Drivers Abstract And Ontario Driving Record After DUI

What is it?

From the moment you get your G1 licence, your driving record begins.  The Ministry of Transportation will track everything to do with your driving history until you stop driving.  During your lifetime, the Ontario government will keep track of information such as:

• Identification Details: Your record will include your name, licence number, date of birth, sex and height.
• Licence Class: The government will know whether you have a G1, G2, G, M1, M2-M, M2-L, M2, M, Class A, Class B, Class C, Class D, Class E or Class F licence.
• Licence Details: Your record will list the current status of your driving licence, when it expires, the earliest date you can graduate to a higher licence class (if applicable), and whether your licence has any conditions, such as wearing glasses while you drive.
• Demerit Points: Your record will list your demerit point total, which may be impacted by any accidents you’ve been involved in.
• Suspensions: If you have any active Highway Traffic Act or Criminal Code suspensions, reinstatements, or convictions within the last three years, they will appear on your driving record.

Why is it important?

The above information will remain on your driving record for three years.  As a result, you cannot hide pesky demerit points or active suspensions from inquiring employers or car insurance companies when they request it.

Needless to say, it is important to keep your driving record as clean as possible as it can greatly impact your ability to gain employment that involves driving a vehicle, your ability to acquire insurance converge and your premium if you do secure coverage.

How is it used, and by who?

The information contained within your driving record will be relevant in a number of instances, such as:

• Potential Employer: With a job involving driving, your potential employer will likely request a copy of this information to see if you are a right fit for the position.
• Insurance Providers: Your driving record will be considered to determine if they want to insure you and, if so, what your yearly premium should be.
• Police: They will view your record at a traffic stop.
• Judicial services: If you are involved in a court case in relation to your driving or the use of your vehicle, your driving record may be assessed to assist in settling the matter.

How to check your Ontario driving record and history reports?

3-Year Driving Record

You can check your Ontario 3-year driving record by ordering an uncertified version of the report in-person at a ServiceOntario location or on the ServiceOntario website.  Once you provide your driver’s licence number and pay the $12 fee, you can view and print your record immediately.  If you require a seal from the Ministry of Transportation on the document for legal reasons, you can order a certified copy for an $18 fee.

Driver’s Licence History

If you want to view your Ontario driver’s licence history, you can visit a ServiceOntario location in person.  Alternatively, you can order an uncertified copy for $12 or a certified version for $18 online through the ServiceOntario website.  If you require the information immediately, you must visit a Service Ontario location in-person to order an uncertified version.

How does a DUI impact your Ontario Driving Record?

When you are charged with driving under the influence (DUI), you receive an immediate licence suspension which will vary depending on your history of DUIs.  Regardless, the licence suspension will be visible on your driving record.  As a result, you will be labelled as a “high-risk” driver, meaning it will be difficult and expensive to acquire car insurance.  The driving suspension will remain on your standard driving record for three years, although insurance companies may be able to view it for longer.

You will receive a further licence suspension and a fine if convicted of a DUI.  You may also be required to participate in the “Back on Track” driving rehabilitation program and install an “Ignition Interlock Device” in your vehicle.  As these are driving conditions to have your licence reinstated, as long as the conditions are active and three years have not passed since their completion, these penalties will remain on your driving record.

Driving record vs. driver abstract?

The terms ‘driving record’ and ‘driver abstract’ will often be used interchangeably.  However, a driver abstract is another term for a ‘3-year driver record’, merely one type of driving record available in Ontario.  Whereas a ‘driving record’ can refer to various kinds of records, such as the 3-year driver record or the ‘driver’s licence history.’

Frequently Asked Questions

What is your Ontario driving record?

An Ontario driving record is essentially a laundry list of everything the Ministry of Transportation needs to know about your driving history.  The information included will depend on what kind of record you request but may include information such as:

• Identification Details: Your record will include your name, licence number, date of birth, sex and height. Certain records will also include your address.
• Licence Class: The government will know whether you have a G1, G2, G, M1, M2-M, M2-L, M2, M, Class A, Class B, Class C, Class D, Class E or Class F licence.
• Licence Details: Your record will list the current status of your driving licence, when it expires, the earliest date you can graduate to a higher licence class (if applicable), and whether your licence has any conditions, such as wearing glasses while you drive.
• Demerit Points: Your record will list your demerit point total. If you have been involved in any accidents, it may affect your demerit points.
• Suspensions: If you have any active Highway Traffic Act or Criminal Code suspensions, reinstatements or convictions that have occurred within the last three years, they will appear on your driving record

What is a driver’s abstract in Ontario?

A driver’s abstract, or a 3-year driver record, is merely one kind of driving record you can obtain from ServiceOntario.  A driver’s abstract will include some of the information below from the most recent three years of driving:

• Identification Details: Your record will include your name, licence number, date of birth, sex and height.
• Licence Class: The government will know whether you have a G1, G2, G, M1, M2-M, M2-L, M2, M, Class A, Class B, Class C, Class D, Class E or Class F licence.
• Licence Details: Your record will list the current status of your driving licence, when it expires, the earliest date you can graduate to a higher licence class (if applicable), and whether your licence has any conditions, such as wearing glasses while you drive.
• Demerit Points: Your record will list your demerit point total. If you have been involved in any accidents, it may affect your demerit points.
• Suspensions: If you have any active Highway Traffic Act or Criminal Code suspensions, reinstatements or convictions that have occurred within the last three years, they will appear on your driving record

What is the difference between an uncertified and a certified record?

An uncertified record is a printout of your driving history that can usually be obtained immediately online, depending on the record type you seek.  In contrast, a certified record has a seal from the Ministry of Transportation.  This seal will certify the document for legal purposes.  A certified record will have a higher fee and take longer to procure.

Who can access your Ontario driving record?

There are numerous individuals or agencies who can access your driving record for a variety of purposes, such as:

• Potential Employer: With a job involving driving, your potential employer will likely request a copy of this information to see if you are a right fit for the position.
• Insurance Providers: Your driving record will be considered to determine if they want to insure you and, if so, what your yearly premium should be.
• Police: They will view your record at a traffic stop.
• Judicial services: If you are involved in a court case in relation to your driving or the use of your vehicle, your driving record may be assessed to assist in settling the matter.

What are the types of driving records in Ontario?

There are numerous types of driving records that different parties may request for various purposes.  In Ontario, the types of driving records include:

• 3-Year Driver Record: When an employer, other parties or yourself request a driving record, this is typically the one you will see. This record can be uncertified or certified, depending on if you need it for legal purposes.
• Driver’s Licence History: This record is typically requested by insurance companies and will include your identification details, your beginner driver course completion, licence renewal, replacements or class changes, and your residential address.
• 5-Year Driver Record: This record is typically requested by insurance providers. The record will include your identification details, demerit point total, and any convictions, suspensions and reinstatements from the past three years under the Highway Traffic Act or the past five years under the Criminal Code.  This record can be uncertified or certified, depending on if you need it for legal purposes.
• Extended Driver Record: An extended record will include the same information as the 5-year driver record, except it will show convictions, suspensions, and reinstatement under the Criminal Code as far back as possible. Judicial services might request this record for supporting documentation in court.
• Complete Driver Record: A Complete Driver Record, which insurance providers may request, contains an extensive list of information, including identification details, demerit point total, any convictions, suspensions and reinstatements as far back as possible under the Highway Traffic Act or Criminal Code, collisions, your residential address and licence renewals, replacements or class changes, and your residential address.
• Driver Confirmation Letter: If you require specific information not provided on your driving record, such as when you apply to drive outside the province, you may request this confirmation letter.

Who can see my driver’s abstract?

Much like other driving records, a driver abstract can be viewed by:

• Potential Employer: With a job involving driving, your potential employer will likely request a copy of this information to consider when deciding if you are right for the position.
• Insurance Providers: Your driving record will be considered to determine if they want to insure you and, if so, what your yearly premium should be.
• Police: They will view your record at a traffic stop.
• Judicial services: If you are involved in a court case in relation to your driving or the use of your vehicle, your driving record may be assessed to assist in settling the matter.

How to get an Ontario driver’s abstract

You can check your Ontario driver abstract, or 3-year driving record, by ordering an uncertified version of the report in-person at a ServiceOntario location or on the ServiceOntario website.  Once you provide your driver’s licence number and pay the $12 fee, you can view and print your record immediately.  If you require a seal from the Ministry of Transportation on the document for legal reasons, you can order a certified copy for an $18 fee.

Can I get my driver’s abstract online?

Yes, you can.  In fact, the quickest way to get your driver abstract is to order an uncertified version online through the ServiceOntario website.  To do so, you must provide your driver’s licence number and pay a $12 fee.

If you require a certified copy, you may also order it online through the ServiceOntario website.  This version will require an $18 fee and will take up to 15 business days to process your request.  Then, it will be sent to you by regular mail via Canada Post.

Where can I get a driver’s abstract in Ontario?

You can get a driver abstract (3-year driver record) in Ontario either in person at a ServiceOntario location or online through the ServiceOntario website.

What information is included in your driver’s abstract in Ontario?

A driver abstract, more commonly referred to as a ‘3-year driver record’, will include the following information:

• Identification Details: Your record will include your name, licence number, date of birth, sex and height.
• Licence Class: The government will know whether you have a G1, G2, G, M1, M2-M, M2-L, M2, M, Class A, Class B, Class C, Class D, Class E or Class F licence.
• Licence Details: Your record will list the current status of your driving licence, when it expires, the earliest date you can graduate to a higher licence class (if applicable), and whether your licence has any conditions, such as wearing glasses while you drive.
• Demerit Points: Your record will list your demerit point total. If you have been involved in any accidents, it may affect your demerit points.
• Suspensions: If you have any active Highway Traffic Act or Criminal Code suspensions, reinstatements, or convictions within the last three years, they will appear on your driving record.

When do I need a driver’s abstract?

There are a variety of situations which might require a driver abstract.  For one, if you are applying for a job which involves driving a vehicle, your potential employer will likely want to see that you have a good driving record.  Alternatively, insurance companies will want to see your driver abstract to determine if they should provide coverage and calculate your annual premium.

How much does a driver’s abstract cost in Ontario?

An uncertified driver abstract, or 3-year driver record, will cost you $12 to request from ServiceOntario.  If you require the Ministry’s seal on the document for legal purposes, you can request a certified copy from ServiceOntario for $18.

What is the CVOR driver’s abstract?

A Commercial Vehicle Operator’s Registration (CVOR) driver abstract is a different form of driving record for commercial vehicles.  There are three kinds of records in relation to commercial vehicles, one of which is the CVOR Driver Abstract which includes:

• Licence Status: The record will include the licence status, meaning whether the licence is active, suspended or expired.
• Location: The record only includes information pertaining to when the driver was operating in Ontario.
• 5-Year Record: If you have had any collisions, safety-related offences, convictions or inspections relating to your driving, these will all appear on your CVOR driver abstract.

The importance of a clean driving record

Your driving record will affect various aspects of your life for years.  Suppose you are a commercial truck driver with a licence suspension on your record.  In that case, your ability to gain employment will be severely impacted.

Alternatively, suppose you have a DUI on your driving record.  In that case, your insurance provider may cancel your policy, and your ability to obtain insurance coverage from another provider will be an uphill battle.  Even if you find “high-risk” coverage, your annual premium will cost you an arm and a leg.

Depending on the nature of the incidents that gave rise to your bad driving record, you may also have a licence suspension, fines or other penalties associated with your record.  All of these consequences will impact your ability to drive.

All this is to say that your life will be much simpler and more cost-effective if you keep a clean driving record.

What can impact your driving record?

Several factors can impact your driving record, such as:

• Accidents: Accidents can indicate poor driving and will remain on your record for some time.
• Minor Provincial Offences Convictions: While they have less impact than major convictions, minor convictions might include speeding or failing to stop at a stop sign.
• Major Provincial Offences Convictions: These might include distracted driving or passing a school bus while the lights are flashing.
• Criminal Code Offences: These would typically be offences related to impaired driving, such as driving at or over 80mg, driving while impaired, or dangerous driving.

What are some issues with having a bad driving record?

As noted above, your driving record will affect various aspects of your life for years to come.

• Employment: Suppose you are a commercial truck driver with a licence suspension on your record. In that case, your ability to gain employment will be severely impacted.
• Insurance: Alternatively, if you have a DUI on your driving record, your insurance provider may cancel your policy, and your ability to obtain coverage from another provider will be an uphill battle. Even if you find “high-risk” coverage, your annual premium will cost you an arm and a leg.
• Other penalties: Depending on the nature of the incidents that gave rise to your bad driving record, you may also have a licence suspension, fines or other penalties associated with your record. All of these consequences will impact your ability to drive.

Needless to say, you don’t want the hassle of dealing with a bad driving record looming over your head.

Does a poor driving record ever disappear?

Fortunately, most driving incidents will no longer appear on your driving record after three years from the date of the incident, the date you paid the fine or the date you were convicted.  Demerit points will be scrubbed from your record after two years from the date of the offence.

However, if an employer or insurance provider wants a more extensive Ontario driving record, they may still be able to view older driving incidents.  The best way to clean your driving record is typically to wait roughly five years, after which time any driving-related convictions will no longer appear on most driving record checks.

How does a bad driving record impact auto insurance?

As noted above, a bad driving record will greatly impact your ability to acquire or retain coverage and increase your annual premium.

• DUI: With a DUI, insurance providers can generally cancel your coverage. Your DUI will mean that you require “high-risk auto insurance,” which can be three to five times higher than the average premium.
• Other Driving Issues: With other driving issues like minor provincial offences, it is less likely that your insurance provider will cancel your coverage. However, with every driving-related incident, your premium will likely increase.  If your provider happens to cancel your coverage, you will probably be subject to “high-risk auto insurance” as well, a costly affair.

How often do insurance companies check driving records in Ontario?

Insurance companies will typically check your driving record within the last three years in the following instances:

• When you are securing a new auto insurance policy;
• When your policy is up for renewal; or
• If you have a poor driving record, your provider may do driving record checks every year to check if more convictions or suspensions have occurred.

How far back does insurance go to check driving records?

Typically, insurance providers will check for infractions within the last three years, although a more extensive 5-year driver record search may be conducted to verify longer-term driving history.

How do insurance companies check driving records?

One avenue that insurance companies can use to get access to your driving records through ServiceOntario.  Insurance providers may also use “AutoPlus,” a database which provides information on your policy, vehicle, drivers in your household, claims, accidents, tickets, long-term driving history, non-payments, and any cancellations of previous policies.