Ontario made several driving-related changes in 2026. Some took effect on January 1, others on May 11 and July 1. This guide covers the changes that matter most to new drivers, newcomers to Ontario and older drivers, and explains what has not changed. Last reviewed: October 2026.
What Changed in 2026
- January 1: longer roadside license suspensions for some alcohol and drug-related occurrences.
- May 11: G and M license applicants must declare that Ontario is their primary residence and that their presence in Canada is legal.
- July 1: foreign driving experience from jurisdictions without a license exchange agreement is capped at 12 months.
- July 1: new ignition interlock and zero-tolerance conditions after impaired driving convictions.
Longer Roadside Suspensions (January 1, 2026)
These apply to alcohol and drug-related roadside occurrences, including a blood alcohol level between 0.05 and 0.079 and zero-tolerance violations by novice and young drivers.
| Occurrence | Suspension |
|---|---|
| First | 7 days (was 3) |
| Second | 14 days (was 7) |
| Third or later | 30 days (unchanged) |
A first roadside suspension now also requires a remedial education program. These are administrative penalties under the Highway Traffic Act and are separate from any criminal charge. Anyone convicted of impaired driving causing death now faces a lifetime license suspension.
New Declaration for Class G and M Applicants (May 11, 2026)
When you apply for a Class G or M license, you must declare that Ontario is your primary place of residence and that your presence in Canada is legal. Applicants for commercial classes A to F must also provide proof of residency, legal presence and work eligibility.
Newcomers: Foreign Driving Experience (July 1, 2026)
If your licence is from a jurisdiction that does not have a licence exchange agreement with Ontario:
- You can claim a maximum of 12 months of foreign driving experience, even if you have driven for longer.
- You must complete both the G2 and the G road tests.
- With 12 months of verified experience, you can take the G2 road test right away. With less, you must wait 12 months minus your credited experience.
- You must always wait at least 12 months after passing the G2 road test before taking the G road test.
Drivers from jurisdictions with an exchange agreement follow the exchange rules instead; check DriveTest’s licence exchange page for the current list. New to Ontario? Our G2 and G road test preparation lessons help you practice the skills examiners score.
Impaired Driving: Interlock and Zero-Tolerance Changes (July 1, 2026)
For criminal impaired driving offences committed on or after July 1, 2026, drivers must install an approved ignition interlock device before they can drive again. Once the interlock condition is removed, a minimum six-month “P” condition applies: no alcohol and no drugs in your system when you drive. Penalty lengths vary by offence, so check Ontario’s impaired driving page for current details. Zero tolerance also continues to apply to novice drivers (G1 and G2), drivers 21 and under, and commercial drivers, and it covers cannabis as well as alcohol.
Drivers Aged 80 and Over
Drivers aged 80 and over renew their license every two years. Renewal includes a driving record review, a vision test, a 45-minute group education session and an in-class screening exercise. A road test or medical information is only required if the driver improvement counsellor asks for it. There is no fee for these requirements, only the normal license renewal fee. Our Senior Driver Training course helps older drivers refresh their skills and confidence.
What Did Not Change
The G1 and G2 restrictions, G2 passenger limits and standard waiting periods did not change in 2026. Read our guide to G1, G2 and G license rules.
Ready to prepare for your G2 or G road test? Explore G and G2 preparation or register with G-Class Drivers.
FAQ
What are the main driving changes in Ontario for 2026?
Longer roadside suspensions (January 1), a residency and legal-presence declaration for G and M applicants (May 11), a 12-month cap on foreign driving experience for non-exchange jurisdictions (July 1), and new ignition interlock and zero-tolerance conditions for impaired driving convictions (July 1).
How much foreign driving experience counts in Ontario from July 1, 2026?
If your licence is from a jurisdiction without an exchange agreement, up to 12 months, even if you have driven longer.
Do drivers from non-exchange jurisdictions need both road tests?
Yes. You must pass the G2 road test and then the G road test, with at least 12 months between them.
Do drivers over 80 renew their licence every year?
No. Drivers aged 80 and over renew every two years.
Did the G1 and G2 rules change in 2026?
No. The G1 and G2 restrictions, G2 passenger limits and standard waiting periods are unchanged.
