An Ontario Driver's Abstract—frequently referred to in professional and insurance industries as a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR)—is an official government document issued by the Ministry of Transportation (MTO). This record outlines your provincial driving history, active license status, class endorsements, accumulated demerit points, Highway Traffic Act convictions, and administrative suspensions.

Whether applying for a driving position, securing personal auto insurance, or verifying your clean driving credentials, knowing how to order your abstract and interpret its internal codes ensures you stay informed about your driving history.

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│                 ONTARIO DRIVER RECORD PRICING               │
├──────────────────────────────┬──────────────────────────────┤
│ 3-Year Driver's Record       │ $12.00 (Uncertified, Online) │
│ (Standard Insurance/Employer)│ $18.00 (Certified with Seal) │
├──────────────────────────────┼──────────────────────────────┤
│ Complete Driver's History    │ $12.00 (Uncertified)         │
│ (Full Lifetime Record)       │ $18.00 (Certified)           │
├──────────────────────────────┼──────────────────────────────┤
│ Driver's Licence History     │ $12.00                       │
│ (Proves BDE Course Graduate) │                              │
└──────────────────────────────┴──────────────────────────────┘

Types of Driving Records and Official Pricing

The Ministry of Transportation offers several categories of driver abstracts depending on the intended recipient and depth of information required.

1. 3-Year Driver's Record (Standard Abstract)

This is the most common abstract requested by employers and insurance underwriters.

  • What It Contains: Driver license number, legal name, date of birth, sex, height, current class, license status (e.g., Valid, Suspended), medical suspensions, Highway Traffic Act convictions within the last three years, and current active demerit point totals.

  • Cost: $12.00 for an uncertified electronic PDF; $18.00 for a certified physical document stamped with the official Great Seal of Ontario.

2. Complete Driver's Record (Extended Lifetime History)

  • What It Contains: A comprehensive historical accounting of your entire driving career in Ontario, including all past convictions, licence cancellations, expired suspensions, and reinstatement orders. Often required for legal proceedings or specialized commercial transport licensing.

3. Driver's Licence History (DLH)

  • What It Contains: Specifically confirms that you successfully graduated from an MTO-approved Beginner Driver Education (BDE) program. Insurance companies require this document to apply student driver premium discounts.

  • Cost: $12.00.

Step-by-Step: How to Order Your Driving Record

You can order your driver’s abstract through three official channels:

1. Online Through Ontario.ca (Fastest Method)

  • Visit the official Ontario government driving record portal on ontario.ca.

  • Enter your 15-digit Ontario Driver’s Licence Number (e.g., A1234-56789-01234).

  • Pay the $12.00 fee using a major credit card or Interac Online.

  • Download your uncertified PDF abstract immediately.

2. In Person at ServiceOntario

  • Visit any ServiceOntario branch.

  • Present your physical Ontario driver’s licence or supporting identification.

  • Pay the fee at the service counter to receive an uncertified printed copy immediately.

3. By Mail

  • Complete the official MTO Search Request form and mail it with an $18 cheque or money order to the Ministry of Transportation Information Services branch in Kingston, Ontario. Certified copies are delivered by mail within two to three weeks.

Decoding Your Driver's Abstract: What Common Codes Mean

Many drivers receive their abstract and wonder about cryptic numeric notations and letter abbreviations. Understanding these codes helps you verify that your record is accurate.

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│                 COMMON DRIVING RECORD CODES                 │
├──────────────────────────────┬──────────────────────────────┤
│ "VALID"                      │ License is active and legal. │
├──────────────────────────────┼──────────────────────────────┤
│ "SUSP" (Suspension)          │ Driving prohibited by law.   │
├──────────────────────────────┼──────────────────────────────┤
│ Record Code "9"              │ Graduated Licensing novice   │
│                              │ condition violation.         │
├──────────────────────────────┼──────────────────────────────┤
│ Record Code "6"              │ Administrative suspension for│
│                              │ unpaid provincial fines.     │
├──────────────────────────────┼──────────────────────────────┤
│ Record Code "BI"             │ Bodily Injury conviction     │
│                              │ under the Criminal Code.     │
└──────────────────────────────┴──────────────────────────────┘

  • What Does Driving Record 9 Mean in Ontario? Record Code 9 refers to a Novice Driver Sanction / Violation of Graduated Licensing Regulations. If a G1 or G2 driver violates novice rules (such as exceeding passenger curfews or failing to have a qualified supervising driver), the resulting 30-day suspension is recorded under Code 9.

  • What Does Driving Record 6 Mean? Record Code 6 indicates an Administrative Default Suspension. This occurs when a driver fails to pay traffic fines, municipal court penalties, or family support orders.

  • What Does Code BI Mean? Indicates a serious driving offense resulting in Bodily Injury, carrying severe criminal penalties, mandatory license revocation, and long-term insurance disqualification.