To get your driver’s licence back after an impaired driving suspension in London, you must pay a $281 CAD reinstatement fee to ServiceOntario. If you were criminally convicted, you must also complete the “Back on Track” education program for $634 CAD and install an Ignition Interlock device before your driving privileges are fully restored.
Waiting out an impaired driving suspension is incredibly frustrating, especially in a city like London where relying on public transit or rideshares can add hours and steep costs to your weekly routine. However, a common and dangerous misconception is that your driving privileges are automatically reinstated the moment your suspension time is up. Your licence does not simply arrive in the mail.
To legally get back behind the wheel, you must take specific administrative steps mandated by the Ministry of Transportation Ontario (MTO). 📝 Driving before you have officially paid your fees and reinstated your status is a serious offence that can lead to vehicle impoundment and further criminal charges. If you are struggling with the legal requirements of your sentence, reaching out to a local law firm from our directory can provide much-needed clarity.
Step-by-Step Process in London, Ontario
Reinstating your licence involves dealing directly with provincial agencies, completely separate from the London courthouse. Here is the correct path to ensure you are legally allowed to drive again.
Step 1: Wait Out the Mandatory Suspension Period
You cannot reinstate your licence until the exact date your suspension expires. ⌚️ Whether you are serving the initial 90-day ADLS (Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspension) or a 1-year criminal prohibition ordered by a judge, you must wait out the clock. You can check the status of your driver’s licence online through the MTO website by entering your licence number.
Step 2: Pay the Reinstatement Fee at ServiceOntario
Once your suspension period is over, your licence remains legally suspended until you pay the reinstatement fee. You can pay this fee online via the ServiceOntario portal or in person at a local branch, such as the ones located on Dundas Street or Oxford Street in London. The MTO will then issue you a temporary paper licence while your new physical card is mailed to your home address.
Step 3: Complete the “Back on Track” Program
If you were convicted of a criminal DUI, paying the fee is not enough. You must also pass the provincial “Back on Track” remedial measures program. 📚 This program consists of an assessment, a full-day education or treatment workshop, and a follow-up interview six months later. Because the program takes up to 11 months to complete, you should register for it immediately after your court conviction to avoid delaying your licence reinstatement.
Step 4: Install the Ignition Interlock Device
If your conviction requires it, you will only be issued an “I” condition licence, meaning you can only drive a vehicle equipped with an approved breath-screening device. You must contact a government-approved vendor (like Smart Start or ALCOLOCK) in the London area to have the device installed in your vehicle before you can legally turn the key.
How Much Does it Cost in London?
Getting your licence back is an expensive process designed to deter future impaired driving. 💵 Here is a breakdown of the administrative costs you must pay as of April 2026.
| Service / Fee | Estimated Cost (CAD) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| MTO Reinstatement Fee | $281 | Mandatory provincial fee paid to ServiceOntario to lift any suspension. |
| Back on Track Program | $634 | Required remedial education program for all convicted impaired drivers in Ontario. |
| Ignition Interlock Installation | $150 – $200 | One-time fee to install the breathalyzer system in your car. |
| Ignition Interlock Lease | $100 – $130 / month | Ongoing monthly fee to maintain and calibrate the device at a London service centre. |
How Long Does the Process Take?
If you are only waiting on the 90-day roadside suspension to end, the actual reinstatement process takes about 15 minutes online, and your driving privileges update immediately in the MTO system. 🕐 However, if you are reinstating after a criminal conviction, the timeline depends heavily on the “Back on Track” program, which can take up to 11 months. It is imperative that you plan ahead and register for the program well before your 1-year criminal suspension is scheduled to end.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to retake my driving test?
Typically, no. If your licence has been suspended for less than one year, you do not need to take written or road tests. However, if your licence has been invalid or suspended for 1 to 3 years, you may be required to pass a vision test. Over 3 years, you will need to take written and road tests again.
Can I pay the reinstatement fee if I have unpaid court fines?
No. The MTO will block your reinstatement if you have outstanding, unpaid criminal fines, victim surcharges, or defaulted family law / spousal support payments.
What happens if I drive before paying the reinstatement fee?
If your suspension period has ended but you haven’t paid the fee, you are still legally “Driving Under Suspension.” If pulled over by the London Police, your car will be impounded, and you will face massive fines and a further 6-month licence suspension.
Does my spouse’s car need the interlock device?
If you plan to drive your spouse’s vehicle, it must have the Ignition Interlock device installed. If you are caught driving any vehicle without the device while you have an “I” condition on your licence, you will face severe criminal penalties.
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