Thunder Bay – NEWS – If you have a driver’s licence, you are good to go. The Ministry of Transportation has extended the validation period for Ontario driver licences, licence plate validations, Ontario Photo Cards, and Commercial Vehicle Operator Registration (CVOR) certificates.
However if you need a test, or a new licence, NetNewsLedger readers are asking what they need to do. As well NNL is seeking to find out the validity of an International Drivers Licence.
NNL reached out to Minister Caroline Mulroney’s office asking on this issue.
Update on International Licences
A spokesperson for Minister Mulroney, Natasha Tremblay says, “Once becoming a resident of the province, a driver has 60 days to obtain an Ontario driver’s licence should they wish to continue to drive in the province.
“Visitors to the province may drive with their out-of-province or foreign driver’s licence, provided that they are at least 16 years of age and have a valid and subsisting driver’s licence form their home jurisdiction. If they are from a foreign jurisdiction and are visiting for more than three months in any one year, they must also have an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) issued by their home jurisdiction. IDPs are generally valid for one year.”
Drivers Licences in Ontario
The Ministry says, “On January 12, 2021 the government declared a second Provincial Emergency.
“Documents that expired on or after March 1, 2020 will remain valid and legal past the expiry, until further notice. If you are required to submit a medical or vision report to the Ministry of Transportation, we are extending your due date by 60 days or more.
“New residents of the province have 60 days to obtain an Ontario driver’s licence to drive in Ontario.
“All DriveTest locations currently remain open for inside services, such as knowledge tests and licence exchanges, with capacity restrictions and COVID-19 preventative measures in place to protect the health and safety of individuals, families and workers.
“All in-vehicle passenger road tests remain cancelled across the province until further notice. If you have a test booked at a DriveTest location, your road test has been cancelled.
“You will receive a credit on the system so that you can rebook your test once they are available. All in-vehicle road tests for commercial drivers will continue to be available due to the critical role they play in keeping goods moving and our store shelves stocked across Ontario.
“Our first priority is protecting the health and safety of individuals, families and workers. As such, the requirements for face coverings, health screening and temperature checks remain in place. In addition, all DriveTest staff have been provided with personal protective equipment (PPE) and locations have installed plexiglass where necessary to protect staff and customers. DriveTest centres will be subject to strict health protocols and appropriate action will be taken in every instance it is determined protocols were breached.”
On the advice of the Chief Medical Officer of Health, all Ontarians are advised to stay home as much as possible with trips outside the home limited to necessities such as food, medication, medical appointments, or supporting vulnerable community members.
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