Driver Abstract And Ontario Driving Record

Your driving record is pretty self-explanatory. It is a record of you as a licenced driver in the province of Ontario. Whether you have a G1, G2, or G driver’s licence, there is a record of your driving history. This includes tickets, the type of driver’s licence you have, demerit points, and a record of accidents and convictions.

A driver’s abstract is a record of your driving history. It is one of many driving record types you can get through the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO). When referring to a driver’s abstract, most people mean the 3-year uncertified driver’s record. Your driver’s licence abstract is a record of your driving history over the past three years.

There are also several types of driving records. They include your licence history, 5 years and extended driver record.

You are NOT the only one who can access your driving record in Ontario. According to the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario:

"Your record of the past three years is available upon request (with the payment of a fee). Organizations and members of the public request this information from the Driver Licence Database regularly. However, your address is not provided to members of the public who request your driver information."

It can be accessed by:

• Your insurance company: They use your driving record as a factor when determining your premiums.
• The police: To check your driving record during a traffic stop.
• Judicial services: They can access it to settle court cases involving you and/or your vehicle.

Many Ontario drivers don’t realize there are a series of types of driving records. Each one serves a specific purpose and contains different information. Service Ontario lists the types you can request:

• 3-year uncertified or certified driver’s record: Used when an employer or other party requests a copy of your driving record.
• Driver’s licence history: Used when your insurance company requests a copy of your driving record. Also used to confirm completion of driving school.
• 5-year uncertified driver’s record: Used by insurers to confirm driving history.
• 5-year certified driver’s record: You need this if you apply to drive in a province outside of Ontario.
• Extended driver’s record search: Used as a supporting document in court.
• Complete driver’s record: Commonly requested by insurance providers.
• Driver’s licence check: Used to confirm your driver’s licence is valid.
• Driver confirmation letter: Used when applying to drive outside of Ontario.

Yes. You can get access to your driver’s abstract online through Service Ontario. You will need your driver’s licence number. You’ll receive the certified driver's abstract in the mail. Use a device that has Adobe Reader to view your uncertified driver’s abstract online.

Many drivers are curious about what shows up on a driver’s abstract. The following information appears on all Ontario driver’s abstracts:

• Basic information: Including name on the licence, date of birth, gender, and height.
• Address: Your current address.
• DL #: Driver’s licence number.
• Date licenced: Date when you first got your driver’s licence starting from your G1.
• Licence expiry date: Date that your current licence expires.
• Classification: G1, G2, G licence or other driving classification.
• Driving restrictions: A list of medical restrictions, such as needing glasses.
• Licence status: Is your licence valid or invalid?
• Driving convictions: A list of driving infractions.
• Traffic violations: A list of traffic tickets or pending convictions.
• Demerit points: View how many demerit points you have.

Your driver’s abstract provides details for the previous three years. Extended driver’s abstracts can show your driving information for the previous five years. The information on driver’s abstracts can vary from province to province.

There are some situations where you will receive a driver's abstract request. You may need a driver’s abstract when:

• Shopping for insurance or renewing it: Your driver’s abstract is checked by insurers. When you speak to an advisor or your coverage is up for renewal, they do this. Your driving history is one of the many factors used by insurers when determining your premium.
• Applying for a job: You may need a driver’s abstract for employment purposes. You need it for any job that requires you to drive. This includes taxi drivers, sales jobs, truckers, and delivery services. Including it is often part of your job application.
• To check your driving record status: Many drivers want to check their driver’s licence abstract out of curiosity. Drivers also check it when a ticket or accident is set to come off their driving history. Ticket removal promptly can help lower costs.

An Ontario driver’s abstract costs $12. You can get a certified driver’s abstract for $18 through Service Ontario. The cost for a complete driver's record is $48 (uncertified) and $54 (certified).

The Commercial Vehicle Operator’s Registration Abstract, or CVOR abstract, is a document for commercial purposes. It shows information about a commercial carrier, safety performance, and driver for a driving event. It provides information about:

• Collisions: A history of collisions involving the vehicle.
• Convictions: A listing of traffic convictions and tickets.
• Inspections: A checklist ensuring the vehicle has undergone proper inspections.

These abstracts are for commercial auto insurance purposes. All carriers must have a valid CVOR certificate in each truck or commercial vehicle they operate. This includes tow trucks and buses.

A clean driving record means you have no tickets, driving infractions, or accidents. All drivers start with a clean driving record, and having one can mean lower Ontario car insurance.

You can obtain a copy of your driving record. If you have never gotten a ticket or been in an accident, you likely have a clean driving record.

Do you have a couple of tickets or have you been in an accident recently? Understandably, you want to clear your driving record. Most driving infractions stay on your driving record for 3 years. At-fault accidents can stay on your record for up to 10 years.

In most instances, the only way to clean your driving record is time. Drive accident and ticket-free and wait for the time to expire. Make sure to follow up and check to ensure it’s accurate.

There are three main things that will impact your driving record:

1. Convictions: Getting convicted for minor or major traffic offences.
2. Accidents: Being at fault for auto accidents.
3. Driving-related crimes: Impaired driving and dangerous driving charges.

We all know a bad driving record and insurance don’t mix. There are other aspects of your life it can affect. They include :

• Loss of licence: Depending on the severity of your driving issues, you could lose your licence.
• Employment: It can impact your ability to find or keep a job. This is especially true if you work in a field that requires you to drive.
• Fines and penalties: You could face serious fines and even jail time with a criminal conviction.
• Insurance: It will cause your premium to increase.
• Reputation: You could develop a poor reputation in your community.

Many young drivers incorrectly assume they get a clean slate when they turn 25. Your driving record does not start over when you turn 25. The age of 25 is a sign that you may pay less for insurance. But it has no bearing on your driving record.

If you have a ticket on your record, it is still there when you turn 25. You will still have to wait for three years before removing it.

There is no doubt a bad driving record will impact your insurance. It can impact your insurability in several ways:

• Increased costs: Expect to pay more for insurance.
• Insurance: You may have trouble getting insured and need high-risk auto insurance.
• Being dropped: Your current company can choose not to renew your coverage.