In a move to make the transition smoother for newcomers, the Ontario government has introduced an online booking system for exchanging out-of-province and international driver’s licences. This initiative, now available at 15 DriveTest locations across the province, aims to reduce wait times and streamline the licence exchange process.
“Ontario is proud to welcome more than 200,000 new residents each year, coming from near and far,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “That is why our government is working to make their transition as seamless as possible by making it easier than ever to exchange a driver’s licence, while also reducing wait times and line-ups at DriveTest locations.”
Under the new system, newcomers have 60 days to exchange their out-of-province or international driver’s licence for an Ontario driver’s licence. Those with valid driver’s licences from countries with reciprocal licence agreements, including the United States, Great Britain, and Japan, can make the exchange without undergoing additional testing.
The online booking service is available for DriveTest centres in Brampton, Downsview, Etobicoke, Hamilton, Kitchener, London, Mississauga, Metro East, Newmarket, Oakville, Orangeville, Oshawa, Ottawa Walkley, Port Union, and Windsor. New residents can schedule their appointments by visiting drivetest.ca.
Amarjot Sandhu, MPP, highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating, “This new online booking system is a crucial step in supporting the integration of newcomers into our community. By reducing the wait times and making the process more efficient, we are helping new residents settle in more comfortably and begin their new lives in Ontario.”
This new system underscores Ontario’s commitment to supporting its diverse and growing population by ensuring easier access to essential services. For more information about driver’s licence exchange and other services available to new residents, visit the Ontario Ministry of Transportation’s website.