How to get a drivers licence after suspension

Driving is a privilege that can be taken away by the Ministry of Transportation when motorists exhibit unsafe and irresponsible driving behaviours. If you've received a notice of suspension in the mail and have waited for the suspension period, it may be time to have your drivers licence reinstated. That said, the reinstatement process can be difficult to navigate, especially if you've never had your licence suspended prior. To learn more about how to reinstate a suspended licence, keep reading.

Common causes of driver's licence suspension

There are numerous reasons why a licence suspension may occur. Here are some of the most common reasons below:

Unpaid fines

While many drivers believe they can get away with unpaid fines, racking up numerous tickets can work negatively against you. Typical traffic tickets that can lead to a driving prohibition include:

• Red light camera tickets
• Careless driving tickets
• Speeding tickets
• Parking tickets

Fines often need to be paid within a certain period before notice is sent to the Ministry of Transportation. Once the ministry is notified of the unpaid fines, you may either be given a driving prohibition for a specific amount of time or have your driver's licence suspended until you go to a driving centre and pay the amount owed.

You have a medical condition

The Transportation Ministry has specific regulations that order medical professionals, whether they be a nurse practitioner, doctor, or optometrist to notify them if a patient has a medical condition or cognitive impairment that prevents them from being able to drive safely.

Failing to renew your car insurance

Refusing or failing to renew your motor vehicle insurance is another reason why you could have your driver's licence suspended. To legally drive on any public road in Canada, you must have valid insurance. If a police officer catches you driving without up-to-date insurance or proof of insurance, you will have your driver's licence taken away.

Too many demerit points

A suspended licence can also occur as a result of having too many demerit points on your record. Demerit points can accumulate as a result of leaving the scene or a motor vehicle collision, driving above the speed limit, improper use of HOV lanes, impaired driving, stunt driving, being convicted under the Criminal Code of Canada, and more.

Family law matters

The Family Responsibility Office can also request that a driver have their licence suspended. Whether it be because you refuse to pay child or spousal support, you'll need to work with the office to overturn your driver's licence suspension.

How to get your licence reinstated

So, how exactly can you get your new licence following a suspension? Take a look at the steps listed below:

Get through the suspension period

Of course, you need to wait out the suspension period that is listed in the notice of suspension you received in the mail. Depending on what you were convicted for, your licence can remain suspended for 30 days or more.

Pay outstanding fines

If you have any fines or tickets that are outstanding, you will need to go ahead and pay these fines before getting your licence.

Attend required meetings and pass required tests

Court-ordered suspensions often require drivers to attend meetings, a driver improvement interview, take a written knowledge test, or take other courses, depending on the reason why the suspension occurred.

Pay your reinstatement fee

Now, you'll need to pay a licence reinstatement fee, which usually ranges between $200 to $300 depending on which province or territory the suspension occurred.

Get your driver's licence back

You can now get your new driver's licence. In some cases, your licence reinstatement may require you to take road tests, produce insurance policy documents or take another written test. You'll also need to give the Ministry proof of payment for any fines, medical documentation if your suspended licence is because of medical reasons, or proof that you are following orders provided to you by the family court.

Purchase car insurance

Once you've gotten your driver's licence back, you'll need to get an expired car insurance renewal to ensure that you are able to operate a motor vehicle on the road legally. Here are some of the types of auto insurance you should consider purchasing:

• Liability car insurance
• Accident benefits coverage
• Direct compensation - property damage
• Uninsured motorist coverage
• Comprehensive car coverage
• Collision car coverage
• Accident forgiveness

What if my licence suspension is because of a medical condition?

Now, let's say that your licence was suspended because of a medical condition. Here is what you would need to do:

Work with your family doctor

Medical conditions can be tricky, which is why you will need to work with your doctor or occupational therapist, who will then be able to provide you with medical documentation of your condition and how it is improving.

Get medical reports and send them to the MTO

Once you've gotten your medical information from your doctor, you'll need to send all medical documentation to the Ministry.

Pass a functional assessment

Lastly, to have your licence considered for reinstatement, a functional assessment will need to be completed for certain medical conditions. Once you have passed, you'll be able to go ahead and get your licence reinstated.

Have more questions about insurance? Contact BrokerLink!

Whether you're renewing car insurance following a suspended licence or have further questions regarding licence suspensions in general, the experienced insurance team from BrokerLink is here to help.

BrokerLink is pleased to have offices across Canada, so if we're in your neighbourhood, feel free to come visit us in person to work with a broker one-on-one. If you aren't able to make it into one of our locations, you can also give us a call during business hours to speak with one of our team members.

And, if you're looking for an insurance quote while you're on the go, use our free online quote tool for a competitive quote for car insurance within minutes!

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FAQs about reinstating a driver's license after suspension

Can I appeal a licence suspension?

Yes, you have the legal right to appeal your licence suspension with the Licence Appeal Tribunal if your licence was suspended for medical reasons. The appeal process with the Licence Appeal Tribunal will cost you a fee and does not guarantee that you will receive your licence back. However, should your medical suspension be overturned, the tribunal will contact the Ministry of Transportation and order them to reinstate your driver's licence.

Will having a suspended driver's licence affect my insurance premium?

Similar to how an accident affects car insurance rates, a suspended licence will also affect your premiums when you get to renew your insurance in the future, given that your insurance company will see you as more of a risk to insure. Now, how long a suspended licence will affect your premium really depends on the severity of the situation, such as why your licence was suspended in the first place and your previous driving and insurance records. For more information about how your licence suspension will impact your insurance premiums in the future, we recommend speaking directly to your insurance provider or working with a broker once your licence has been reinstated.

How long does a suspension stay on your licence in Ontario?

If you live in Ontario and receive a licence suspension, it will remain on your driving record for a minimum of 10 years. However, if you are caught driving a motor vehicle with a suspended driver's licence, it will remain on your record permanently moving forward.

How long is a licence suspension in BC?

If your licence suspension occurred in British Columbia, you can receive a suspension period anywhere between one and three years. Should, for some reason, your suspension period be over three years, you will need to take a road test, pay fines, and attend various courses/counselling, depending on the unique circumstances of your suspension.

How much is the reinstatement fee after you lose your driver's licence?

The reinstatement fee you will need to pay before you are able to get your driver's licence back following a licence suspension will depend on the province or territory you live in. For example, the reinstatement fee in British Columbia is $250, while in Ontario, the cost to get your driver's licence reinstated is $281. Keep in mind that depending on the driving-related offence you committed, such as driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you may be required to pay additional fees for specific driving courses.

What is a notice of suspension?

A notice of suspension is a document you will receive in the mail. This notice of suspension document will outline what conditions need to be met before you can re-apply for your driver's licence and how long your suspension period will be. Once you have received the notice of suspension document, you will be responsible for going to a driving centre in your province to surrender your driver's licence until your suspension period is over.

What documents do I need for car insurance?

If you're wondering, "What documents do I need for car insurance following a licence suspension?" you're not alone. Beyond proof of identity, you may also need to provide proof that you have paid any outstanding fines, attended specific driving courses, and medical reports if your licence suspension was due to a medical issue. To confirm which required documentation you need, check online at ServiceOntario, the one in your province, for further information.

How long do demerit points last on your driving record?

Demerit points determine the level of risk in your driving record and typically occur when you've committed a driving offence like speeding, distracted driving, and more. So, how long do demerit points last on your driver's licence? In Ontario and Alberta, these points can remain on your record for up to two years before they will be removed. On the other hand, if you live in British Columbia, points can remain on your record for up to five years before being removed. Another factor that can determine how many points you receive and how long it remains on your record will also depend on whether you're a new driver or not.

How long does a licence suspension last in Ontario?

In Ontario, if you are criminally convicted under the Highway Traffic Act, you can lose your driving privileges for a year. Any subsequent suspensions within 10 years of your first driving suspension can result in a three-year suspension. For your third conviction, you will not be able to operate a motor vehicle for 10 years. Now, in terms of new drivers who violate G1 licence restrictions, such as having a blood alcohol level above 0.05%, licence suspensions are a minimum of 30 days. Dangerous driving offences can also lead to mandatory waiting periods of 30 days before those convicted can go through the reinstatement process.

Where can I renew my licence in Ontario?

Renewing your licence in Ontario is fairly straightforward and easy to do. Most of the time, you can go to the ServiceOntario website and renew online. If this is not possible, you can visit a ServiceOntario centre in your neighbourhood. Remember to bring all of the necessary documents with you. This includes your vehicle registration, photo ID, a copy of your licence, and any other documents. Once you have your new photo taken, you can pay your registration fee and obtain a temporary licence. Your new one will be mailed to you directly.

Do I need a new licence if I move?

So, do you need a new driver’s licence if you move? The short answer is yes, you do. Because you'll be living in a new place, your licence needs to match your new address. Having an address that is not current can lead to potential problems and fines.

If you have any questions, contact one of our local branches.