When dealing with vehicle insurance in Ontario, you may hear terms such as driving record, driver abstract or licence history. They are easy to treat as interchangeable, but Ontario offers different records containing different information. Confirming the exact document requested can save time and prevent you from ordering a record that does not answer the insurer’s question.
Why might a driving record come up for insurance?
Ontario lists vehicle insurance as one reason a person may need a driver record. The province also identifies the driver’s licence history as a record commonly used for vehicle insurance. However, an insurer, broker or other recipient may have its own requirements, so the safest approach is to ask for the exact record name.
What does a 3-year driver record show?
An Ontario 3-year driver record includes driver identification details, demerit-point total, active fine suspensions, and relevant convictions, suspensions and reinstatements from the previous three years. It does not include the driver’s residential address.
See what shows on an Ontario 3-year driver abstract for a detailed breakdown.
What does a driver’s licence history show?
A driver’s licence history focuses on the history of the licence itself. Ontario says it includes driver identification details, beginner driver education course completion, licence replacements, renewals and class changes. Depending on how it is ordered, it can also include past and current residential addresses. It does not include the demerit-point total or conviction and suspension information.
Why the distinction matters
Suppose a recipient needs to confirm licence-history information, but you provide a 3-year abstract focused on recent driving events. The document may be genuine and current while still being the wrong product for the request. The reverse can also happen if recent convictions or suspensions are the information being sought.
Our driver abstract vs. driver’s licence history guide goes deeper into this distinction.
Certified or uncertified?
Ontario says uncertified records meet most people’s needs, while certified records have an official seal and are typically required for legal reasons. Do not assume that general rule settles an insurer’s requirement. Ask the recipient whether certification is necessary.
Questions to ask before ordering
- What is the exact name of the driving record you need?
- Does it need to be certified?
- How recent must it be?
- Do you need a record showing convictions and suspensions, or licensing history?
- How should the document be submitted?
If you specifically need a 3-year driver abstract
Once you have confirmed the requested document, you can review the GetMyAbstract.ca Driver Abstract service. You can also compare certified and uncertified Ontario driver abstracts.
GetMyAbstract.ca is an independent private service. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or part of the Government of Ontario, ServiceOntario or the Ministry of Transportation. Insurance requirements vary by insurer and situation; confirm the exact document required with your insurer or broker.