getting a trip permit in ontario

• Open-Hours: 9 am to 5pm
• [email protected]

1 (866) 800-4507

TOLL-FREE Number

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Monday to Friday

10 day trip permit Ontario

Carriers that are not registered in Ontario or commercial vehicles that exceed their registered weight while driving in Ontario, must apply for a 10-day trip permit to operate on Ontario’s King’s highways.

A special permit can be used to drive a vehicle in Ontario for 10 days starting from the date it is issued. With a special permit, you can temporarily: Drive or transport a passenger vehicle through Ontario without registering it in the province exceed the weight limit displayed on the permit for a commercial vehicle if you are relocating it for business purposes (e.g., an auto auction or to and from dealerships)

You can get a special permit for a passenger vehicle, if you: a) Import the vehicle from outside the province or country and do not intend to register it in Ontario b) Are a new resident to Ontario and recently bought the vehicle (you have 30 days to register the vehicle in the province) are moving the vehicle to or from an auto auction c) Have a “fit” vehicle that is at least 20 years old and doesn’t have the necessary documents to satisfy the retail sales tax registration requirements

You can get a special permit for a commercial vehicle, if you are: a) transporting a vehicle or trailer b) towing a vehicle or trailer c) carrying goods d) carrying more than 2 passengers (buses only)

IRP: Passenger vehicle: $23 Commercial vehicle (gross weight under 4500 kgs ): $23 Laden commercial vehicle (gross weight over 4500 kgs ) or bus, without trailer: $114 Laden commercial vehicle or bus, towing a trailer: $201 IFTA: Amount of KM * 0.089 Click here for an estimate

We issue temporary trip and fuel permits for plated vehicle. If your vehicle is unplated, please visit the nearest ServiceOntario Centre or call them at: 1-800-387-3445 (if you’re outside of Toronto but within North America) 416-235-2999   (if you’re within the GTA or outside of North America)

The permit is valid only for 10 days.

Approximately 3 hours after you receive our email confirmation. Not to be confused with the time you submitted the application. It is important to know that if you did not receive an email confirmation, your order has not been processed yet.

Name and address of Registered owner of the truck Year, Make of the truck and registered province Last six of the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) An email address where to send the permit Insurance Company name and policy number Origin and destination address Total axles on ground ( Truck + Trailer (if applicable) ) Load’s description

Choose one of the following options: 1) Online (Quicker) Our application form is the most convenient way to get your permit faster. To save you time, you don’t have to fill out the form completely, only the information mentioned above are required. Click here to apply for Ontario 10-day trip permit. 2) Over the phone: Give us a call at: +1 866-800-4507

Do you need Ontario oversize permit instead? Click here to continue

Central Forms Repository (CFR)

• Ministry of Transportation
• Oversize/Overweight Permit...

Oversize/Overweight Permit Application Single Trip Only

Need help downloading or filling forms.

Please check our Help page for solutions to common issues.

Alert! Adobe is making changes that affect all PDF forms.

PDF Forms will no longer work with older versions of Adobe Reader including Adobe Reader XI. Please update your free Adobe Reader to the latest version from the Acrobat Reader download page so that you can continue to access these forms.

Make the most of your experience with accessing, downloading, and filling forms acquired from the Central Forms Repository by watching this brief video overview.

Forms, Links, and Information

A single trip permit is issued to facilitate an oversize/overweight move for...

• More information

Additional Information

• FIND A DEALER

Car Reviews and Tips » What is a Temporary Vehicle Permit in Ontario?

What is a Temporary Vehicle Permit in Ontario?

The Province of Ontario offers temporary permits for the sole purpose of allowing Ontarians time to safety a newly purchased vehicle. Dealership sales for the most part will include a safety with the price. So, temporary permits will mainly be used in private sales. In this blog post, we’ll discuss when temporary stickers are available, how to obtain them, and what they cost. We’ll also talk about when you need a temporary permit, and how it fits into the used car buying process .

Temporary Permits

When a vehicle is sold privately in Ontario, it’s either listed with a safety standards certificate or as is. OMVIC.ON.CA created the following disclaimer that should accompany each vehicle sold at a dealership without a safety: “This vehicle is being sold ‘as is,’ unfit, and is not represented as being in road worthy condition, mechanically sound or maintained at any guaranteed level of quality. The vehicle may not be fit for use as a means of transportation and may require substantial repairs at the purchaser’s expense. It may not be possible to register the vehicle to be driven in its current condition.”

This disclaimer is a good definition for as-is vehicles. If you buy a vehicle from another person privately and they do not provide you with a safety, your vehicle is also as-is. The process of getting an as-is vehicle on the road ready to drive is not too complicated, so let’s get started.

The Process of Getting a Temporary Plate and Sticker

Step 1: After you’ve purchased a vehicle from the seller, they’ll sign the back of the registration in the section that says “signature of seller.” They’ll also provide you with a Used Vehicle Information Package (UVIP) that can be purchased at any Service Ontario location for $20. Fill out the bill of sale portion of the UVIP, with the seller’s info, your info, the date of sale, as well as purchase price. On the front of the UVIP is a wholesale value. The tax you pay on your new vehicle is the higher amount between that and the actual price you paid for the car.

Step 2: Call your insurance company to tell them you purchased a new vehicle. After they have insurance coverage setup on the vehicle, and they have sent you proof, you can go to Service Ontario to get a temporary permit.

Step 3: Before you visit Service Ontario, decide what you will do about plates. If you currently own plates that are not attached to a vehicle, you could use those to get the temporary permit for the new vehicle. The other option is to purchase new plates at a cost of $59. At Service Ontario, you will pay the taxes on the sale of your new vehicle, you may purchase plates, and for $15 you will get a temporary licence plate sticker . This sticker is valid for the next 10 days after purchase.

Temporary Plate Sticker

So…What’s next after getting a temporary sticker? Get a licensed mechanic to safety certify the vehicle for you. Once you have the certificate of safety, you can plate your new vehicle with a proper sticker. If, for example, you can’t safety the vehicle within the 10 days, you are allowed one extension for 10 more days. However, after that the vehicle has to be permanently plated. One thing to keep in mind is an owner can obtain a temporary permit sticker once while they own the vehicle.

The Takeaway

If you would like to purchase that nice, low-mileage car from your trustworthy neighbour, but thought it was a hassle because of all the paperwork needed, we hope you see now how simple it is to purchase a temporary vehicle permit to allow you to safety your vehicle. As long as you remember that your permit only lasts 10 days, it can be purchased at any Service Ontario location.

Permitting and Registration for International Registration Plan and Oversize/Overweight

Use and operation of the State of Ontario web pages are governed by the laws of Ontario. Information collected at the State of Ontario web page may be subject to disclosure under the public record laws of Ontario including, but not limited to: Ontario Statute §74-102 et seq.

The state does maintain logs of visits to and use of its web pages. The state uses this information only for statistical analysis in order to identify user preferences and make the sites more user friendly. No personal information is gleaned or used from the logs. The collected information is not used to identify individual users and internet service providers.

E-mail logs for incoming e-mail concerning sender’s and receiver’s identification and the date and time that the message was sent are also maintained. The e-mail log does contain the message sent.

The state also employs security measures which, in the event of any attempt at compromising the state’s web pages and its support systems, are capable of identifying the offending individual user and the user’s internet service provider. All efforts at breaching the security of the state web pages and its support systems will be referred to the appropriate law enforcement agency for investigation and prosecution.

ANYONE USING THIS SYSTEM EXPRESSLY CONSENTS TO SUCH MONITORING.

Information

• This is the Ontario Ministry of Transportation website for initiating IRP (International Registration Plan) and Full Fee (intrastate) commercial registrations, temporary registration (trip) permits, Hazardous Materials endorsements and Hazardous Waste permits.
• If you do not have a User ID and Password for PRIO, e-mail [email protected] . Be sure to include your Ontario Account Number (if known), your USDOT number, your company name, and the name and e-mail address of each user requesting access.
• If you have misplaced or forgotten your Password, enter your User ID and click the “forgot password” link below. A temporary password will be e-mailed to the e-mail on file. For any other issues, e-mail [email protected] with a description of the issue you are experiencing.

• Temporary Trip & Fuel Permits

Permits Canada offers temporary trip and fuel permits for all Canadian provinces and the continental United States. Permits are issued when you want to travel in a province or state and you do not have annual IFTA or IRP registrations. Trip and fuel permits can also be issued separately. Turnaround is quick and our team is very experienced with over 30 years in the business.

More information

Vehicles that are registered (RGVW) for over 11 000 kg (24000 lbs) or have 3 or more axles are required to obtain a temporary trip and fuel permit. Prices for temporary trip and fuel permits vary depending on the mileage you do in each province, gross vehicle weight, type of configuration, loaded or not loaded, etc.

Turnaround time to obtain a temporary trip and fuel permit vary depending on where you want to go but usually can be issued the same day. To do so, simply fill out the trip and fuel application from Permits Canada (you can find on this page) and return it to us at the following address: [email protected] .

Also, Permits Canada is not responsible for issuing IFTA and IRP (they are issued by the local DMV and provincial finance authorities). Our services include temporary trip and fuel permits, oversize and overweight permits, fuel tax reporting and permanent registration (NIR, NEQ, CVOR, DOT, UCR, HUT and more).

Trip & Fuel Permit Online Form

Printable version

" * " indicates required fields

• Oversize / Overweight Permits
• Canadian & US Authorities
• Get Permits Now

How to Survive Life in the Suburbs

How To Get An International Drivers License In Ontario

in Travel on 09/06/19

Will you be travelling outside of Canada this year?  From Italy to France, to Japan and beyond if you are doing some travelling and will be driving, it’s smart to get an International Drivers License.  The International Drivers License, or IDP, is recommended for drivers in more than 150 countries.

Now this isn’t really a “license”.  You already have one of those issued by your province or state – this is instead a permit, a small, passport-like booklet that is used in conjunction with your existing drivers license and offers you all kinds of peace of mind. Although not all countries outside of Canada require an International Drivers License – if you were to be pulled over by the police it my help you to have that little piece of paper as it is universally recognized.  It may also make renting a car outside of the country easier.

Here’s everything you need to know.

How do you get an International Drivers License in Canada?

If you are 18 or older and already have a Canadian driver’s license it’s actually very straight forward.

• Print out the application and fill it out. in full.
• Take it into your local CAA office
• You will also need to take a photocopy of the front and back of your Canadian driver’s license and two (2) approved passport type photos.  (Some CAA offices do these photos right on site, otherwise places like Costco do them quickly and efficently.)
• Pay the $25 fee.
• Your international drivers license should be ready in as little as 20 minutes.

The license is good from one year from the time it is printed.

The International Drivers Licence allows travellers to drive in over 150 different countries without further tests or applications.  Be sure to brush up on the local laws before you drive!

The International Drivers Permit is only valid when used in conjunction with a valid Canadian provincial driver’s license.

An IDP also provides you with an extra piece of photo identification for international travel.

Plus, it’s kind of cool.

Could there be a better way to really feel like a local then hopping in your very own car and heading out on the road?  Be safe, have fun and happy travels!

February 2, 2020 at 8:34 am

I never knew this!!!! Thank you for this! I’ve printed this to keep for reference in my travel folder

March 6, 2020 at 4:26 pm

You’re welcome, every little bit of information helps 🙂

October 15, 2019 at 8:58 am

Thanks for the info. A friend recently received her license.

October 5, 2019 at 5:17 pm

This is great!! Thanks!

September 22, 2019 at 3:00 pm

Did not know about the International drivers license. Thanks

September 20, 2019 at 7:32 pm

This is really great information and something I never thought about obtaining. It sounds very easy to do also and that a plus because I hate lots of paperwork and red tape. Thanks so much for sharing this and wishing you Happy Travels.

September 17, 2019 at 12:04 pm

I didn’t know there was such a thing. Good to know though.

September 14, 2019 at 3:34 pm

Nice that the process is easy & quick! I’ve never even thought about an International drivers licence before!

September 13, 2019 at 7:12 pm

If heading to Europe I think the International license is a must even if the country you are visiting does not require it. When we visited we ended up traveling to some countries which were not planned and these did require it.

September 13, 2019 at 3:07 pm

Did not know you needed an international drivers license. My daughter rented a car in France and Ireland on our vacation last year without one. Got a speeding ticket in the mail from France when she got home.

September 10, 2019 at 8:17 am

I did not know about the international drivers licence Thank you for the information

September 9, 2019 at 11:42 am

One should also remember the travel health insurance if travelling out of the province or abroad. I was lucky when I fell down a set of concrete stairs whilst in Australia and landed in hospital (since I did have insurance), my very first ambulance ride! That was expensive but not cripplingly so – I shudder to think of the cost had it been the States.

September 9, 2019 at 7:53 pm

Oh my goodness! I’m so sorry to hear about your fall. Thank goodness you had travel insurance and completely agree – I won’t travel without it!

September 6, 2019 at 10:27 am

I thought I was being sensible when I got my international driver’s license since I was hiring cars in England and Germany. Not one firm wanted to see it, my Canadian license was all they wanted, strange eh?

September 9, 2019 at 7:54 pm

That is strange! I’ve been told even the rental agency in Italy will want to see it. Oh well, better to be safe than sorry, right ?

October 25, 2019 at 11:58 am

Yes, better to be safe than sorry. I do wonder if my British accent had anything to do with it. It was expensive renting a car though as I had to have an automatic (couldn’t cope with being on the wrong side of the car and road any more!). In England and Germany automatics only came as huge SUVs, not good on the small country lanes (which are often only a single lane with passing zones) in the south of England that’s for sure.

Hamilton Search

• Temporary Road Use Permits

Cybersecurity Incident Response

• Getting Around
• Driving & Traffic
• CarShare in Hamilton
• Lane Restrictions & Road Closures
• Main Street Two-way Conversion Study
• Permanent Road, Alley and Walkway Closures
• Queen Street Two-way Traffic Conversion
• Taxi Services in Hamilton
• Traffic Signals & Signage
• Truck Route Network
• Distracted Driving
• Motorcycle Safety
• Pedestrian Crossovers
• Rail Safety
• Rain Road Safety
• Roadway Safety Tools
• Roundabouts
• Safe Stopping
• Seatbelt Safety
• Slow Down, Move Over for Emergency Vehicles
• Speeding & Slow Down Zones
• Walking on Expressways
• Winter Driving
• Wilson Street Two-way Traffic Conversion

Email  [email protected]

If you require short-term occupancy of sidewalks or lanes of a roadway, you first need a Temporary Lane and Sidewalk Occupancy Permit from the City of Hamilton. This ensures proper approvals and compliance requirements are met to keep the public safe on all City roads and sidewalks.

Apply for a Temporary Lane & Sidewalk Occupancy Permit

Complete the Temporary Lane & Sidewalk Occupancy Permit Application

• The permit fee is required upon issuance of the permit. Visa and Master Card is accepted.
• Unrestricted Lane Occupancy (i.e. Local Lane, Partial Sidewalk, Alley, Walk-through Scaffolding)  $59.20 (per 14 day period)
• Restricted Lane Occupancy (Arterial lanes signed No Parking Anytime / No Stopping Anytime)  $59.20 (per lane/per day)
• Sidewalk Closure ("Pedestrians Use Other Sidewalk" signs are to be installed by and at the applicant's expense)  $128.20 (per 14 day period)
• Occupancies related to Road Cuts (Excavations) follow the Unrestricted and Restricted Lane Occupancy fee listed above. Sidewalk Closure Permit Fee does not apply.
• Extensions of all above mentioned permits will be considered on a case by case basis. Please email prior to permit expiry.

Please provide a minimum of 5 days notice.

You need a Temporary Road Closure Permit when occupancy of a full roadway or one full direction of traffic on a roadway is blocked for more than three to five minutes.

Apply for a temporary road closure permit

Complete the Temporary Road Closure Application

A minimum of 2 weeks notice is required to process a Temporary Road Closure Application.

Please note that Temporary Road Closures are not encouraged. Every other option should be exhausted before submitting an application to close a road.  ** If you are requesting a road closure due to Development-related water/sewer connections, please contact your inspector in Development Construction as they stickhandle this road closure process.

Upon Approval (via a Delegated Authority Letter signed by the Chief Road Official), the following conditional items will be required prior to closure:

• Certificate of Insurance (minimum 2 million liability naming the City of Hamilton as an additional insured, or 5 million if fireworks or alcohol are part of your event)
• Neighbourhood Notice (to be delivered to all property owners affected by the closure, a minimum of one week prior to your event)
• Traffic Control Plan (to be created by, setup and taken down by an OTM Book 7 qualified Traffic Control Company) . Please contact us if you require a list of known Traffic Control Companies.
• 2024 Permit fee for Construction is $1,678.39 (no GST).
• 2024 Permit fee for Filming & Events is $300 (no GST).

If you want to operate an oversized or overweight truck on City roads, you need an Oversize Permit and proper liability insurance.

Apply for an oversize truck permit for an oversized or overweight truck

Please note that it may take up to 5 business days for standard oversize applications. All overweight applications may require additional review time

Single Trip Permit Application

2024 Permit fee is $162.39 (no GST)  

Annual Permit Application

Over dimensional fee is $324.79 (no GST) Over weight fee is $235 per tonne overweight

How to get a driver’s licence in Ontario

Driving in Canada can be a great way to get to know a new country. After all, there’s plenty of beautiful scenery to take in, from coast-to-coast. In order to legally drive in Canada, you’ll need a driver’s licence that is authorized by your local province or territory. For newcomers looking to settle in Ontario , here’s everything you need to know about obtaining your driver’s licence and some of the specific rules to keep in mind when you’re behind the wheel.

In this article:

• An overview of licencing rules
• How to get your driver’s licence from scratch as a novice
• How to get your driver’s license based on previous driving experience in your home country
• Fee structure for a driver’s licence
• Things to note about driving in the province

An overview of licencing rules in Ontario

Ontario operates on a graduated licence system, as it helps to reduce the risks that new drivers face, especially driving in a province with ice and snow. In order to possess a full driver’s licence, drivers are required to complete the graduated licence system. In Ontario, this means going from a G1 licence to a G2 licence to a full G licence. It consists of one written exam and two road tests. This system is designed to give novice drivers plenty of hands-on experience before they drive independently with little-to-no restrictions. 

Here are the three levels of driver’s licences in Ontario: 

1. G1 licence

A G1 licence is the equivalent of getting a learner’s permit or beginner’s licence. You must be at least 16 years old to apply for a G1 licence and have passed an eye exam and written test about the road rules and traffic signs in Ontario . A driver with a G1 licence is not permitted to drive on their own. They must be accompanied by a person who has had a valid full G licence for a minimum of 4 years and has zero alcohol consumption. 

This type of licence has the most restrictions, including: 

• Zero alcohol consumption and zero cannabis in their system 
• No driving between midnight to 5 a.m.
• No driving on 400-series highways, including the Gardiner Expressway, Don Valley Parkway (DVP), and the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW)
• Seatbelts must be worn by all passengers at all times
• Permitted to drive G class vehicles only

2. G2 licence

A G2 licence gives a driver more freedom, including the ability to drive solo and without any time restrictions, unless you are under the age of 19. In order to obtain a G2 licence, you’ll need to pass a G1 exit road test. Drivers are required to hold a G2 licence for a minimum of one year before they are eligible to take a G2 exit road test. 

Even with a G2 licence, there are some restrictions, including: 

• Zero alcohol consumption and zero cannabis in your system 
• All passengers must wear seatbelts
• Only carry as many passengers as working seatbelts
• Practice for a period of 12 months on any and all Ontario roads 

3. Full G licence

A G licence is a full driver’s licence and the last step in Ontario’s graduating licence system. While a G licence offers the maximum amount of freedom, there are still certain limitations to keep pedestrians, you, and other drivers on the road safe. 

They include:

• Permitted to only drive a G class vehicle (for example, no motorbikes)
• Cannot have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of more than 0.08 per cent (or 80mg) 
• Drivers aged 21 years old or younger must have a blood alcohol concentration of zero 

How to get your driver’s licence in Ontario 

Visitors to Ontario who have a valid driver’s licence from another country are able to legally drive in Ontario for up to 90 days, provided the vehicle has proper insurance and they carry proof of vehicle ownership. For anyone who plans to settle in Ontario as a permanent resident (PR) , you’ll need to apply for an Ontario drivers’ licence within 60 days of arriving in the province. New residents to Ontario with a valid driver’s licence from another province, state, or country are permitted to use it for the first 60 days after moving here. If you are moving to Ontario as an international student or foreign worker, these rules may also apply. Contact the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO) to learn more. 

Applying for a driver’s licence in Ontario from scratch as a novice

If you don’t have an existing licence and would like to get an Ontario driver’s licence , you have to be at least 16 years old to apply.

Steps involved:

• Prepare for the test in advance by studying a copy of the Official Ministry of Transportation (MTO) Driver’s Handbook .
• Book an appointment at a DriveTest Centre online in order to complete a written driver’s licence test. 
• A fee of $159.75 CAD plus taxes is required. This is the “G1 licence package” fee and includes the cost of sitting a written knowledge test, your first road test, which graduates you from a G1 to a G2 licence, and a five-year licencing fee. This fee is payable at the time of application. If you are booking online, you can prepay the fee, otherwise payment is made at all DriveTest Centres. 
• To apply, visit a DriveTest Centre or Travel Point (this is a temporary DriveTest Centre in areas of Ontario where there is no regional centre) on the day and time of appointment. 
• At your appointment, you’ll be required to show valid, original proof of your legal age, date of birth and signature. You’ll also be asked questions about your health to assess whether there are any medical conditions that would make it unsafe for you to drive and do an eye exam. 
• Take the written test. 
• Once you pass the written test, you will receive your G1 licence and be considered a beginner driver. 
• You then need to wait 12 months before applying for a G2 licence.

Applying for a new driver’s licence in Ontario based on previous driving experience in your home country

If you have previous driving experience and a valid licence in your home country, you may belong to one of the following categories:

• You’re moving from a country where Ontario has a reciprocal arrangement for driver’s licence 
• You have limited driving experience in your home country (less than two years)
• You are an experienced driver in your home country (have been driving for more than two years)  

1. Moving from a country with a reciprocal arrangement for driver’s licence

Eligible countries: United States, Australia, Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Great Britain, the Isle of Man, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Switzerland, and Taiwan.

Process to get a local driving licence in Ontario: Exchange your existing licence from your home country. It is a relatively straightforward process; no need to take a driving test. 

Key eligibility criteria: You must have been fully licenced with two or more years of driving experience.

Steps involved: Apply in-person at a DriveTest centre or the ServiceOntario Bay and College Street location in Toronto and do the following:

• Take an eye test
• Bring an original acceptable form of ID that shows your legal name, date of birth and signature
• Bring your original, valid foreign driver’s licence
• Bring any supporting documents that show proof of your driving experience
• Fill out an application form
• Pay the fee: The cost of exchanging your driver’s licence from a country with a reciprocal agreement with Ontario is $90 CAD plus tax 

If you have less than two years of driving experience in a reciprocal country:

• If you have a learner’s permit from any of these countries listed, you cannot swap it for an Ontario driver’s licence. However, you might still be able to fast-track getting your licence and get credit for previous driving experience. 
• Additionally, you will need to apply to take the G2 road test once you have gained full two years of driving experience (including the driving experience in your home country).  

2. Moving from a country with no reciprocal arrangement for driver’s licence

If you have limited driving experience in your home country

How to show proof of previous driving experience: 

• For one year of driving experience: The government of Ontario permits individuals to self-declare one year of driving experience by showing a valid, original driver’s licence issued in another country. 
• For more than one year of driving experience: You’ll need to provide an official letter from the agency that issued the licence confirming your driving experience. This letter is also known as a “driving extract.”

Steps involved in applying for an Ontario driver’s licence:

• Study for the test by reading Ontario’s Official Driver Handbook (2020 edition). A copy driver’s handbook can be ordered online in French and English or purchased through a DriveTest centre of ServiceOntario Bay and College for $14.95 CAD plus tax. 
• Apply in-person at a DriveTest centre or the ServiceOntario Bay and College Street location in Toronto. 
• Show essential documents of identification: Proof of your name, date of birth and signature. All documents must be original and valid.
• Pay the fee (refer to the fee structure below).
• Take an eye test and a written test about the rules of the road and traffic signs.  

Next steps for those applying with less than two years of driving experience in their home country:

• You will then need to take two road tests: a G1 test and the G2 test. You can book a G1 road test as soon as you pass the written test. 
• Once you pass the G1, which will test you on simple things like turning left and right, stopping and parking, you will receive a G1 licence. This licence has certain restrictions attached. 
• You must then wait until you have one full year of driving experience before applying for a G2 test; driving experience from your home country is considered. For example, if you have six months’ experience driving on a foreign licence, you can take your G2 test after six months in Ontario. 
• Once you pass the G2 test you will receive a full licence.  

Next steps for those applying with more than two years of driving experience in their home country:

• Once you pass both the written test and eye test, you will need to take one G2 road test. You are eligible to book the G2 road test immediately, and do not need to wait. 
• Once you have passed the G2 test, you will receive a full licence. 

What is the fee structure for a driver’s licence in Ontario

Effective July, 2019, the fee structure for an Ontario driver’s licence is as follows: 

What you need to know about driving in Ontario

Even if you’ve been driving for over 20 years, it’s probably a good idea to familiarize yourself with the rules of the road in Ontario before getting behind the wheel of a car. This is because there may be some rules that you may be unfamiliar with in your home country. 

Here are some common road rules for Ontario:

• You and your passengers must always wear a seatbelt while driving.
• Speed is measured in kilometres per hour. Where there are no speed limits posted, the maximum speed is 50 km/hour in cities, towns and villages, and 80 km/hour elsewhere. 
• Pedestrians always have the right of way.
• Cyclists must also follow the rules of the road, but drivers must be aware of them. 
• It is legal to turn right at a red light, as long as you come to a complete stop first and wait until the way is clear. At some intersections, there may be a sign prohibiting a right-hand turn on a red light. 
• Come to a complete stop at a four-way stop and drivers take turns driving through in order of arrival at the stop. 
• If you are driving in Toronto, you must stop behind a stopped streetcar and stay at least two metres behind the rear doors to allow passengers to safely get on and off. You must also pass streetcars on the right unless you are driving on a one-way road.
• Drivers are required to stop for stopped school buses with their red light flashing and/or stop arm activated. If the bus is stopped on a road without a median then traffic in either direction must stop and are not permitted to move until the red lights have stopped flashing and the stop arm is no longer activated. On roads with a median, only traffic behind the school bus is required to stop. 
• At a pedestrian crossing or school crossing guard, you must come to a complete stop and allow pedestrians to completely cross safely to the other side of the road and onto the sidewalk before proceeding. 
• You are required to slow down and pull to the right if an emergency vehicle is driving behind you with its lights flashing and/or sires on. This includes an ambulance, fire truck, or police vehicle. 
• No distracted driving is permitted, including mobile phones.
• Driving while intoxicated is punishable by law. For drivers on a G1 licence, the maximum legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08 per cent. Even if you are caught driving between 0.05 and 0.08 per cent you could face serious consequences. This is commonly referred to as the “warn range.”
• It is legal to pass on the right or the left, but passing on the left is generally more common and predictable, making it a safer choice for passing.
• It is illegal to drive a car in Ontario without valid car insurance.

The Canada Safety Council has some winter driving tips . Some important things to remember are:

• Make sure that your vehicle is prepared for winter driving.
• Consider investing in winter tires, which provide better traction under ice and snow.
• Drive smoothly and slowly.
• Don’t tailgate – this will make it harder to stop safely.
• Brake before you make a turn.
• Keep your lights on during snow to increase visibility.

Be sure to familiarize yourself with the process of obtaining a local driver’s license. Brush up on your road rules ahead of time and stay safe. Having a provincial driver’s licence will give you the freedom to commute to work, explore your new neighbourhood, even take a road trip and see more of Ontario ! 

Things our lawyers want you to know

This article offers general information only and is not intended as legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. While information presented is believed to be factual and current, its accuracy is not guaranteed and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the author(s) as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by Royal Bank of Canada or its affiliates.

Related Posts

About Arrive

Arrive makes it easier for newcomers and international students to make a smooth landing in Canada by providing the information and guidance they need. Arrive provides up to date, informative articles, guides, webinars, digital tools and expert advice to help newcomers prepare for their arrival, and adapt to the Canadian job market and cultural landscape. Students can get ready for their Canadian studies, so that they are set up for academic and professional success in Canada.

Arrive is supported by Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), the largest bank in Canada* and one of the most reputed banks in the world, employing 80,000 people worldwide. This places us in a unique position to be able to help and support newcomers, like yourself, with credible and reliable resources that can help you get started while setting up a strong financial foundation in Canada.

*Based on market capitalization We will only collect, use and disclose your personal information for the purpose you provided it. We will not sell your personal information to any third parties. If you have any questions, see our Privacy Policy or Contact Us.

Note: California residents see our California Privacy Notice.

Get the latest updates, resources, and stories about the Canadian experience.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Thank you for signing up to receive emails

Sign up for Arrive’s newsletter

Get the latest newcomer updates and resources.

Arrive | 20 Bay Street, 17th Floor | Toronto, ON M5N 2J8 | Canada www.arrivein.com

Trail Pass Info

Purchase your QuadON Trail Permit Powered by OFATV

Check out the OFATV interactive trail guide network

Where can I legally ride on the road?

ATV & SxS Laws and Regulations

OFATV Membership/Permit Information

Annual permit.

One calendar year (365 days from date of purchase): $150 ($132.74 + tax) Your new or renewed OFATV Permit is much more than just a trail permit. Joining an OFATV club gives you the opportunity to shape the future of the sport and participate in the development of a province wide trail system.

Up to 75% of your permit dollars are used to build and maintain ATV trails in the area in which you chose to sponsor when you purchased your OFATV trail permit. This is why it is extremely important to “buy where you ride” The remaining 25% pays for government taxes, (HST) liability insurance, government lobbying, and helps to cover the operating expenses of the OFATV.

Family Permit

The OFATV and its member clubs offer a discount for Families wishing to purchase more than 2 permits.

Family Permit rules:

1. All family permit holders must reside in the same household (Same address) and be able to prove it to the retailer / club member with a valid ID. (Drivers license, student card, anything current with a name and address on it)

2. The cost for permit 1 & 2 is $150.00 each (includes HST)

3. The cost for subsequent permits are $100.00 each (Includes HST)

4. Each family permit comes with a membership of the OFATV Club selected as per the clubs bylaws.

5. Each permit comes with 1 trail permit which must be permanently affixed to the ATV to be valid.

6. The permits must all be purchased at the same time and for the same time period.

Three Day Permit

For riders who wish to try an OFATV trail for a couple of days without buying a one year membership there is an OFATV 3 DAY Permit.

Three day permits are available online. 3 day permits are emailed to you if you purchase online, and you must print and take the permit on the trail with you. If you purchase directly from a club or a retailer you will be required to complete a temporary permit form and a copy will be provided for you as proof of purchase while on the trails.

Three day permits are valid for 3 consecutive days starting from the date on the permit. (You may purchase a permit for a future date, simply mark the starting day of your trip on the application.)

The cost for the 3 day permit is $55 including tax

For more information about purchasing a 3 day permit or the trails that you wish to ride, please visit the local clubs web site.

Ontario Permit Overview

What permit do I need to ride the trails? This can be a complicated question. In Ontario there are still several trail organizations that have their own permits. These permits allow you to ride the trails of the parent organization and in some cases multiple trail organizations. Here is an overview of the trail organizations in Ontario and their permits. Also shown is the trail permits in use by each organization.

The goal of the OFATV is to have one trail permit province wide which allows access to all trail systems. This work is ongoing so keep an eye on our website for changes as they come.

More information

For more information about purchasing a trail permit or the trails that you wish to ride, please visit the local clubs web site. For a complete list of clubs see our club page, or if you are unsure where the clubs are try our interactive map.

Please remember that you must always wear a helmet and follow the laws of Ontario. For a complete list please see the regulations page.

Ontario.ca needs JavaScript to function properly and provide you with a fast, stable experience.

To have a better experience, you need to:

• Go to your browser's settings
• Enable JavaScript

Driver’s licence

Find the services you need related to your Ontario driver’s licence.

Get a driver’s licence: first time driver

Start the process to get a driver’s licence in Ontario.

Renew your driver’s licence

To renew, replace, change information, pay fines or change your sex designation.

New drivers

• Get a G driver’s licence (car, van or small truck)
• Get a motorcycle licence

Truck and bus drivers

• Get a truck driver’s licence (full Class A, restricted Class A and Class D)
• Get a bus driver’s licence (school bus, transit and ambulance)

Licensed drivers

• Renew your licence: 80 years and over
• Renew your licence: outside Ontario
• Change your address
• Change information (e.g. name, vision restriction)
• Replace a lost, stolen or damaged licence
• Exchange your licence (out-of-province/country)

Other services

• Drive in Ontario: visitors
• Driver records
• Get an accessible parking permit
• Understanding demerit points

Your last-minute guide to Monday's total solar eclipse

A total solar eclipse will cross North America on Monday , offering millions a rare opportunity to see afternoon skies temporarily darken as the moon blocks the face of the sun.

Tune into NBC News NOW as Lester Holt hosts a two-hour special at 2 p.m. ET Monday from Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The eclipse's path fortuitously cuts across Mexico, 15 U.S. states and a small part of eastern Canada. In all other states in the continental U.S., viewers will be treated to a partial solar eclipse, with the moon appearing to take a bite out of the sun and obscuring part of its light.

Here’s everything you need to know about the rare celestial event.

What is a solar eclipse?

Solar eclipses occur when the sun, moon and Earth align. The moon passes between Earth and sun, temporarily blocking the sun’s light and casting a shadow on Earth.

A total solar eclipse is when the moon fully obscures the sun, whereas a partial solar eclipse means it blocks just a portion of the sun’s face.

Solar eclipses occur only with the new moon. Because the moon’s orbit around Earth is tilted, the three bodies don’t always line up in a way that creates an eclipse.

“Imagine if the moon’s orbit were in the plane of Earth’s orbit around the sun — if that were the case, then every new moon, you’d have a total solar eclipse and every full moon, you’d have a lunar eclipse,” Neil DeGrasse Tyson, director of the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History, told NBC News. “So, because things don’t always align, it lends to the rarity of the event and the specialness of the event.”

Where and when will the eclipse be visible?

This year’s eclipse will follow a slightly wider path over more populated areas of the continental U.S. than other total solar eclipses have in the recent past.

NASA estimates that 31.6 million people live within what’s known as the path of totality, where the total solar eclipse will be visible. An additional 150 million people live within 200 miles of the path, according to the agency.

The path travels through Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Tiny parts of Michigan and Tennessee will also be able to witness totality if conditions are clear.

After the eclipse crosses into Canada, it will pass over southern Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Cape Breton, at the eastern end of Nova Scotia.

Those outside the path of totality can still take part in the astronomical event by viewing a partial solar eclipse — visible throughout all 48 states of the contiguous U.S. — or a NASA livestream.

The timing, including how long totality lasts, depends on the location, but some spots will see the moon fully cover the sun for up to 4 minutes and 28 seconds.

Below is a list of timings for some cities along the path of totality, as  provided by NASA . A number of other resources, including NationalEclipse.com  and  TimeandDate.com , can also help people plan.

• Dallas: Partial eclipse begins at 12:23 p.m. CT and totality at 1:40 p.m.
• Little Rock, Arkansas: Partial eclipse begins at 12:33 p.m. CT and totality at 1:51 p.m.
• Cleveland: Partial eclipse begins at 1:59 p.m. ET and totality at 3:13 p.m.
• Buffalo, New York: Partial eclipse begins at 2:04 p.m. ET and totality at 3:18 p.m.
• Lancaster, New Hampshire: Partial eclipse begins at 2:16 p.m. ET and totality at 3:27 p.m.

How to safely view a solar eclipse

It is never safe to gaze directly at the sun, even when it is partly or mostly covered by the moon. Special eclipse glasses or  pinhole projectors  are required to safely view solar eclipses and prevent eye damage. Failing to take the proper precautions can result in severe eye injury,  according to NASA .

Eclipse glasses are thousands of times darker than normal sunglasses and specially made to enable wearers to look at the sun during these kinds of celestial events.

Sky-watchers should also never view any part of the sun through binoculars, telescopes or camera lenses unless they have specific solar filters attached. Eclipse glasses should not be used with these devices, as they will not provide adequate protection.

However, during the few minutes of totality, when the moon is fully blocking the sun, it is safe to look with the naked eye.

Beware of fake eclipse glasses. On legitimate pairs, the lenses should have a silver appearance on the front and be black on the inside. The manufacturer’s name and address should be clearly labeled, and they should not be torn or punctured. Check, as well, for the ISO logo and the code “IS 12312-2” printed on the inside.

If you don’t have eclipse glasses, you can make a homemade pinhole projector, which lets sunlight in through a small hole, focuses it and projects it onto a piece of paper, wall or other surface to create an image of the sun that is safe to look at. 

All you need is two pieces of white cardboard or plain white paper, aluminum foil and a pin or thumbtack. Cut a 1- to 2-inch square or rectangle out of the center of a piece of white paper or cardboard. Tape aluminum foil over that cut-out shape, then use a pin or thumbtack to poke a tiny hole in the foil.

During the eclipse, place a second piece of white paper or cardboard on the ground as a screen and hold the projector with the foil facing up and your back to the sun. Adjusting how far you hold the projector from the second piece of paper will alter the size of the image on the makeshift screen.

What to look for while viewing the total solar eclipse

For people along the path of totality, there are some fun milestones to keep track of as the total solar eclipse unfolds.

As the eclipse progresses and the sun gets thinner in the sky, it will start to get eerily dark, according to Tyson.

When the last beams of sunlight are about to become obscured, look out for the “diamond ring effect”: The sun’s atmosphere will appear as an illuminated halo, and the last light still visible will look like the diamond of a giant ring.

As the sunlight decreases even further, an effect known as Baily’s beads will be created by the moon’s rugged terrain. Tiny “beads” of light will be visible for only a few seconds around the dark moon, as the last bits of sunlight peer through the moon’s mountains and valleys.

When the moon is fully blocking the sun, it is safe to remove eclipse glasses and look at the total solar eclipse with the naked eye.

Some lucky sky-watchers may even catch a glimpse of a comet .

Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks — nicknamed the “ devil comet ” because an eruption last year left it with two distinct trails of gas and ice in the shape of devil horns — is currently visible from the Northern Hemisphere as it swings through the inner solar system.

The comet can be seen in the early evenings by gazing toward the west-northwest horizon. During the eclipse, when skies darken during totality, it may be possible to see the comet near Jupiter, but its visibility will depend on whether it’s in the middle of an outburst and thus brighter than normal.

Most likely, all eyes will be on the alignment of the moon and sun.

“Most people won’t even notice,” Tyson said. “But if you know to look, it’s there.”

When is the next solar eclipse?

The next total solar eclipse will be in 2026, but it will mostly pass over the Arctic Ocean, with some visibility in Greenland, Iceland, Portugal and northern Spain. In 2027, a total solar eclipse will be visible in Spain and a swath of northern Africa.

The next total solar eclipse visible from North America will be in 2033, but only over Alaska. Then in 2044, a total solar eclipse will cross Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, parts of Canada and Greenland.

The next total solar eclipse to cross the continental U.S. coast-to-coast in will occur in 2045. The path of totality for that eclipse will cut through California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia and Florida.

Denise Chow is a reporter for NBC News Science focused on general science and climate change.

Lucas Thompson is a content producer for the NBC News Climate Unit.