If your Ontario A licence expires, you could be off the road for months.
If you don’t renew, Ontario considers your G licence as expired too, which means you will have to apply for a G licence and then for the commercial licence. This can suspend you out of the workforce for up to 2 months.
In this blog we will highlight the process of renewing your A licence within and after 3 years of expiry, air brake endorsement, and renewal of both after 65 years of age.
How much does A licence renewal cost in Ontario? (as of 2025)
According to the official DriveTest fee schedule:
- Commercial licence package (under age 65): includes knowledge and road tests — $122.75
- Five‑year licence: $90.00
- If you’re aged 65–79, there’s a reduced package fee of $37.75 (for knowledge and road test), plus the $90 licence
- Air brake (Z) endorsement upgrade:
- Package (knowledge + practical test): $66
- Or separately: Knowledge test $16.00 + Practical test $50
| Category | Fee Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial licence package | $122.75 | Includes knowledge + road tests; for applicants under age 65 |
| Five-year licence | $90.00 | Licence issuance fee applied after tests passed |
| Commercial (65–79 years) | $37.75 | Includes tests; separate licence fee of $90 applies |
| Air brake (Z) endorsement | $66.00 (package) or $16 + $50 separately | Add-on to commercial renewals |
| Separate knowledge test | $23.75 | If taken separately from the package |
| Commercial road test | $99.00 | If taken individually or additional to package |
A Licence Renewal in Ontario: Steps If Expired Less Than 3 Years
Renewing within 3 years is a fairly straightforward process, during which you may or may not be needed to attempt a road test. Here’s a detailed step-by-step:
1. Visit your nearest Service Ontario location
For Class G or M licence expired less than a year, you should visit a ServiceOntario office. If you have a commercial licence or need to undergo tests, a DriveTest Centre is the right place to go.
2. Bring necessary identification documents
You must bring original identification that shows your legal name and date of birth. Also, carry your expired licence. If there are name variations across your documents, additional ID is required to link these names.
3. Undergo required tests
Depending on your licence type, you might need to take vision, knowledge, or road tests.
4. Photo for new licence
A customer service agent will take your photo, which will be used on your new licence.
5. Pay renewal fees
The renewal process involves paying a fee, which may vary and include additional charges for tests. Remember, these fees are subject to change.
6. Receive temporary licence
Once you meet all the requirements, you’ll be issued a temporary licence valid for 90 days.
7. Wait for permanent licence
Your permanent licence should arrive in the mail within the 90-day validity of your temporary licence. If it doesn’t arrive before the temporary licence expires, you should contact ServiceOntario.
How to Renew Licence After 3+ Years Expired in Ontario?
When applying for A licence renewal post 3 years after expiry, the process is almost similar as the one mentioned above, except two more steps. They include:
1. Take a road/practical test
This test is exactly like the one you took when you attempted the A licence for the first time.
2. Criminal check
If you’re applying for Class B or E licence, you will also need to participate in a criminal record search.
What is the process of renewing air brake endorsement?
Starting September 1, 2023, if you’re renewing a driver’s licence with a (Z) endorsement, you’ll need to complete an online air brake learning module before visiting a DriveTest Centre. You don’t need to take the air brake knowledge test anymore.
To begin the module, ensure you have your driver’s licence handy. Access the module at MTO Air Brakes Learning Module.
Upon completing the module:
- Secure a copy of your Certificate of Completion, either by downloading or printing it.
- Take your driver’s licence and the Certificate of Completion (digital or printed) to a DriveTest Centre or your Driver Certification Program organisation.
- If your licence is of a commercial class , you’re also required to complete a vision test and a commercial class knowledge test. These can be done in person at a DriveTest Centre or through your Driver Certification Program organisation.
For those aged 80 and above, the online learning module and a practical test are mandatory annually for renewing your endorsement. For commercial drivers below 80, this renewal typically occurs every five years.
What is the process of A licence renewal for commercial drivers over 65 years of age?
The renewal process for senior commercial drivers varies based on age, licence type, and driving history.
For Drivers Aged 65 to 79:
- Every five years, you are required to take a knowledge test
- For those with a (Z) endorsement renewing after September 1, 2023, completing an online air brake module is mandatory before renewal. Access it at MTO Air Brakes.
- An annual medical and vision examination report must be submitted.
- Drivers holding a Class D licence up to age 80 must undergo a Class D knowledge and vision test every five years. Those over 80 must also complete an annual road test.
- Immediate testing may be required for drivers involved in an at-fault accident with a moving violation conviction, or with more than two demerit points and a moving violation conviction.
For Drivers Aged 80 and Above:
- Annual vision, knowledge, and road tests are necessary.
- For (Z) endorsement renewals post-September 1, 2023, an annual online learning module and practical test are required. Visit MTO Air Brakes for module access.
- An annual medical and vision examination report submission is required.
- Immediate testing may be triggered by at-fault accidents with moving violation convictions or accumulation of more than two demerit points and a moving violation conviction.
Steps for Renewal for Senior Commercial Drivers:
- Receive a renewal notice by mail, including a form and instructions.
- For (Z) endorsement renewals after September 1, 2023, complete the required online air brake module.
- Visit a DriveTest Centre or ServiceOntario office (if no tests are needed), bringing the renewal form, current licence, corrective lenses, medical report (if due), and renewal fee payment.
- Undergo a vision test, administered by a trained agent. Bring corrective lenses if used for driving.
- Take a knowledge test if due. This is every five years for drivers aged 65-79 with a clean record, and annually for those 80 or older. Additional tests may be required following accidents, violations, or demerit points.
- Submit the due medical examination report.
- Complete a road test if required, especially for drivers over 80 or those with recent accidents or violations.
- Pay the applicable renewal fees, which vary based on required steps. Payment methods include cash, credit/debit cards, certified cheques, bank drafts, money orders, or traveller’s cheques.
- Obtain a temporary driver’s licence, valid for 90 days. If the official licence doesn’t arrive before the temporary one expires, visit ServiceOntario for an extension.
If your A licence has expired and you want to get back on the road quickly, Caledon Truck Driving School offers free driver assessments and tailored retraining to help you pass faster. Contact us to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
What documents do I need to renew my A licence in Ontario?
To renew your A licence, you must bring original identification that shows your legal name and date of birth. You also need to carry your expired licence. If your name appears differently on your documents, ServiceOntario may ask for extra ID to confirm the link.
Can I renew my A licence online?
You cannot renew a commercial licence like Class A online. Renewals must be done in person at a DriveTest Centre, because vision, knowledge, or road tests may be required. Only G or M class drivers with no medical or test requirements can use the online renewal option.
Do I need a medical for A licence renewal at 65?
Yes. Commercial drivers aged 65 and older must submit a medical report when renewing their licence. The medical includes vision and health checks to confirm you can safely drive. A new report is due every five years between ages 65 and 79, and every year after age 80.
What happens if my A licence is expired over 3 years?
If your A licence has been expired for more than 3 years, you must start over with a road test. This test is the same as the one taken when first applying for the licence. If you hold a Class B or E licence, you will also need a criminal record check.
How much does it cost to renew an A licence in Ontario?
The cost depends on your age and whether you have endorsements. A driver under 65 usually pays around $212.75 for renewal and testing. Drivers aged 65 to 79 pay a reduced testing fee plus the $90 licence fee. Adding a Z endorsement for air brakes costs extra.
Can I still drive with an expired A licence if I have a temporary licence?
Yes, you can drive with the temporary licence issued at renewal. It is valid for 90 days and allows you to work until your permanent card arrives in the mail. If your permanent licence does not come before the temporary one expires, visit ServiceOntario to get an extension.
