The Back on Track program is Ontario’s mandatory remedial course for anyone convicted of impaired driving. It costs approximately $900 CAD, takes a minimum of 11 months to complete, and is strictly required before the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) will fully reinstate your driver’s licence in Ottawa.
Getting your driving privileges back after an impaired driving conviction in Ontario involves much more than simply paying a court fine. 📋 If you are convicted under the Criminal Code for driving over the legal limit or refusing a breath test, the province automatically suspends your licence. To get back behind the wheel in Ottawa, you are legally required to complete the province’s remedial measures program, commonly known as Back on Track.
This program is administered by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) on behalf of the Ministry of Transportation (MTO). It is not a punishment handed down by a judge at the Elgin Street Courthouse, but rather a strict administrative requirement designed to ensure road safety. Whether you live in Kanata, Nepean, or downtown Ottawa, the rules and requirements remain exactly the same.
Step-by-Step Process for Back on Track in Ottawa
Completing the program requires commitment and strict adherence to their schedule. 📅 You must complete all components in a specific order, and failing to attend a session usually means you must restart and pay the fee again. Here is how the process generally unfolds.
Step 1: Registration and Initial Assessment
Once you are eligible, you must register for the program through the official Back on Track website or by phone. The first formal step is a comprehensive assessment that takes about one to two hours. A trained counselor will ask about your alcohol or drug use, lifestyle, and driving history to determine the level of intervention you need.
Step 2: Completing the Education or Treatment Program
Based on your assessment, you will be assigned to either a one-day education workshop (usually 8 hours) or a longer, two-day treatment program (usually 16 hours spread over a few weeks). 📖 These sessions focus on the impacts of impaired driving, coping strategies, and developing a plan to avoid future offences. In Ottawa, these sessions may be held in person at a local community centre or conducted virtually.
Step 3: The Six-Month Follow-Up Interview
The final step is a mandatory follow-up interview that takes place exactly six months after you complete your education or treatment workshop. During this brief meeting, the counselor will evaluate your progress and ensure you are meeting the goals set during your sessions. Only after this interview is the MTO officially notified of your successful completion.
How Much Does it Cost in Ottawa?
Reinstating your driver’s licence is an expensive process. 💰 The costs associated with the Back on Track program and the MTO requirements are non-negotiable.
- Program Registration Fee: The mandatory fee for the Back on Track program is currently around $900 CAD. This must be paid in full before you can begin.
- MTO Reinstatement Fee: After completing your suspension and the program, you must pay an administrative reinstatement fee to the MTO, which is currently $281 CAD.
- Ignition Interlock Costs: Most convicted drivers are also required to install an ignition interlock device in their vehicle. Installation and monthly rental fees typically add up to $1,500 to $2,000 CAD per year.
How Long Does the Process Take?
The Back on Track program cannot be rushed. ⏳ From the moment you complete your initial assessment to your final follow-up interview, the process takes a minimum of 11 months. Because of this long timeline, Ottawa criminal defence lawyers strongly advise clients to register for the program as soon as they plead guilty or are convicted, so the program does not delay their ability to drive once their formal criminal driving prohibition period ends.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I drive while taking the Back on Track program?
Generally, no. You cannot drive until your criminal driving prohibition has expired and the MTO has authorized you to drive, which often requires you to be enrolled in the Ignition Interlock program and have completed at least the assessment portion of Back on Track.
Do I have to take this program for a drug-impaired driving conviction?
Yes. The Back on Track program is mandatory for all impaired driving convictions in Ontario, whether the impairment was caused by alcohol, cannabis, prescription medications, or illegal drugs.
What happens if I miss a scheduled session?
The rules are very strict. If you miss a session, arrive late, or attend while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you will be expelled from the program. You will have to re-register and pay the full fee of roughly $900 CAD again.
Does my lawyer handle the Back on Track registration?
No. While your local law firm will guide you through the criminal court process at the Ontario Court of Justice, registering for and completing the remedial program is your personal administrative responsibility with CAMH and the Ministry of Transportation.
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