The overall goal is safer roads, verified drivers, and a fair system for everyone.
Get in touch with SPS Global
Receive professional advice on any of your questions regarding Canadian immigration. get in touch with us, experienced immigration consultants from SPS Global. For additional information, contact support@spscanada.com (Canada) or support.amd@spscanada.com (Ahmedabad), or by phone at (1) 905-362-9393 (Canada) or +919586226232 (Ahmedabad).
