How to Get Your Licence Reinstated After a DUI Conviction

The process of getting your driver’s licence reinstated after a DUI in Ontario can be complicated. The DUI legal team at Kruse Law can guide you through the process. However, the smartest move is always to avoid a DUI conviction in the first place by working with our experienced team when you are first arrested.

Getting Your Licence Back in Ontario

If you were convicted and had your licence suspended, you will need to complete the following steps when the suspension time is over:

• Make sure you have paid all fines as ordered.
• Complete all programs ordered by the court.
• Obtain documents proving you can drive legally.
• Pay a reinstatement fee to the Province of Ontario.
• Take (and pass) certain tests depending on how long your licence was suspended.

Testing Requirements After DUI

If your licence was suspended for less than three years, you will only need to pass a vision test. For a suspension of between three and ten years, you will need to pass a vision test, a written driving knowledge test, and two road tests. In a case when the suspension is ten years or longer, you will need to apply as a new driver. All tests need to be retaken, and you will have to observe all the mandatory waiting periods.

Mandatory Programs Required for Licence Reinstatement

It can take almost a year to complete the three steps of the Back on Track program. The first part is a 60-minute assessment to decide whether an eight-hour educational workshop or a 16-hour treatment workshop would be more appropriate. Each of the programs includes information on the dangers of drugs and alcohol from the perspective of overall health and driving. The treatment workshop also helps participants take personal responsibility for their substance use.

Participants must complete a follow-up interview to pass the program six months after completing their workshop. At that point, they become eligible to have their licence reinstated. All participants must also do the following:

• Arrive on time for all meetings.
• Attend all scheduled program meetings.
• Actively participate in the program.
• Not show any signs of alcohol or drug use while participating in the program.
• Demonstrate they understand that drinking and drug use must be separate activities from driving.

Anyone who fails the program must attend a second time. They must also pay the enrolment fee again before they can restart.

The ignition interlock program is the other mandatory program you must participate in following your suspension period. Your reinstated driver’s licence will include a designation stating that you can only drive vehicles equipped with an ignition interlock device.

An ignition interlock system is a breathalyzer machine that is installed in your vehicle. If you blow over a pre-set limit, the car won’t start. If you try to “get around” the ignition interlock system by not providing a breath sample, your car won’t start. You also have to provide breath samples at random times while driving to ensure you are not drinking while driving. Failing to provide a breath sample on request or exceeding the pre-set limit means the car’s lights and horn will activate at the same time until you pull over and turn off the ignition. You will have the system in place according to the following schedule:

• The ignition interlock program is required for at least a year for a first offence.
• For a second offence, it must be kept in place for three years.
• For a third offence, the ignition interlock must be kept in place for at least six years after a minimum licence suspension of 10 years.

How an Experienced Toronto DUI Lawyer Can Help You

Being pulled over on suspicion of impaired driving does not mean a conviction or licence suspension is automatic. You still have the opportunity to defend yourself and potentially avoid a conviction. When you retain an experienced DUI lawyer, you have someone focused on protecting your rights from the very beginning of your case.

At Kruse Law, we concentrate on DUI defence. Our lawyers carefully review the evidence, identify errors or weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and challenge improper police procedures where they exist. We work diligently to help you avoid a conviction where possible and to minimize the long-term consequences of a DUI charge.

Call 1-800-699-0806 to arrange a free case review, or schedule a free consultation with a Toronto DUI lawyer or one of our DUI lawyers in Windsor, London, and Kitchener to discuss your rights, your options, and the next steps in your defence.