If you want to restore your driving licence from a period of DUI suspension, the process is much more than waiting for the suspension period to lapse. In some cases, one needs to undertake Back on Track training, pay fees, sit for various driving test, and ignition interlock installation among others.
What to do next all depends on whether one got a roadside suspension or an impaired driving charge. The first step is to look at the suspension notice.
How Long Does a DUI Suspension Last?
Suspension of one’s license as a result of being pulled over or being convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol are two different suspensions.
Generally speaking, any driver whose blood alcohol concentration is 0.08 percent or more will have his/her license suspended for at least 90 days.
Following a criminal conviction, Ontario’s standard licence suspensions include:
| Conviction | Provincial licence suspension |
|---|---|
| First | At least one year |
| Second within 10 years | At least three years |
| Third within 10 years | Lifetime, potentially reducible after 10 years |
| Fourth within 10 years | Lifetime, with no reduction |
A court may also impose a driving prohibition. You must satisfy both provincial requirements and any applicable court order before driving.
Steps to Get Your Ontario Driving Licence Back
1. Complete Back on Track
Back on Track is a required course for those drivers who have been convicted of criminal impaired driving or who have received repeat administrative suspensions.
The program involves an assessment, education or treatment and follow-up interview session for those that are convicted. It takes about 11 months to complete the program; so start the process now.
Those eligible for the reduced suspension program will be able to apply for interim reinstatement before completing the full Back On Track process.
2. Pay Required Fees and Outstanding Fines
Pay the licence reinstatement fee and clear any unpaid fines or penalties blocking reinstatement. Other costs may include:
- Back on Track registration.
- Ignition interlock installation and servicing.
- Required licence tests.
Paying these amounts does not restore your licence while another suspension or driving prohibition remains active.
3. Complete Any Required Testing
Depending on the time period of your suspension or invalid licence, you will have to take either a vision test, a knowledge test or a road test.
In case you require a new licence, please follow the instructions provided by Ontario regarding visiting DriveTest or an acceptable ServiceOntario site. Please bring your original identification along with all relevant documents.
4. Confirm Your Licence Is Valid
Check your licence status before driving. Reaching the suspension end date or submitting paperwork does not necessarily mean your driving privileges have been restored.
Will You Need an Ignition Interlock Device?
An ignition interlock system will test your breath for alcohol content before it permits your car to function.
The province of Ontario mandates its installation in cases of criminal impaired driving and repeat offender administration suspensions. Your installation duration varies depending on your history and offense date among other factors.
New regulations that came into force on July 1, 2026 affected all offenses committed on or after that date. They include the zero alcohol and drug license condition upon the termination of interlock installation condition.
Don’t make any assumptions regarding the termination of your interlock requirement. Verify the conditions for interlock installation termination from the Ministry of Transportation of Canada.
Can You Get Your Licence Back Earlier?
The Reduced Suspension with Ignition Interlock Conduct Review Program for Ontario is a program that helps some selected first-time and second-time alcohol impaired drivers get their license back sooner.
Eligibility for the program depends on the nature of the offense, driving history, orders made by the court, and meeting certain criteria to enter the program. Some offenses related to drugs, bodily injury, or death are ineligible for the program.
What Can Delay Reinstatement?
These include an incomplete Back on Track program, outstanding fines, an additional current suspension, testing, or any pending interlock program requirements.
In addition, another court order to refrain from driving can keep you off the roads even after the provincial suspension period.
You should determine the reason(s) why your license is suspended by contacting the Ministry of Transportation.
Driving while you are suspended or have a court order not to drive will result in more consequences.
Contact a criminal defence lawyer or DUI lawyer for help in assessing your charge or driving restrictions and possible early reinstatement. Contact Everstone Law today for a consultation about your impaired driving case in Ontario.