Regulation - Minister
Driving Instructor Licensing Requirements
Regulation Number(s):
O.Reg 473/07
Instrument Type:
Regulation - Minister
Bill or Act:
Highway Traffic Act (HTA)
Summary of Proposal:
In Ontario, anyone providing in-vehicle driving instruction for compensation to Classes G1, G2 and G driver's licence holders is required to hold a DI licence issued by MTO. The DI licensing requirement ensures driving instructors are well qualified to provide training to novice drivers, ensuring they develop the proper skills to become safe and responsible drivers, as this group tends to pose heightened road safety risks.
DI requirements are focused on teaching and instructing beginner / novice (G1 and G2) drivers wanting to obtain their full Class G. DI requirements include a Criminal Record Check (CRC), driver record review, Class G knowledge and road tests, and Driving Instructor Course (DIC). The DIC is focused on teaching new drivers.
Not all driving instructors provide training to novice drivers. Many work with experienced drivers who already hold a Class G or higher licence, including:
• Professional instructors in the enforcement and emergency sectors, such as Ontario Police College (OPC) and MTO Enforcement instructors.
• Instructors who provide driver training on behalf of an employer or organization to employees or volunteers.
• Advanced driver training providers that offer courses teaching specialized skills (such as winter driving, collision avoidance, or tow truck operation) that are not available in ministry approved driver education courses.
The proposed change will not alter the requirement to have a DI licence to instruct either new drivers or experienced drivers required to take remedial driver training by the Ministry. However, the amendments will clarify that a DI licence is not required for professional instructors providing training in the enforcement, emergency, and advanced driver training sectors. These instructors generally have many years of experience performing the specialized skills/manoeuvres required to deliver training.
By proposing these amendments, the ministry aims to reduce unnecessary regulatory burden, align the regulation with its original intent, harmonize with other Canadian jurisdictions, while maintaining road safety standards. The advanced instructors provide training that is focused on enhancing the advanced driving skills of established drivers, not on teaching basic driving skills to beginner drivers.
DI requirements are focused on teaching and instructing beginner / novice (G1 and G2) drivers wanting to obtain their full Class G. DI requirements include a Criminal Record Check (CRC), driver record review, Class G knowledge and road tests, and Driving Instructor Course (DIC). The DIC is focused on teaching new drivers.
Not all driving instructors provide training to novice drivers. Many work with experienced drivers who already hold a Class G or higher licence, including:
• Professional instructors in the enforcement and emergency sectors, such as Ontario Police College (OPC) and MTO Enforcement instructors.
• Instructors who provide driver training on behalf of an employer or organization to employees or volunteers.
• Advanced driver training providers that offer courses teaching specialized skills (such as winter driving, collision avoidance, or tow truck operation) that are not available in ministry approved driver education courses.
The proposed change will not alter the requirement to have a DI licence to instruct either new drivers or experienced drivers required to take remedial driver training by the Ministry. However, the amendments will clarify that a DI licence is not required for professional instructors providing training in the enforcement, emergency, and advanced driver training sectors. These instructors generally have many years of experience performing the specialized skills/manoeuvres required to deliver training.
By proposing these amendments, the ministry aims to reduce unnecessary regulatory burden, align the regulation with its original intent, harmonize with other Canadian jurisdictions, while maintaining road safety standards. The advanced instructors provide training that is focused on enhancing the advanced driving skills of established drivers, not on teaching basic driving skills to beginner drivers.
Further Information:
Proposal Number:
25-MTO001
Posting Date:
April 25, 2025
Comments Due Date:
June 9, 2025
Contact Address:
Ministry of Transportation
87 Sir William Hearst Ave, Toronto, ON, M3M 0B4
87 Sir William Hearst Ave, Toronto, ON, M3M 0B4