When a standard 3-year driving record does not provide enough history, Ontario offers longer-term record options. Two that are easy to confuse are the extended driver record and complete driver record. They overlap, but they are not identical.
What is an Ontario extended driver record?
Ontario describes the extended driver record as a longer-term record containing driver identification details, the demerit-point total, and convictions, suspensions and reinstatements under the Highway Traffic Act and Criminal Code of Canada for as far back as information is available.
It does not include driver education courses. Unlike the common 3-year record, an extended record is designed for situations where a longer history is actually required.
What is an Ontario complete driver record?
The complete driver record is broader. Ontario states that it includes driver identification details, the demerit-point total, convictions, suspensions and reinstatements for as far back as available, plus all collisions, residential addresses on record, licence replacements, renewals, class changes and other licence changes.
That additional information is the key difference. Someone who only needs a conventional recent abstract should not assume that the most detailed record is automatically the right choice.
How do these compare with a 3-year or 5-year record?
A standard 3-year driver record focuses on recent driving information and is commonly used for employment. Ontario also offers a 5-year driver record, which includes Highway Traffic Act convictions, suspensions and reinstatements for the past three years and Criminal Code of Canada information for the past five years.
See our 3-year vs. 5-year Ontario driving record comparison before moving to a more detailed record.
When might a longer-term record be needed?
Ontario notes that longer-term records may be needed when someone has been asked for more detailed information, information covering a longer period, or a record for legal reasons. The requesting organization should tell you what it requires.
Do not order a complete record simply because it contains more information. More information is not necessarily more useful, and different record products have different access and delivery rules.
Certified or uncertified?
Ontario offers certified and uncertified versions of various records. The province says uncertified records meet most needs, while certified records carry a Ministry seal and are typically required for legal reasons. If a lawyer, court, insurer or employer requested the document, confirm whether certification is required before ordering.
Our certified vs. uncertified driver abstract guide explains this distinction in more detail.
Choose based on the information actually required
Before ordering any Ontario driving record, ask two questions: how far back must the record go, and what information must it contain? Those answers usually make the choice much clearer.
Explore GetMyAbstract.ca for independent educational guides covering Ontario driver abstracts, licence histories and commercial-driver records.
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