October 24, 2025
RED FM News Desk
he Ontario government has tabled significant transportation reforms in its upcoming “Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act”, with several measures under the “Keeping People Moving” part of the bill aimed at improving road safety, protecting consumers, and modernizing driver licensing and towing regulations.
Government to Set Standard Towing Rates
A key element of the proposal gives the Ministry of Transportation the authority to set maximum towing and vehicle storage rates province-wide. Currently, towing operators must submit their rates before charging customers, leading to inconsistencies across regions.
The new system would allow the government to establish fair, transparent, and consistent pricing standards. Officials say this will help protect drivers from being overcharged, while also reducing administrative burden for towing and storage companies.
Stronger Residency and ID Verification
The bill also proposes stricter residency and ID checks for individuals applying for an Ontario driver’s licence, photo card, or registrant number. Applicants will be required to provide verified proof of their legal name, date of birth, Ontario residency, and legal presence in Canada.
In addition, Class A commercial licence applicants will have to demonstrate that they are legally authorized to work in Canada. These measures aim to reduce fraud, enhance security, and align Ontario’s system with other provinces.
New Waiting Period for Commercial Licences
Another major change would require new drivers to hold a full Class G licence for a minimum period before applying for a Class A commercial licence. Under the current system, drivers as young as 18 can apply for a Class A immediately after obtaining their Class G. The proposed waiting period is designed to ensure drivers gain adequate road experience before operating heavy commercial vehicles.
Tighter Rules for Foreign Driver’s Licence Applicants
In a separate but related reform, the province plans to tighten rules for non-reciprocal foreign driver’s licence holders. Currently, applicants from these countries can receive full credit for their foreign driving experience by presenting a valid foreign licence and authentication document at DriveTest or ServiceOntario (College Park).
Under the proposed change, experience credit will be capped at 12 months, and all applicants will be required to complete both the G2 and G road tests. This closes a loophole that previously allowed some drivers to skip directly to a full G licence.
Applicants with verified foreign experience will still be able to take the G2 test immediately and, if successful, drive independently. However, they must wait at least 12 months before attempting the G test. Those with less than 12 months of verified experience will receive credit only for the actual duration they can prove.
Aiming for Safer and Faster Transportation
The province says these proposed measures are part of a broader effort to modernize Ontario’s transportation system, reduce delays, improve safety, and build more trust in driver licensing processes. If passed, the reforms will bring more consistency, transparency, and accountability to Ontario’s roads and transportation infrastructure.
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