{"id":8776,"date":"2023-06-23T18:27:00","date_gmt":"2023-06-23T18:27:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wordpress.staging.certn.co\/?p=8776"},"modified":"2025-07-04T00:34:23","modified_gmt":"2025-07-04T00:34:23","slug":"how-to-get-drivers-abstract-in-ontario","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wordpress.staging.certn.co\/anz\/blog\/how-to-get-drivers-abstract-in-ontario\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Get a Driver&#8217;s Abstract in Ontario"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Are you wondering how to get a driver\u2019s abstract in Ontario? You&#8217;re in luck! Here\u2019s how to get a driver&#8217;s abstract in Ontario&#8230; along with every province and territory in Canada. Because as a company with a Canadian headquarters, we couldn&#8217;t leave the other provinces and territories hanging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition to covering how to get a driver&#8217;s abstract in Ontario, this blog post also explains the difference between an abstract and a motor vehicle record (MVR) and details what information is present in a driver\u2019s abstract, both generally across Canada and more specifically in Ontario.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"533\" data-src=\"https:\/\/wordpress.staging.certn.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Male-driver-driving-in-Ontario-with-clean-drivers-abstract-1024x533.jpg\" alt=\"Male driver driving with a clean driver's abstract in Ontario\" class=\"wp-image-9609 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/wordpress.staging.certn.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Male-driver-driving-in-Ontario-with-clean-drivers-abstract-1024x533.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/wordpress.staging.certn.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Male-driver-driving-in-Ontario-with-clean-drivers-abstract-300x156.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wordpress.staging.certn.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Male-driver-driving-in-Ontario-with-clean-drivers-abstract-768x400.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wordpress.staging.certn.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Male-driver-driving-in-Ontario-with-clean-drivers-abstract.jpg 1080w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/533;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is a Driver&#8217;s Abstract<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>All provinces and territories in Canada maintain some type of drivers\u2019 records. In general, these records may be required by employers assessing your suitability to drive for a job, auto insurance companies determining your insurance premiums, in legal cases related to traffic violations or accidents, or government agencies for licensing purposes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What\u2019s the Difference Between a Driver\u2019s Abstract and MVR?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>While the terms vary, the purpose and content of abstracts and MVRs are essentially the same: <strong>to provide a comprehensive record of an individual&#8217;s driving history<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A driver&#8217;s abstract and a motor vehicle record (MVR) are both documents that provide information about a person&#8217;s driving history and licence status. However, they\u2019re used in different contexts and contain slightly different information. A driver&#8217;s abstract is a summary of a person&#8217;s driving record in Canada. It includes information on licence status, driving history, infractions, accidents, and demerit points. An MVR provides details on a person\u2019s driving record, which may include licence status, traffic citations, and accident history as maintained by the state\u2019s department of motor vehicles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In Canada and the United States, these records are issued by the department or agency responsible for driver licencing in a specific jurisdiction.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">MTO Driver\u2019s Abstract<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO) issues the driver\u2019s abstract in Ontario. A three-year driver&#8217;s abstract in Ontario, also known as common driving records, is a summary of a person&#8217;s driving history and driver\u2019s licence. This type of driver\u2019s abstract contains driver identification, lists when a driver\u2019s licence was first issued, plus any fine suspensions or demerit points accrued in the last three years. Longer-term driving records (five-year, extended, and complete) are also available, though less likely needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ontario.ca\/page\/get-driving-record\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ServiceOntario<\/a>, you may need a three-year driver\u2019s abstract in Ontario to apply for a job, for vehicle insurance, to apply for a driver\u2019s licence in another province, territory, or country, or to confirm your address in court. Though, a driver\u2019s licence history, a more high-level summary produced for Ontarians, can also be used for vehicle insurance. (A driver\u2019s licence history record contains the same driver identification information, but it doesn&#8217;t contain conviction information or points total.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In Ontario, anyone (e.g., a potential employer, landlord, etc.) can order a three- or five-year driver record if they provide a driver\u2019s licence number, but the more high-level driver\u2019s licence history can<em> only <\/em>be ordered by the driver or by a Canadian law enforcement agency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What\u2019s the Difference Between Uncertified and Certified?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In Canada driving records in many provinces and territories may be uncertified or certified. This is true in Ontario. An uncertified driver&#8217;s abstract in Ontario meets most people\u2019s needs, like applying for a job or applying for insurance, as noted above. A certified record has a seal from the Ministry of Transportation and is typically only required in legal contexts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>An uncertified three-year driver&#8217;s abstract in Ontario costs $12 and a certified version costs $18. In other provinces and territories, costs range from $10 (Manitoba) to $23 (Alberta).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"533\" data-src=\"https:\/\/wordpress.staging.certn.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Female-driver-driving-in-Ontario-with-clean-drivers-abstract-1024x533.jpg\" alt=\"Female driver driving with a clean driver's abstract in Ontario\" class=\"wp-image-9610 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/wordpress.staging.certn.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Female-driver-driving-in-Ontario-with-clean-drivers-abstract-1024x533.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/wordpress.staging.certn.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Female-driver-driving-in-Ontario-with-clean-drivers-abstract-300x156.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wordpress.staging.certn.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Female-driver-driving-in-Ontario-with-clean-drivers-abstract-768x400.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wordpress.staging.certn.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Female-driver-driving-in-Ontario-with-clean-drivers-abstract.jpg 1080w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/533;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Get a Driver\u2019s Abstract?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In Canada, you can order a driver\u2019s abstract online, in person, or by mail. Each province and territory has its own steps to obtain a driving record. If you\u2019re not sure which process applies to you, consult information from the province or territory that issued your license.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you need to provide an abstract as part of a job application, your prospective employer may order this free of charge to you as part of their background screening process. It\u2019s best to confirm with them if they&#8217;ll be taking care of verifying the information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Alberta<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In Alberta, visit the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.alberta.ca\/get-drivers-abstract.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">driver abstract<\/a> request page of the Government of Alberta to learn more about how to obtain the information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">British Columbia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In British Columbia, you can request <a href=\"https:\/\/www.icbc.com\/driver-licensing\/getting-licensed\/Pages\/Your-driving-record.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">your driving record<\/a> online through the Government of British Columbia\u2019s driver licensing web page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Manitoba<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In Manitoba, consult the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mpi.mb.ca\/Pages\/get-driving-record.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">request a driving record<\/a> web page of the Government of Manitoba for more details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">New Brunswick<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>For New Brunswick, go to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www2.gnb.ca\/content\/gnb\/en\/services\/services_renderer.200564.Driver_Records.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">driver records<\/a> information page of the Government of New Brunswick.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Newfoundland and Labrador<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>For drivers in Newfoundland and Labrador, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.nl.ca\/motorregistration\/commercial-vehicles-and-drivers\/request-driver-record-abstract\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">request a driver record<\/a> through MyGovNL or visit a nearby Motor Registration office.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Northwest Territories<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You can obtain information on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.idmv.dot.gov.nt.ca\/Drivers\/DriverHistory\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">driver history<\/a> online through the Government of Northwest Territories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Nova Scotia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>There are two ways to request a driver abstract in Nova Scotia. The <a href=\"https:\/\/novascotia.ca\/sns\/rmv\/licence\/abstracts.asp\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Registry of Motor Vehicles <\/a>web page maintained by the Government of Nova Scotia provides more details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Nunavut<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In Nunavut, visit a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.nu.ca\/edt\/faq\/how-do-i-get-drivers-abstract#:~:text=You%20can%20reach%20these%20offices,Government%20Liaison%20Office%20(GLO).\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Motor Vehicles Division<\/a> issuing office to obtain a driver\u2019s abstract. More information by the Government of Nunavut is available online.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ontario<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>As described above, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ontario.ca\/page\/get-driving-record\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ServiceOntario<\/a> describes how to get a driving record called a driver&#8217;s abstract in Ontario from the Government of Ontario.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Prince Edward Online<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Government of Prince Edward Island details how to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.princeedwardisland.ca\/en\/service\/request-driver-abstract\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">request a driver abstract<\/a> online.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Quebec<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The driving record portal for the Soci\u00e9t\u00e9 de l&#8217;assurance automobile du Qu\u00e9bec (SAAQ) allows you to check whether a license is valid and submit a <a href=\"https:\/\/saaq.gouv.qc.ca\/en\/drivers-licences\/driving-record-request\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">driving record request<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Saskatchewan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/sgi.sk.ca\/abstract-details\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Driver experience history (abstract)<\/a> details can be requested online, by email, in person, or by mail in Saskatchewan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Does an Ontario Driver\u2019s Abstract Show<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A driver&#8217;s abstract in Ontario contains information about a person&#8217;s driving-related activities. In Ontario, and other jurisdictions in Canada, this includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Personal Information<\/strong>: The abstract includes the driver&#8217;s name (as it appears on their licence), date of birth, licence number, licence class, sex, height, and conditions or endorsements, such as the requirement to wear glasses or contact lenses to drive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Licence Status<\/strong>: It indicates the expiry date of the licence and whether the driver&#8217;s licence is valid, suspended, or revoked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Driving Violations and Licence Suspensions or Revocations<\/strong>: The three- and five-year abstracts list any active fine suspensions from traffic violations, such as speeding tickets, traffic signal violations, or reckless driving offences, that the driver has incurred. The three- and five-year abstracts list the demerit point total.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Driver\u2019s Abstract for Work<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A driver&#8217;s abstract in Ontario may be requested by insurance companies, government agencies, and\/or by prospective employers as part of their background check process to assess a person&#8217;s driving record and risk profile. It helps determine whether an individual is a responsible driver and may influence decisions regarding insurance rates, eligibility for certain driving-related activities, and\/or for employment, depending on the nature of the job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The specific information included in the records varies depending on the jurisdiction and the type of driving record requested. If you\u2019re an employer who needs to run background checks and check driver\u2019s abstracts as a pre-condition of employment in the <a href=\"\/transportation-logistics\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">transportation and logistics<\/a> sectors, Certn can help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Book a demo to <\/strong><strong>talk to one of our experts today.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"\/request-a-quote\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Book a Demo<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Here\u2019s how to get a driver&#8217;s abstract in Ontario and every other province and territory in Canada.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":52,"featured_media":20003,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[17],"tags":[275],"class_list":["post-8776","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-background-checks","tag-drivers-abstract-ontario"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.staging.certn.co\/anz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8776","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.staging.certn.co\/anz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.staging.certn.co\/anz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.staging.certn.co\/anz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/52"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.staging.certn.co\/anz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8776"}],"version-history":[{"count":28,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.staging.certn.co\/anz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8776\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":30739,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.staging.certn.co\/anz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8776\/revisions\/30739"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.staging.certn.co\/anz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/20003"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.staging.certn.co\/anz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8776"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.staging.certn.co\/anz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8776"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.staging.certn.co\/anz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8776"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}