Wondering whether you can let your buddy drive your car if he doesn’t have a valid driver’s licence? We’ve looked into Ontario’s licence requirements and what happens if you let someone without a licence drive.
To write this guide, our editorial team reviewed Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act, the Ontario Court of Justice set-fine schedule updated July 1, 2026, Ontario’s 2026 Automobile Policy (OAP 1) and Ontario’s expired-licence renewal guide.
What Happens If You Drive Without A Licence In Ontario?
If you are convicted of driving under suspension for the first time, you could face a fine of $1,000 to $5,000, up to six months in jail, and a six-month licence suspension. Certain offences, such as drinking and driving, can attract higher fines and vehicle impoundment. Driving while prohibited is a Criminal Code offence.
If you drive a non-commercial vehicle without a valid driver’s licence or with the wrong class of licence, the offence has a set fine of $260. This does not include the victim fine surcharge or court costs, so the final amount you pay may be higher.
Ontario Licence Offences Compared
| Situation | Relevant rule | Current consequence to know |
|---|---|---|
| Failure to Carry Licence Card when you are in fact licensed | HTA section 33(1) | Drivers must have their licence with them at all times and give it for inspection when asked. Failing to produce your driver’s licence when asked has an $85 set fine. |
| Your licence is expired, you never held one, or you lack the proper class. Each of these offences is treated differently. | HTA section 32(1) | $260 set fine for driving a non-commercial vehicle without a licence or with an improper licence, effective July 1, 2026. |
| You drive while your licence is suspended | HTA section 53 | The reason for the licence suspension can affect whether aggravated penalties apply. For example, the penalty for a first general offence is a court-imposed fine of $1,000 to $5,000. There is also a potential jail term. |
| If you have a G1, G2, M1 or M2 licence, violating the conditions of your licence is an offence. | HTA section 32(9) and novice rules | Novice drivers who get certain convictions could be subject to escalating penalties. Drivers who break the conditions of their licence can be fined $85, the current set fine. |
| You let an unlicensed or improperly licensed person drive | HTA section 32(10) | If you allow someone who is unlicensed or does not hold the correct licence to operate your non-commercial vehicle, you will receive a $200 set fine. |
| You have been prohibited from driving by order of a court under criminal law. | Criminal Code and related provincial consequences | This is a criminal offence and is separate from the provincial ticket for driving without a licence. |
The set fines shown on the out-of-court fine schedules do not necessarily represent the outcome of the offence. The outcome can be affected by receiving a summons, being charged with more than one offence, repeat offences, court findings and other factors.
Four Ontario Rules For Driving With A Licence
1. You Must Hold The Correct Class Of Licence
Section 32(1) says that a person shall not drive a motor vehicle on a highway unless they hold a driver’s licence for the class of vehicle driven. For example, a licence for a passenger vehicle does not authorize the holder to drive various classes of motorcycles, buses, trucks or vehicles requiring an air-brake endorsement.
2. You Must Carry The Licence
Driving without a licence is different from having a licence. Even if you have a licence and do not carry it, you can be ticketed.
Section 33(1) provides that every driver shall carry their licence and produce it for reasonable inspection whenever an authorized officer requires it.
3. Check The Driver Before Lending Your Vehicle
The owner or person in control of a vehicle is prohibited from allowing a person who is not properly licensed to drive that vehicle on a highway. Make sure to check the driver’s licence. Ensure that any restrictions on a G1 or G2 licence, or any other licence conditions, will be met on your planned route.
4. A Novice Driver Must Follow Every Condition
A novice licence is a valid licence to drive, but you must comply with certain conditions.
Do Demerit Points Apply?
Some offences that can affect your insurance do not attract demerit points. Demerit points apply only to offences outlined in Ontario’s regulations.
You can still be convicted of an offence, such as driving without a licence, that affects your insurance but does not attract any demerit points.
Check the section of the offence outlined on your ticket or court result.
How Driving Without A Licence Can Affect Car Insurance
There is no single province-wide percentage that tells you exactly how much more expensive your car insurance will be if you get convicted of driving without a licence in Ontario. Auto insurers consider your driving history, the circumstances around your conviction, and their approved rating rules when setting your rates at policy renewal or when you apply for car insurance.
The 2026 Ontario Automobile Policy does not allow policyholders to drive a vehicle, or allow someone else to drive their vehicle, unless they are legally authorized to do so. Optional coverages that protect against loss of or damage to a vehicle may contain exclusions when an unauthorized driver is driving.
Read More: Learn About Car Insurance in Ontario
What To Do If You Receive A Licence-Related Ticket
Don’t just assume it is for “driving without a valid licence.” Each infraction has its own section of the Act. Read the ticket or summons carefully. It will tell you what you must do and when.
Get legal advice if it seems complicated. Examples are suspensions, prohibitions, collisions and previous offences.
Find out about your licence. If it is suspended, prohibited, expired, the wrong class, or you are driving contrary to conditions, do not drive until it is fixed. Check your licence status with ServiceOntario.
Keep the ticket, any convictions, reinstatement documents and insurance paperwork.
Read More: See How to Deal With an Ontario Traffic Ticket
Who Can Drive in Ontario With an Out-of-Province Licence?
Ontario legislation provides exemptions for certain situations for newcomers and other people who are not Ontario residents. To drive under these exemptions, you must meet all of the requirements in the Act. This includes having a valid driver’s licence from your former or home jurisdiction.
| Driver | General Ontario rule |
|---|---|
| Resident of another Canadian province or territory | If you are at least 16 years old and comply with the licensing laws of the jurisdiction in which you hold a licence, you can drive a vehicle in Ontario. |
| Visitor licensed by another country or state | Visitors can use a valid foreign licence in Ontario for less than three months. An International Driving Permit is a translation and supplementary document to a valid driver’s licence. It is not a stand-alone licence. |
| New Ontario resident | Under section 34, there is an exemption that allows new Ontario residents who have a valid licence from their previous jurisdiction to drive in Ontario for 60 days from the date they become an Ontario resident. |
If My Licence Has Expired, How Can I Renew?
Never drive until you have renewed your licence. In most cases, if your licence has been expired for more than a year, you will also need a vision test. The longer your licence has been expired, the more tests you will be required to take.
For more information about the tests you will be required to take and how to renew, either online or in person, please check out the Province of Ontario’s expired-licence service.
Read More: Review Ontario Driver’s-Licence Renewal Steps
Can I Buy a Car in Ontario Without a Driver’s Licence?
You can, but you cannot drive it.
Before you buy one, ask your insurance company whether they require you to report all drivers and household members.
If you want to take it for a spin, it needs to be insured and registered, and the driver needs a valid licence.
Read More: See How Buying a Car Without a Licence Works in Ontario