What Is a Driver Abstract?
A driver abstract is an official record of your driving history issued by the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO). It is sometimes called a "driver's record" or "motor vehicle report." The abstract is drawn from the province's driver licence database and provides a snapshot of your driving behaviour over a specified period.
For trucking companies, the driver abstract is a foundational document. It is the primary way carriers verify that a driver has a valid licence, check for suspensions or convictions, and assess the risk of adding a driver to their fleet. Insurance companies also use driver abstracts when setting premiums.
Types of Driver Abstracts
Ontario offers two types of driver abstracts:
3-Year Driver Abstract
The 3-year abstract covers the most recent three years of your driving history. It includes:
- Current licence class and status (valid, suspended, cancelled)
- Any licence conditions or restrictions
- Highway Traffic Act convictions from the past 3 years
- Criminal Code driving convictions from the past 3 years
- Demerit points currently on your record
- Any licence suspensions within the past 3 years
This is the most commonly requested type. Most employers, insurance companies, and regulatory bodies accept a 3-year abstract as sufficient for employment and compliance purposes.
Complete Driver Abstract
The complete abstract shows your entire driving history from the date your Ontario licence was first issued. It includes everything on the 3-year abstract plus all historical convictions, suspensions, and licence changes. Some employers — particularly those in high-security or hazmat transportation — require a complete abstract.
How to Order a Driver Abstract in Ontario
There are several ways to order your driver abstract:
Online (Fastest)
Visit the ServiceOntario website and order your abstract through the online portal. You will need:
- Your Ontario driver's licence number
- A valid credit or debit card for payment
- Access to your email (the abstract is delivered electronically as a PDF)
Online orders are typically delivered within minutes. This is the fastest and most convenient option for drivers who need their abstract quickly.
In Person
Visit any ServiceOntario centre and request a driver abstract at the counter. You will need to present valid identification (your Ontario driver's licence). You can pay by cash, debit, or credit card. In-person abstracts are typically printed on the spot.
By Mail
You can mail a written request to the MTO, but this method takes 4 to 6 weeks and is not recommended for time-sensitive needs. Include a cheque or money order for the appropriate fee.
Cost of a Driver Abstract
| Abstract Type | Uncertified | Certified |
|---|---|---|
| 3-Year Abstract | $12.00 | $18.00 |
| Complete Abstract | $12.00 | $18.00 |
A certified abstract includes an official MTO seal and is typically required for legal proceedings or some government contracts. For most employment and compliance purposes, an uncertified abstract is sufficient.
What the Abstract Shows (And Does Not Show)
A driver abstract does show:
- Current licence class (e.g., Class A, Class D, Class G)
- Licence status (valid, suspended, cancelled, expired)
- Conditions (corrective lenses, air brake endorsement, etc.)
- All Highway Traffic Act convictions (speeding, careless driving, etc.)
- Criminal Code driving convictions (impaired driving, dangerous driving)
- Demerit points accumulated
- Licence suspensions (administrative, medical, or conviction-based)
- Any licence reinstatement conditions
A driver abstract does not show:
- Charges that were withdrawn or dismissed
- Parking tickets
- Collisions (these appear on the CVOR abstract, not the driver abstract)
- Out-of-province convictions (unless they resulted in an Ontario suspension)
- Roadside inspection results (these are on the CVOR abstract)
Driver Abstract vs. CVOR Abstract
These are two different documents that carriers often confuse:
| Feature | Driver Abstract | CVOR Abstract |
|---|---|---|
| Issued to | Individual driver | Carrier / company |
| Covers | Licence status, convictions, demerit points | Inspections, collisions, convictions, audits |
| Ordered from | ServiceOntario | MTO Carrier Sanctions office |
| Cost | $12 - $18 | ~$50 |
| Used for | Hiring, DQ files, insurance | Carrier safety rating, shipper audits |
As a trucking company, you need both. The driver abstract goes in each driver's qualification file. The CVOR abstract tracks your company's overall safety record.
Why Carriers Need Driver Abstracts
Under the National Safety Code (NSC) and Ontario's Highway Traffic Act, carriers are required to maintain a driver qualification (DQ) file for every driver. The DQ file must include a current driver abstract. This is checked during MTO facility audits.
Beyond regulatory compliance, driver abstracts serve critical business functions:
- Pre-hire screening — Verify that a prospective driver has a valid licence and no disqualifying convictions before making a job offer.
- Insurance compliance — Most insurance policies require carriers to check driver abstracts at least annually. Failing to do so can void your coverage.
- Risk management — Identify drivers with deteriorating records early, before they become a liability on the road.
- Customer requirements — Many shippers and brokers require proof that your drivers have been screened.
How Often to Check Driver Abstracts
Best practices for Canadian carriers:
- Before hiring — Always pull a fresh abstract before making a hiring decision. Never rely on an abstract the driver provides — order it yourself.
- Annually (minimum) — Pull abstracts for all active drivers at least once per year. Many carriers do this on the anniversary of each driver's hire date.
- Every 6 months (recommended) — More frequent checks catch issues earlier. Some insurance programs require semi-annual checks.
- After incidents — Pull a fresh abstract after any collision or reported violation to get the full picture.
TruckerPro's driver management module tracks abstract expiry dates and sends automated reminders when it is time to pull fresh abstracts for your team.