Need your Ontario driver abstract? Order it online for $45 and get it by email instantly, 24/7.
Order your driver abstract →People often ask whether an Ontario driver abstract shows a DUI or other criminal driving offence. The answer depends on the record being ordered, the outcome of the charge and the relevant time period. A charge and a conviction are not the same thing, so it is important not to assume that every police interaction or allegation automatically appears on a standard abstract.
What the common 3-year driver record includes
Ontario states that the common 3-year driver record includes driver identification details, the demerit-point total, active fine suspensions, and Highway Traffic Act and Criminal Code of Canada convictions, suspensions and reinstatements for the previous three years.
That means certain Criminal Code driving convictions can be part of the information shown on this record when they fall within its reporting period. The abstract is a driving record; it should not be treated as a substitute for a criminal record check.
Does a charge appear the same way as a conviction?
No. A charge is an allegation, while a conviction is the result of a finding of guilt. Ontario’s description of the 3-year driver record specifically refers to convictions, suspensions and reinstatements. If you need information for a legal proceeding or a specialized screening requirement, confirm which document the requesting organization requires.
Why the type of driving record matters
Ontario offers more than one driving-record product. A 5-year driver record, for example, includes Highway Traffic Act convictions, suspensions and reinstatements for the past three years and Criminal Code convictions, suspensions and reinstatements for the past five years. Extended and complete records can contain longer histories.
If someone has asked you for a longer history, see our comparison of the 3-year and 5-year Ontario driver records before choosing a product.
Will an employer see the same information as a criminal background check?
A driver abstract and a criminal record check serve different purposes. The driver abstract reports driving and licence information defined for that record type. Employers may have separate screening requirements depending on the role.
If you are applying for a driving-related position, our Ontario employment driver abstract guide explains why employers may request a driving record and why you should confirm the exact document they want.
What if the conviction is older?
The reporting window matters. A common 3-year driver record does not provide an unlimited lifetime history. Ontario also offers longer-term records for situations where more historical information is required. Do not order a standard 3-year abstract if the organization requesting your information specifically asks for a 5-year, extended or complete record.
Before ordering
Ask the requesting organization for the exact name of the record and whether it must be certified. Ontario notes that uncertified records meet most people’s needs, while certified records are typically required for legal reasons.
If you have confirmed that the standard driver abstract is the record you need, you can review the Driver Abstract service through GetMyAbstract.ca.
Key takeaway
An Ontario 3-year driver record can include Criminal Code driving convictions within the applicable reporting period, but it is not the same thing as a criminal record check. Charges, convictions and different record types should not be treated as interchangeable. Confirm the exact document required before ordering.
GetMyAbstract.ca is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or part of the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Transportation.