In Ontario, anyone convicted of an impaired driving offence must complete the mandatory Back on Track program to legally drive again. The program currently costs $894 CAD for convicted drivers ($344 CAD for roadside administrative suspensions), takes up to 11 months to complete, and involves an initial assessment, workshops, and a final follow-up interview.
Losing your driver’s licence due to an impaired driving conviction in Toronto is a life-altering event. Suddenly, commuting to work on the TTC, running errands, and picking up children becomes a massive daily struggle. Many people mistakenly believe that once their court-ordered suspension period is over, their licence will automatically be returned in the mail. 😨
This is entirely false. The Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) has very strict rules for reinstating a suspended licence. Before you can ever legally sit behind the wheel again, you must successfully pass the province’s remedial measures program, known as Back on Track. 📈 Administered by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), this program is designed to educate drivers and prevent future tragedies on our roads. Under strict rules that came into force on January 1, 2026, even a first administrative roadside suspension (such as blowing in the “warn range” of 0.05 to 0.08 BAC) automatically triggers a mandatory requirement to complete the 8-hour Back on Track educational course before your licence can be reinstated. This guide explains exactly what you must do to complete it.
Step-by-Step Process in Toronto, Ontario
The Back on Track program is available at various locations across the Greater Toronto Area, including North York, Scarborough, and downtown Toronto. Because it takes nearly a year to finish, you must start the registration process as soon as you plead guilty or are convicted in court. ⏰
Step 1: Registration and Payment
You cannot start the program until you officially register with CAMH and pay the mandatory fee in full. 💵 You can register online or by mailing a certified cheque or money order. Keep in mind that wait times for available spots in Toronto can be several weeks, so do not delay this step.
Step 2: The Initial Assessment
Once registered, your first requirement is a one-hour assessment interview. A trained substance use counsellor will ask you a series of questions about your lifestyle, alcohol consumption, and the events leading up to your impaired driving charge. 📝 Based on your answers, they will assign you to either the 8-hour Education Workshop or the more intensive 16-hour Treatment Workshop.
Step 3: Attend the Workshops
You must attend your assigned workshops on time and fully participate. If you arrive late, smell like alcohol, or act aggressively, you will be kicked out and forced to pay the fee to start over. ▲️ The Education Workshop focuses on the legal and physical impacts of impaired driving, while the Treatment Workshop digs deeper into recognizing triggers and making long-term lifestyle changes.
Step 4: The Six-Month Follow-Up Interview
You do not immediately graduate after the workshops. You must wait six months to complete a final follow-up interview. 💌 During this brief meeting, the counsellor evaluates whether you have successfully applied the lessons learned to your daily life. Only after passing this interview will CAMH notify the MTO that you have completed the Back on Track program.
How Much Does it Cost in Toronto?
Getting back on the road involves several mandatory provincial fees. These costs are completely separate from your criminal court fines and the lawyer fees you paid for your defence:
- Back on Track Program Fee: For drivers convicted of an impaired driving offence under the Criminal Code, the mandatory fee is currently $894 CAD. For individuals who received a roadside administrative licence suspension, the registration fee is $344 CAD. This fee must be paid before scheduling your initial assessment. 💲
- Licence Reinstatement Fee: Once you complete the program, the Ontario Ministry of Transportation charges a mandatory $281 CAD administrative fee to physically print and reinstate your driver’s licence.
- Ignition Interlock Costs: Most convicted drivers must also install a breathalyzer in their car (Ignition Interlock) for at least one year. Installation costs about $150 CAD, plus a monthly rental fee of around $100 to $130 CAD.
| Reinstatement Requirement | Estimated Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Back on Track Fee | $894 ($344 for roadside suspensions) |
| MTO Reinstatement Fee | $281 |
| Ignition Interlock (1 Year Rental) | ~$1,500+ |
How Long Does the Process Take?
The Back on Track program takes up to 11 months to complete from start to finish. ⌛ This timeline is rigid because there is a mandatory six-month waiting period between your workshop and your final follow-up interview. If you received a 1-year driving prohibition in court, you must register for Back on Track immediately after your conviction, or your licence suspension will be extended.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happens if I fail or miss a session?
The program has a zero-tolerance policy for absenteeism. If you miss a scheduled assessment, arrive late for a workshop, or attend under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you will fail the program. You will then have to re-register and pay the entire registration fee ($894 CAD or $344 CAD) again.
Can I complete the Back on Track program online?
Yes, depending on current CAMH policies, many of the assessments and workshops are now offered in a virtual online format for Toronto residents, though some in-person options may still be required depending on your specific assessment results.
Do I have to take the program if I got a plea deal for Careless Driving?
Contrary to common belief, pleading down to Careless Driving (under section 130 of the HTA) does not exempt you. In Toronto, a “Careless Plea” in an alcohol-related case is heavily restricted, and both the Crown (as a condition of the plea bargain) and the MTO (for licence reinstatement) almost always require you to complete the Back on Track program and install an Ignition Interlock device in your vehicle.
I live out of province. How do I do the program?
If you live outside of Ontario but received your conviction in Toronto, you must still fulfill the province’s requirements to clear your Ontario driving record. CAMH has an “Out-of-Province” package that allows you to complete an equivalent remedial program in your home jurisdiction.
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