Drivers earn demerit points by being convicted of driving-related offences. These remain on record for two years. This system is meant as a deterrent, since earning too many points will make you loose your driver’s licence. See the Ministry of Transportation’s website for The Official Driver’s Handbook for further information.
NEW Drivers (with a G1 or G2 permit):
- Earn a 60-day suspension after collecting 9 or more demerit points during a 2 year period.
- After earning 2 or more demerit points, will be sent a warning letter.
- At six points, may be asked to attend a mandatory interview, where failure to attend may result in a suspension of the permit.
- After suspensions, the number of demerit points on your record will be reduced to 4.
Probationary Drivers
- Drivers who obtained their license before April 1, 1994 must complete 2 years of probation before becoming fully licensed.
- After earning 6 demerit points will automatically be suspended from the time the license is handed over to the Ministry of Transportation.
- Failure to hand over the license will result in a suspension for up to 2 years.
- When the suspension is over, the record is cleared, but a new 2 year probation period begins.
- If this process takes more than 3 years, a Level Two road test may be required for full licensing.
Fully Licensed Drivers
- After 6 demerit points will be notified of the driving record and encouraged to improve driving habits.
- At 9 points may be requested to attend a mandatory interview, possibly even a driver re-examination. Failure in either may result in suspension.
- At 15 points, the license will be suspended for 30 days from the time it is handed over to the Ministry of Transportation. Failure to comply may result in the driver losing his or her license for up to 2 years.
- After suspension, the driver’s record will be reduced to 7 demerit points, but earning further points could result in another interview.
- At a return to 15 demerit points, the license will be suspended for 6 months.