The Ontario government has introduced major changes to how residents qualify for a driver’s licence, linking eligibility directly to immigration and work status for the first time.
Through the Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act (Bill 60), tabled on October 23, 2025, the province plans to require proof of legal residency, immigration status, and work authorization before issuing or renewing a licence.
Under the bill’s new section 5.5 of the Highway Traffic Act, the Minister of Transportation will have the authority to verify immigration documents and deny applications that do not meet legal presence or work eligibility criteria.
Key Changes
1-Status Verification for All Applicants
All drivers will need to show valid immigration status such as citizen, permanent resident, or holder of a valid work or study permit, with the Ministry able to cross-check documents with federal databases.
2-Visitors Barred from Commercial Licences
Visitors and tourists will no longer be able to obtain Class A or D licences. Only those authorized to work in Canada will qualify for professional driving permits.
3-End of Automatic Recognition for Non-Reciprocal Countries
Foreign licences from countries without official exchange agreements will no longer be automatically converted. Applicants must now pass Ontario’s written and road tests and meet status verification rules.
4-One Year of Canadian Experience for Truck Drivers
A minimum of 12 months of Canadian driving experience will be required before applying for a Class A licence, which covers large trucks and tractor-trailers.
Impact on Newcomers
Temporary residents, international students, and workers must maintain valid immigration documents to keep or renew their licences. The trucking sector, heavily dependent on newcomer labour, will face longer training and onboarding timelines as new drivers build Canadian experience before qualification.
Next Steps
Bill 60 is currently before the Ontario Legislative Assembly. If passed, the new rules are expected to take effect in early 2026, with transition measures for existing licence holders.
