What to Bring to DriveTest After a Licence Suspension in Ontario (2026 Guide)
If your Ontario licence was suspended for a long time, or the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) has made testing a condition of getting it back, you’ll need to visit a DriveTest centre before you can drive again. Arriving without the right identification or paperwork is an easy way to lose a day, or a road test booking.
This guide explains when retesting is required and what to bring.
When You Need DriveTest After a Suspension
Long Suspensions of a Full G Licence
- Suspended 1 to 3 years: eye test.
- Suspended 3 to 10 years: knowledge test, eye test and two road tests. You can book the first road test after passing the knowledge and eye tests, and the second after passing the first, with no waiting periods in between.
- Suspended more than 10 years: you re-apply as a new driver, retake all tests and serve the graduated licensing waiting periods.
Dangerous Driving Convictions
After a dangerous driving conviction, Ontario requires a driver improvement interview and a re-examination: vision screening, a knowledge test and road tests. You can schedule the interview during your suspension. Missing it keeps you suspended.
When MTO Tells You to Test
Medical reviews, novice driver suspensions and some other situations can also lead to testing. Your MTO notice will say what’s required. If you’re unsure, check with ServiceOntario or DriveTest before you book.
What to Bring to DriveTest
1. Acceptable Original ID
Bring original identification showing your legal name and date of birth. DriveTest publishes a list of acceptable ID documents, so check it before your visit, because not every government card is accepted. If the name on your ID is different from the name on your old licence, bring ID that links the two names, such as a marriage certificate or change-of-name document.
2. Your Old Licence Card
Bring your old licence if you still have it.
3. Glasses or Contact Lenses
If you need them to drive, wear them. You have to pass the eye test before you can continue.
4. Your Road Test Booking
Road tests must be booked in advance. Arrive early. A late arrival can mean losing your appointment.
5. A Road-Worthy Vehicle for Your Road Test
You’ll need a vehicle that’s in good working order and legal to drive. You also need a fully licensed driver to bring you there, since you can’t drive yourself while suspended.
6. Payment for Test Fees
Test fees are separate from the $281 reinstatement fee. Check current fees on the DriveTest website before you go.
7. Any MTO Letters About Your Suspension
Bring your suspension notice and any letters about required tests, medical clearance or program completion. They help staff confirm exactly what you need.
After You Pass
Passing your tests clears that requirement, but it isn’t the last step if anything else is outstanding, such as unpaid fines, programs, interlock or the reinstatement fee. Don’t drive until your licence status is valid. Read why you should never drive before your licence is reinstated.
Step by Step: From Suspension to Retest to Reinstatement
- Confirm what’s required. Check your MTO notice or your driver record.
- Clear everything else: fines, programs and medical information.
- Book your tests as soon as you’re eligible. Road test wait times vary by centre.
- Bring the right ID and documents on test day.
- Pay the reinstatement fee if it applies, and confirm your licence is valid before driving.
See how long licence reinstatement takes in Ontario for realistic timelines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to retest after a licence suspension in Ontario?
It depends on how long you were suspended and why. A full G licence suspended 1 to 3 years needs an eye test, 3 to 10 years needs a knowledge test, eye test and two road tests, and more than 10 years means starting over in graduated licensing. Dangerous driving convictions and some MTO decisions also require testing.
What ID do I need for DriveTest?
Original identification showing your legal name and date of birth, from DriveTest’s list of acceptable documents. If your name has changed, bring ID linking your current and former names.
Do I need an appointment for a road test?
Yes. Road tests must be booked in advance. Arrive early, because arriving late can cost you your appointment.
Does passing my DriveTest exam reinstate my licence?
Not by itself if other requirements are still outstanding. You must also clear fines, programs and medical reviews, and pay the $281 reinstatement fee where it applies.
Can I drive myself to my road test?
No. While your licence is suspended you cannot drive, so arrange for a fully licensed driver to bring you and your vehicle to the test.
Related Guides
- How to Reinstate a Suspended Licence in Ontario: Step-by-Step
- Why You Should Never Drive Before Your Licence Is Reinstated in Ontario
- Ontario Driver’s Abstract and Driver Record: How to Read It and Fix Errors
- How Long Does It Take to Reinstate a Licence in Ontario?
Talk to an Ontario Lawyer About Your Suspension
Every suspension is different, and a mistake can keep you off the road longer or lead to new charges. If you’re facing an impaired driving charge, a licence suspension or a driving-while-suspended charge, an experienced Ontario DUI lawyer can review your record and explain your options.
Find an Ontario DUI lawyer near you →
This article is general information about Ontario rules as of 2026 and is not legal advice. Fees, penalties and processes can change, so confirm your own requirements with ServiceOntario, the Ministry of Transportation or a lawyer.
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