Ontario’s latest driver’s licence rules now formally link eligibility to immigration and work status, which means different consequences for citizens, permanent residents, temporary workers, students, refugee claimants, and visitors. These changes largely flow from Bill 60, which amends the Highway Traffic Act to let the Minister of Transportation verify immigration documents before issuing or renewing a licence.
Overview of the new rules
Under the updated framework, every applicant must show that they are a resident of Ontario and are legally present in Canada for the time they intend to hold a licence. For some licence classes, especially commercial categories, applicants must also prove that they are legally allowed to work in Canada, not just visit.
What this means for citizens and permanent residents
Canadian citizens and permanent residents face the fewest changes, because their status already demonstrates legal presence and long‑term residency. They still need to meet usual conditions such as age, passing vision and knowledge tests, and progressing through G1, G2, and G under Ontario’s graduated licensing system.
For newcomers who arrive as permanent residents with foreign driving experience from approved countries, existing exchange programs remain available, allowing faster access to full G licences after verification and an eye test. However, they should expect more careful checking of immigration and identity documents at ServiceOntario and DriveTest centres.
Impact on temporary workers and international students
Temporary foreign workers generally remain eligible for standard car licences, as long as their work permits are valid for the duration of the licence and they can show Ontario residency. For commercial licences such as Class A or D, they must also prove they are legally entitled to work in those occupations, which may involve closer review of permit conditions.
International students with valid study permits can apply for G1, G2, and G licences, but they are not allowed to obtain certain commercial licences unless they also hold work authorization that specifically permits employment in those roles. Both workers and students must keep their immigration documents up to date, because an expired permit during renewal can block or delay licensing.
How visitors and short‑term residents are restricted
One of the sharpest changes affects visitors, including people in Ontario on short stays or entry visas without work rights. Visitors are now barred from obtaining commercial licences such as Class A, B, C, or D, closing a previous loophole that had allowed some to train and test for trucking licences despite lacking work authorization.
Visitors can still use a valid foreign licence for a limited time and may need an International Driving Permit depending on their home country’s rules, but they cannot convert that status into long‑term commercial driving privileges in Ontario. This change is intended to reduce fraud and ensure that those operating heavy vehicles meet both safety and immigration requirements.
Effects on refugee claimants and other protected persons
Refugee claimants and individuals with temporary resident permits remain eligible to apply for Ontario licences if they can show accepted immigration documents and proof of local residence. Acceptable documents can include refugee claimant papers and formal acknowledgements of intent to claim refugee status that meet provincial identification standards.
Because their status can change during processing, refugee claimants must be especially careful to carry current documents when booking or attending tests, and when renewing existing licences. When documents are missing or cannot be verified electronically, applications may be paused until status is confirmed.
Key changes by immigration category
Below is a simplified view of how the updated rules apply to different groups in Ontario
| Immigration / residency status | Standard G licence eligibility | Commercial licence eligibility (A, B, C, D) |
|---|---|---|
| Citizen / Permanent Resident | Eligible if resident of Ontario and other tests passed | Eligible if meet medical, testing, and experience rules; no extra work‑permit proof needed |
| Temporary worker (valid work permit) | Eligible if resident and legally present during licence term | Eligible only if permit authorizes work; must show valid work authorization |
| International student (study permit) | Eligible for G1/G2/G if resident and legally present | Generally not eligible unless also holding valid work rights in relevant jobs |
| Refugee claimant / protected person | Eligible if identity and legal presence documents accepted | Eligibility assessed case by case, with focus on legal work authorization |
| Visitor / short‑term stay | May use foreign licence temporarily, sometimes with IDP | Not eligible for commercial licences under new rules |
Practical steps drivers should take
All drivers should arrive at test or renewal appointments with original documents proving identity, date of birth, Ontario address, and immigration status. Newcomers with foreign licences should gather any letters or records from their home authorities confirming years of driving experience, because this can shorten waiting periods between G1, G2, and G tests.
Employers in trucking, busing, and logistics need to adjust recruitment and training timelines, recognizing that new commercial drivers may first need a year of verified Canadian driving experience and clear proof of work rights. Driving schools must also update enrolment procedures to check that students seeking commercial training are legally allowed to work in Canada.
SOURCE
FAQs
1. Can a visitor to Ontario still get a truck licence?
No, visitors and short‑term residents can no longer obtain commercial licences such as Class A or D under the new rules.
2. Do international students qualify for a regular G licence?
Yes, students with valid study permits and proof of Ontario residence can apply for G1, G2, and G licences, but not most commercial classes unless they also have work authorization.
3. What happens if a work permit expires before licence renewal?
If a temporary worker’s permit expires, the Ministry can refuse or delay renewal until new proof of legal status and work authorization is provided.
