Topic: Licensing & ID

Driving safely requires excellent physical and cognitive skills, as well as good judgment. Unfortunately, various medical conditions or impairments beyond your control can negatively affect your driving, putting you and others at risk on the road.

Different medical conditions – some permanent, others temporary – may impact a person’s cognitive, physical, or visual abilities which can have a serious impact on driving skills. Driver Fitness evaluates fitness for driving using the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators’ Medical Standards for Drivers.

Initiating a review

If a concern has been raised about your ability to drive safely, a review of your medical fitness can be triggered in several ways. Physicians and optometrists are legally required to report patients whose medical condition may affect their driving. Medical fitness reviews can also be initiated when we receive police or accident reports, family concerns about your medical condition and driving, or if you self-report a medical condition.

You are required by law to report any change in your health or physical condition that is likely to affect your ability to drive. Conditions that must be reported include, but are not limited to those that affect vision, physical or cognitive abilities, as well as conditions that could make a person subject to a sudden loss of awareness while driving, such as epilepsy, cardiac arrhythmias, and sleep disorders.

Review process

In most cases, you will maintain your driver’s licence until we receive medical, vision or assessment reports. However, if your medical condition poses an immediate risk to you or other drivers on the road, we may need to suspend your licence until we review the associated medical reports. In some cases, further medical information, like specialist reports, or driving assessments, may be required to determine if your medical condition affects your driving ability.

Once it has been determined that you meet the medical standards, you may be eligible to have your driver’s licence reinstated.

Monitoring your condition

Driver Fitness may require that you provide periodic medical and/or vision reports to monitor your medical condition and driving record.

For commercial licence holders (Class 1, 2, 3 or 4), Manitoba applies national standards that require you to provide mandatory medical reports according to age as follows:

• On application
• Every five years to age 45
• Every three years thereafter to age 65
• Annually at 65 years and over

Commercial licence holders may be required to file reports more frequently if they have a medical condition. The medical standards for commercial licence holders are stricter given the types of vehicles driven and the amount of time spent driving.

Commercial restrictions in the U.S.

If you hold a Class 1, 2, and 3 licence, and have a medical condition identified in the Canada-United States Medical Reciprocity Agreement, a Code W restriction will be placed on your driver’s licence and you are prohibited from driving these classes of vehicles in the United States. This includes drivers with epilepsy, those who do not meet minimum hearing requirements to transport dangerous goods, and those operating under a medical waiver. This restriction is clearly indicated under restrictions on your driver’s licence and you will be notified by letter if it is applied.

Medical appeal process

If your driver’s licence is cancelled or declassed as a result of a medical or vision condition that affects your ability to drive safely, you may have the right to appeal.

If you have any questions or inquiries, contact Driver Fitness.

The Driver Fitness department utilizes a number of different assessments and on-road evaluations to determine your medical fitness to continue driving.

DriveABLE

DriveABLE is a special assessment that tests the specific cognitive functions essential for safe driving. It was developed through extensive research. Only drivers whose cognitive function is a concern will be required to take a DriveABLE assessment.

DriveABLE consists of two distinct levels of assessment: the computerized in-office assessment and the on-road evaluation (which is not required for everyone).

In-office assessment

This assessment is highly predictive of driving performance and is more objective than tests that rely on the opinion of individual evaluators. Through the use of a computerized touch screen, which requires no prior computer knowledge, it evaluates the following abilities essential for driving:

• Response time and spatial judgement.
• Attention shifting.
• Memory and motor skills.
• Judgment and decision-making abilities.

In-office assessments take place in:

• Winnipeg: 40 Lexington Park at Gateway Road
• Brandon: 731–1st Street

The cost for the in-office assessment is $50. You will be responsible for this fee.

On-road cognitive evaluation

If you must participate in the on-road cognitive evaluation, you will be assessed on a standardized road course designed to examine the cognitive abilities required for safe driving. On-road evaluations are conducted in cars with dual controls that allow our driving examiner to take control of the vehicle, if required. The evaluations are equally fair and suitable for both urban and rural drivers, as familiarity with the area will not affect scoring.

On–road evaluations are conducted in:

• Winnipeg: 15 Barnes Street at Bison Drive
• Brandon: 731–1st Street

The cost for the on-road cognitive evaluation is $75. You will be responsible for this fee.

Driver Assessment Management Program

If you have a physical disability or suffer from combined physical and cognitive impairments, you may need to be assessed through the Driver Assessment and Management Program (DAMP).

DAMP is a comprehensive two-part assessment coordinated with the Health Sciences Centre Winnipeg and is conducted by an occupational therapist (OT) and driving instructor.

Part 1 of the assessment is conducted by the OT. It includes an interview to assess your medical history, driving needs, and insight into your driving ability.

During this portion, your physical, perceptual, and cognitive functions are assessed using various tests. An in-house stationary vehicle is used to assess reaction time and potential vehicle modifications. Preliminary recommendations are then made regarding your physical and cognitive competence and the need for adaptive controls.

Part 2 is a 30-45 minute on-road evaluation conducted by the DAMP driving instructor and OT in a dual-controlled vehicle. Your judgment, concentration, and physical management of the car are observed in a variety of driving situations. The use of adaptive controls, such as steering wheel spinner devices, left- foot gas pedal or hand controls, are assessed as required.

Following the assessment, the OT writes a report on your abilities, areas of concern, recommendations for vehicle modifications and licence restrictions. The report is filed in your Health Sciences Centre medical record and a copy is sent to Driver Fitness and the referring health-care provider.

The cost of the on-road evaluation is $150. You will be responsible for this fee. If lessons are recommended, you must pay for them separately.

Vehicle modifications

If the OT has recommended assistive devices/vehicle modifications to drive safely, the cost of purchasing and installing these devices is your responsibility. The OT will provide you with an information sheet outlining the required devices and a list of vendors.

In-vehicle evaluation

If you experience mild physical or sensory (touch) impairments or may have a medical condition that could affect your ability to drive safely, Driver Fitness will request an in-vehicle evaluation (IVE) with a driver examiner. This evaluation will give us the opportunity to assess your ability to control a vehicle in a safe manner.

An IVE may also be required following a DAMP assessment to determine your ability to drive with vehicle modifications.

If you have been advised by Driver Fitness that you may proceed with an IVE, please review your letter for contact information to book this appointment.

Evaluative road assessment

If your vision fails to meet the standards for safe driving, you may be eligible for an evaluative road assessment to determine if you’re able to drive safely. The ability to compensate for reduced vision varies from person to person. Compensation mechanisms include mirror use, scanning, shoulder checks and the use of specialized corrective lenses.

If you have been advised by Driver Fitness that you require an evaluative road assessment, please review your letter for contact information to book this appointment.

What happens next?

If you have completed one of the above evaluations and have been advised by Driver Fitness that you are medically fit to continue driving, you may be required to file periodic medical and/or vision reports in the future. If you have a change in your medical condition, a reassessment of your fitness to drive may be required.

If you have completed one of the above evaluations and have been advised by Driver Fitness that you are no longer fit to drive and your licence has been suspended or declassed, you may have the right to appeal.

The Ignition Interlock Program encourages safe driving by preventing those involved in the program from driving a motor vehicle after consuming alcohol.

An ignition interlock device is an in-vehicle, alcohol breath screening device that is wired into the vehicle’s ignition. The device will prevent the vehicle from starting if alcohol is detected or will sound an alarm if the vehicle is in motion.

The device is installed and maintained by Smart Start Inc., and results are monitored by Driver Fitness.

Who must participate?

Drivers convicted of an impaired driving related offence (alcohol or drugs), and drivers who fail or refuse an approved screening device, are required to participate in the program.

In some cases, you may be able to participate during your suspension if you are granted conditional driving privileges by the Licence Suspension Appeal Board.

Installation requirements

The following steps are required to have an ignition interlock device installed in a vehicle:

1. All outstanding licensing requirements must be satisfied prior to getting a licence. These might include, but are not limited to: an assessment from the Impaired Driver Program, medical or retesting requirements, or outstanding arrears.
2. If your licence is currently suspended, you must be granted conditional driving privileges by the Licence Suspension Appeal Board.
3. You must participate in a licence reinstatement interview in order to obtain the documentation required for the program. Contact Driver Fitness to schedule an interview.
4. Once you have completed the interview, contact Smart Start Inc. to book an installation appointment. Once the installation of the ignition interlock device is complete, you will receive a certificate of installation.
5. If all other requirements above have been met, visit an MPI Service Centre with the certificate of installation and completed ignition interlock application to reactivate your licence.

Costs

All costs related to the Ignition Interlock Program are your responsibility. The following are the basic charges that apply:

• Administration charge: $250
• Installation charge: $145
• Monitoring charge: $89 a month
• Removal charge: $50

Rules and requirements

You are responsible for all breath samples on your ignition interlock device. All information recorded by the device will be monitored by Driver Fitness, including failures and other violations.

When you are in the program, you must:

• Not use alcohol before driving.
• Attend Smart Start Inc. at regular intervals to have the results from the ignition interlock device retrieved.
• Maintain an active licence in the program for a minimum of 365 days after your suspension has ended.
• Only drive vehicles equipped with an ignition interlock device.

If you do not comply with the requirements of the program, you risk:

• An extension of your term in the program.
• Removal from the program.
• Driver’s licence suspensions.
• Charges and vehicle impoundment.

Please note: Tampering with the ignition interlock device can result in fines or imprisonment.

Reporting of medical conditions

Health care professionals play a key role in identifying medically impaired and at-risk drivers. In accordance with section 18.2(1) of The Drivers and Vehicles Act, a physician or optometrist is required to report any individual with a medical condition that could impair their ability to drive safely.

To help you identify at-risk drivers, MPI has partnered with the Continuing Professional Development Medicine program at the University of Manitoba to offer a Continuing Medical Education (CME) accredited online learning module about driver fitness and assessing fitness to drive. The online learning module is free of charge. Click here to register.

Conditions that must be reported include, but are not limited to those that affect vision, physical or cognitive abilities, as well as conditions that could make a person subject to a sudden loss of awareness while driving, such as epilepsy, cardiac arrhythmias and sleep disorders.

It is helpful to provide details of your concerns. For physical impairments, outline areas affected and degree of limitation; for concerns regarding cognition, include cognitive screening results (i.e., Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Trail making test part B.)

To facilitate the reporting process, Driver Fitness has created a simple reporting form that may be faxed or mailed to Driver Fitness. The receipt of this form initiates a driver fitness review.

Reports from sources other than health care professionals

A driver fitness review can also be triggered by a driver’s self-declaration, police or accident report, concerns from members of the public, or follow-up medical reports that identify medical conditions that may affect the ability to drive safely.

When concerns are reported

If the medical information received from a health care professional indicates a risk to public safety, the driver’s licence will be suspended by Driver Fitness. Recommendations by the health care provider regarding licence suspension are helpful, but not required, and Driver Fitness makes the determination on whether suspension is warranted. A suspension will remain in effect until medical reports are provided and it is determined that the individual meets the medical standards.

If the information indicates no immediate concerns, the driver will maintain their driver’s licence and a medical/vision report will be requested.

In some cases, further medical information, specialist reports, or driving assessments may be required to determine if the medical condition affects ability to drive safely.

Once it is determined that the medical standards are met, Driver Fitness may require periodic medical and/or vision reports to monitor the medical condition and driving record.

If it is determined that the driver’s condition fails to meet the medical standards and their licence is suspended, they will have the right to appeal this decision.

Assessing medical fitness

Driver Fitness utilizes the medical standards for drivers published by the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA) to assess fitness to drive. The standards were developed by medical advisors (physicians) and driver licensing administrators from Canadian provinces and territories, and establish basic medical qualifications for drivers with medical conditions that may impact their ability to drive safely.

The functions necessary for driving are cognitive, sensory (vision, touch), and motor (physical). Driving is a multifaceted perceptual-motor skill that usually takes place in a complex environment requiring the functions to operate together.

The types of impairment resulting from medical conditions can be classified as persistent or episodic and the effect of each on driving ability is assessed differently.

If you have questions about the medical standards for drivers or your role in reporting patients whose medical conditions may affect driving, please contact one of our registered nurses directly on our Health Care Professional’s Line 204-953-4925.

Episodic impairments

With episodic impairments, the event is sporadic, unpredictable, and lasts for a short time. Episodic impairments do not have any ongoing measurable, testable, or observable impacts on the functional ability to drive. Examples of episodic impairments include, but are not limited to:

• seizures
• myocardial infarctions
• hypoglycemic reactions
• blackouts or fainting spells due to transitory illnesses

When the medical event occurs, there is no question that the individual is not competent to drive and may be incapacitated. Determining driver fitness for episodic impairments therefore focuses on medical assessments and the likelihood the event will recur. Generally, the medical standards for episodic impairments reflect medical research and/or consensus medical opinions to assist in driving decisions. In most cases, drivers who experience episodic impairments are monitored by their health care providers and driving privileges are suspended until such time as the condition has cleared (completely or for an established period of time), or has been stabilized. Drivers with episodic impairments do not require functional driving assessments because there are no ongoing, measureable effects on driving other than when the event occurs, which cannot be predicted.

Persistent impairments

Persistent impairments, such as cognitive and motor deficits resulting from a stroke, are generally enduring. This could also include drivers with multiple medical conditions where the resultant cumulative effect could cause them to be unfit to drive.

Drivers with medical conditions that have persistent impairments generally require a functional assessment, in addition to a medical assessment, to determine fitness to drive. Examples of these medical conditions may include, but are not limited to:

• stroke
• cognitive deficits, including dementia
• multiple medical conditions
• multiple sclerosis
• Parkinson’s disease
• head injury
• vision deficits

Functional assessments measure the effect of persistent impairments on an individual’s ability to drive. They involve observing or measuring the functions required for driving and can reveal subtle, persistent impairments that may go undetected during a health care provider’s in-office examination.

Impairment by drugs

Patients need to be aware that many drugs, including prescribed medications, can impair their ability to drive. Many drugs, whether used alone or in combination with other medications, have the potential to affect driving performance. Patients should be advised accordingly.

This includes sedatives and hypnotics, opioids, stimulants, muscle relaxants, antihistamines, anti-nauseants, antidepressants and antipsychotics. Anti-Parkinsonian drugs, particularly dopamine agonists, can be associated with excessive daytime somnolence. With all of these classes of drugs, driving should be avoided completely if significant worrisome side effects are experienced.

Substance use disorder

Driver Fitness follows the standard for Substance Use Disorder as recommended in the CCMTA medical standards for drivers. Individuals diagnosed with moderate to severe Substance (including alcohol) Use Disorder, in accordance with the definition in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) published by the American Psychiatric Association, are prohibited from holding any class of licence unless the condition is in remission. Health care providers are advised to be particularly aware of high-risk criteria such as the presence of tolerance, use of the substance in hazardous situations, and continued use in spite of significant health problems caused by the use of the substance.

Cannabis and driving performance

While the degree of risk varies, multiple studies have demonstrated an association between cannabis use and increased risk of crashes.

Acute inhalation or ingestion of cannabis can result in perceptual distortion, cognitive impairment, and euphoria. This can result in impaired driving performance, manifested by slow reaction time, altered perception of danger, difficulty with multiple sensory inputs, and impaired decision-making ability. These effects typically last three to six hours but can be present for up to 24 hours after a single use.

Advice to users of cannabis

Many drivers are unaware of the risks of using cannabis prior to driving. Health care providers are advised to counsel patients known to consume cannabis in accordance with the recommendations outlined in the Guidance in Authorizing Cannabis Products Within Primary Care March 2021 (cfpc.ca), released by the College of Family Physicians of Canada in March 2021.

Per the Guidance Document (Recommendation 13), a patient should be advised:

• Wait at least six hours before driving if using via the inhalational route.
• Wait at least eight hours before driving if using via the oral route.
• If using daily, their serum THC level may be higher than legal allowable limits, even if they do not feel impaired.
• Combining cannabis and alcohol seriously increases risk and should be avoided.
• The recommendations above apply to typical driving with a Class 5 licence, and limitations/times can increase with other licence classes or additional safety-sensitive work.

Impaired driving charges

Driving while impaired by drugs is a criminal offence in Canada. This applies equally to drugs used recreationally and to over-the-counter or prescribed medication, including cannabis.

In 2018 the government of Canada amended the Criminal Code to introduce new impaired driving provisions specific to drugs and the combination of drugs and alcohol. The changes included establishing concentration limits on a number of drugs, including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), when operating a vehicle. The Criminal Code changes also included the introduction of approved drug screening equipment which, when used by police officers roadside, can help detect drug use. Impairment by drugs, or the combination of alcohol and drugs, can be determined by tests conducted by police officers. An individual who fails a Physical Coordination Test can be subject to an administrative suspension and downward movement on the Driver Safety Rating Scale. An individual may be asked to complete a more detailed Drug Recognition Evaluation and Classification Assessment conducted by a specially trained drug recognition expert. If the conclusion is that a specific class of drugs is the cause of the impairment, a body fluid sample is demanded. If the suspected drug is confirmed, the driver may be charged with impaired driving, with penalties equivalent for driving while impaired by alcohol.

Out-of-province drivers

If you examine a patient who is not a Manitoba resident and determine that their medical condition may interfere with their ability to drive safely, please notify the driver’s applicable driver licencing authority. Manitoba Public Insurance will not forward medical information it receives to the driver’s home licencing authority. The provincial and territory licencing addresses are as follows:

Alberta
Government of Alberta Ministry of Transportation, Driver Fitness and Monitoring Branch
Main Fl., Twin Atria Building
Alberta Transportation
4999 – 98 Ave.
Edmonton, AB T6B 2X3
Ph: 780- 427-8230
Fax: 780- 422-6612

British Columbia
BC Office of the Superintendent of Motor Vehicles,
Road Safety BC
PO Box 9254, Stn Prov. Govt.
Victoria, BC V8W 9J2
Ph: 250-387-7747 (Toll-free: 1-800-663-7867, request transfer to 387-7747)
Fax: 250-387-4891

New Brunswick
Registrar of Motor Vehicles
Department of Public Safety
Motor Vehicle Branch
PO Box 6000
Fredericton, NB E3B 5H1
Ph: 506-453-2410
Fax: 506-453-7455

Newfoundland and Labrador
Dept. of Government Services and Lands
Motor Vehicle Registration
Medical Review Officer
Box 8710
St. John’s, NF A1B 4J5
Ph: 709-729-0345
Fax: 709-729-4360

Northwest Territories
Road Licensing & Safety Division
Department of Transportation Government of the Northwest Territories
Box 1320
Yellowknife, NT X1A 2L9
Ph: 867 873-7406
Fax: 867-873-0120

Nova Scotia
Service Nova Scotia & Municipal Relations
Road Safety Programs
1505 Barrington St., 9th Fl.
North Halifax, NS B3J 3K5
Ph: 902-424-5732
Fax: 902-424-0772

Nunavut
Motor Vehicles Division
Department of Economic Development & Transportation
Govt. of Nunavut
PO Box 10
Gjoa Haven, NU X0B 1J0
Ph: 867-360-4615
Fax: 867-360-4619

Ontario
Registrar of Motor Vehicles
Medical Review Section
Ministry of Transportation
2680 Keele St.
Downsview, ON M3M 3E6
Ph: 416-235-1773 (Toll-free: 1-800-268-1481)
Fax: 416-235-3400 or 800-304-7889

Prince Edward Island
Registrar, Highway Safety
Box 2000
Charlottetown, PEI CIA 7N8
Ph: 902-368-5210
Fax: 902-368-5236

Québec
Service de l’évaluation médicale et du suivi du comportement
Sociéte de l’assurance automobile du Québec
333, boul Jean-Lesage, N-4-34
CP 19600
Québec, QC G1K 8J6
Ph: 418-643-5506 (Toll-free: 800-561-2858)
Fax: 418-643-4840

Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan Government Insurance
Medical Review Unit
2260-11th Ave., 3rd Fl.
Regina, SK S4P 2N7
Ph: 306-775-6176 (Toll-free: 800-667-8015, ext. 6176)
Fax: 306-347-2577 or 866-274-4417

Yukon
Driver Sanctions Coordinator
Government of Yukon
Motor Vehicles Branch (W-22)
Department of Highways and Public Works
Box 2703
Whitehorse, YT Y1A 2C6
Ph: 867-667-3563
Fax: 867-393-6220

Resources

Medical standards for drivers

Driver Fitness CPD module

The Drivers and Vehicles Act

In the interest of road safety, there are several suspensions that Driver Fitness may place on your licence, depending on your circumstances. If your licence has been suspended or cancelled, you must not drive. Driving with a suspended licence can result in vehicle impoundment, charges and insurance implications.

Medical conditions

Your driver’s licence may be suspended due to a medical condition or event which could pose an immediate safety risk to you and others on the road. As soon as you have been advised by your health-care provider that you are not safe to drive, you should stop driving.

If a medical suspension of your driver’s licence is required, you will be sent a letter advising you to submit certain reports or information. Further reports, including specialist reports, or driving assessments, may be required prior to reinstatement of your driver’s licence. If this is the case, you will be sent another letter advising of these requirements.

Once these reports are reviewed, and it is determined you meet the medical standards for drivers, you will be notified how to apply for licence reinstatement.

Suspensions for not providing medical reports

Your driver’s licence may be suspended if you do not provide the necessary reports when requested by Driver Fitness.

Review times

If your licence is currently suspended for medical reasons, and you have supplied Driver Fitness with the necessary report, it can take up to 10 business days to process. All reports are processed in the order they are received.

Once it has been determined you meet the medical standards, you will be notified by letter that you can reapply for your licence.

No longer medically fit to drive

If your driver’s licence has been cancelled as a result of a medical or vision condition that does not meet medical standards, you must stop driving. However, you may have the right to appeal to the Medical Review Committee. See information on appeals.

Driving record review

If you have received a letter stating you have been suspended as a result of a full record review of your driving incidents, you may appeal to the Licence Suspension Appeal Board on the basis on exceptional hardship. See more information on appeals.

The Driver Improvement & Control Program aims to make Manitoba’s roads safer for all by striving to prevent unsafe driving behaviours from becoming habits and breaking unsafe habits that are already established.

Driver Improvement & Control identifies drivers through the accumulation of convictions (including reprimands), at-fault collisions, administrative licence suspensions, and serious driving offence charges.

Types of interventions

The program can intervene in different ways. How it intervenes depends on the driver and their unsafe driving behaviour. Interventions are determined solely on driver experience and the severity and frequency of the driver’s involvement.

The following are examples of possible interventions:

• An advisory or warning letter
• A requirement to complete a driver improvement course
• A full driving record review with possible driver licence sanctions including:
  — Driver improvement course
  — Driver examination
  — Licence suspension
  — Any combination of above

Driver improvement courses

Any course you may be required to complete will be clearly identified in a letter. To register, contact:

• Novice Driver Workshop: Safety Services Manitoba
• Responsible Driver Workshop: Safety Services Manitoba
• Defensive Driver Course:
  — Safety Services Manitoba
  — Abbey Road Driver Training at 204-453-9160 or toll-free 1-877-453-9160  

Driving record review

Driver Fitness will review traffic convictions, at-fault collisions, administrative licence suspensions, and serious driving offence charges. A decision will be made by a reviewing officer based on, but not limited to, the frequency, and overall seriousness of incidents on your driving record. All information, including police reports and traffic accident reports, is considered.

Outcomes from a full record review include:

• No further action (no suspension or requirements)
• Driver safety course
• Driver examination
• Suspension
• A combination of the above

If your licence has been suspended following a driving record review, you are entitled to a hearing to explain, or show cause, as to why your licence should not be suspended. Alternatively, you may appeal on the grounds of exceptional hardship.

Show cause hearing

If you have been suspended as a result of a driving record review, and wish to show cause as to why your licence should not be suspended, you must contact Driver Fitness. Show cause hearings may be conducted in-person or you may choose to provide a written submission. It should be noted that hardship or your need for a licence will not be considered. 

In-person hearings

An in-person show cause hearing is conducted with a reviewing officer and you will have an opportunity to explain, or show cause, as to why your licence should not be suspended based on your current driving record. 

Written submission

If you choose to provide a written submission, it must include your name, driver’s licence number, an explanation of your driving record, and the reasons you feel your licence should not be suspended. Please send your written submission to Driver Fitness.

Show cause outcomes

Outcomes of an in-person hearing or written submission include:

• No action (meaning no suspension or requirements)
• Driver safety course
• Driver examinations
• Suspension
• Any combination of the above

If you have any questions or inquiries, contact Driver Fitness.

If you have received notice from Driver Fitness of a suspension, cancellation, or been denied a licence you may have options to appeal the decision, depending on your situation. The following provides general information, and details about whether you are eligible to appeal will be included in your letter.

Medical-related

If your licence was denied, suspended or you were issued a lower class of licence than you previously held because you no longer meet the medical standards for drivers, under section 18(8) of The Drivers and Vehicles Act, you are eligible to appeal the decision to the Medical Review Committee. An application form will be included with your letter.

If your licence was temporarily suspended pending further medical information or was suspended because you did not provide the necessary information when requested, you are not eligible to appeal.

Driver Improvement & Control

Full record review or show cause hearing

If your licence has been suspended as a result of a full record review or a show cause hearing, you may appeal to the Licence Suspension Appeal Board (LSAB). The LSAB will determine whether it is in the interest of public safety to issue you a conditional licence as a result of exceptional hardship you may experience related to the suspension.

If LSAB accepts your application, you will receive a receipt, and you may be eligible to attend an MPI Service Centre to obtain a 45-day permit, postponing your suspension while you wait for a meeting with the LSAB. In some circumstances, you may not be eligible for a 45-day permit. Please refer to your letter or contact Driver Fitness.

Administrative roadside suspensions

If you have received an administrative roadside suspension, you may appeal this suspension to the Registrar of Motor Vehicles. The scope of the appeal is outlined in The Highway Traffic Act under section 263.2, and can only be considered within one year of the start of the suspension. The cost of the appeal is $100 for an in-person hearing and $50 for a written submission. Please send applications to Driver Fitness.

Ignition Interlock Program

If you have an ignition interlock requirement, you may appeal to Driver Fitness for an exemption to drive a motor vehicle without a device for employment reasons. The scope of the appeal is limited and all vehicles must be owned, leased or rented by the employer. Please see section 279.1(1.4) of The Highway Traffic Act, and complete an application form for an exemption.