Toronto: The Ontario government is preparing major changes to its driving licence system under Bill 60, a move that will significantly affect newcomers, international students, temporary workers, and commercial drivers across the province.

The proposed reforms aim to improve road safety, reduce licensing fraud, and ensure fairness for existing Ontario drivers.

Key Changes Proposed Under Bill 60

✔ Proof of Legal Status Required
Applicants will need to show valid Canadian citizenship, permanent residency, or an approved work or study permit to apply for or renew a driver’s licence.

🚫 Visitors Barred from Commercial Licences
Individuals on visitor or tourist status will no longer be eligible to apply for commercial licences, including truck (Class A) and bus licences.

🌍 Stricter Foreign Licence Exchanges
Only countries with official licence-exchange agreements with Ontario will qualify for simplified conversions. Drivers from other countries will need to complete written and road tests.

🚛 Tougher Rules for Class A Truck Licences
Applicants for a Class A truck licence must have at least one year of verified Canadian driving experience before becoming eligible.

Why the Changes Matter

The Ontario government says the reforms are designed to:

• Improve public safety on roads
• Prevent fraudulent licence use
• Protect licensed Ontario drivers and the commercial driving industry

When Will the Rules Take Effect?

The changes are expected to be implemented in 2026, once regulations and enforcement guidelines are finalized.

Who Should Pay Attention?

• International students
• Temporary foreign workers
• New immigrants
• Trucking and commercial vehicle drivers

Anyone planning to apply for, renew, or exchange a driver’s licence in Ontario should stay informed.
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