The Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) has announced significant updates to driver licensing requirements aimed at reducing fraud, improving road safety, and aligning Ontario’s standards with other jurisdictions. The changes, supported by two new regulations (O. Reg. 185/26 and O. Reg. 186/26), will take effect in two phases starting this summer.

Tougher Rules for New Immigrants and International Drivers

Effective July 1, 2026, applicants for a Class G licence from jurisdictions without a reciprocal agreement with Ontario will face stricter requirements:

• Foreign driving experience will be capped at a maximum of 12 months, regardless of how much experience is verified.
• Applicants must pass both the Class G2 and full Class G road tests.
• A mandatory 12-month waiting period will apply after passing the G2 test before attempting the Class G test.
• Those with at least 12 months of verified experience can take the G2 road test immediately and drive independently upon passing.

Six-Month Waiting Period for Class A Commercial Licences

Starting January 1, 2027, new requirements will apply to full Class A licences:

• Applicants must hold a valid Ontario Class G (or higher) licence for at least six months before taking the Class A road test.
• The six-month period begins on the date the driver first obtains their full Class G licence in Ontario.
• Equivalent driving time from other Canadian provinces may be recognized.
• The waiting period applies only to full Class A licences (manual and automatic) and does not affect restricted Class A or other commercial classes.
• Drivers need a total of at least six months of valid licence time within any 12-month window — the time does not need to be continuous.
• Other Class A requirements, such as medical exams, knowledge tests, and mandatory entry-level training, can be completed during the waiting period.

These measures are designed to ensure drivers — particularly those new to Ontario roads and those operating large commercial vehicles — gain sufficient practical experience before receiving full licensing privileges.

The updates are part of the province’s ongoing efforts to strengthen program integrity and enhance overall road safety.