If you’re reading this, it’s likely because you’ve been asked to provide someone with a copy of your driver’s abstract. If so, you’re in the right place to learn more.
In this article, we’ll explain what a driver’s abstract is, what it includes, its purpose, and how it can affect the price you pay for car insurance. Plus, we’ve compiled a helpful list of where and how to get your driver’s abstract in Canada, with links to the relevant provincial and territorial websites.
What is a drivers abstract?
A driver’s abstract, also known as a driving record, is an official document that summarizes a licensed person’s driving history. It usually costs between $10-20 for a copy and is issued by the licensing authority in each province or territory in Canada. They are commonly required for:
- Job applications: Especially for roles involving driving, such as delivery drivers or commercial vehicle operators.
- Insurance: When applying for or renewing vehicle insurance.
- Licence applications: To apply for a driver’s licence in another province, territory, or country.
- Court proceedings: To confirm a driver’s address or driving history.
What shows up on a drivers abstract?
Depending on where in Canada you live, what shows up on your driver’s abstract or record may vary slightly. However, a driver’s abstract typically includes:
- Drivers name
- Drivers home address
- Licence number
- Licence class and status (valid, cancelled, suspended, or revoked)
- Demerit points accumulated over a set period (typically between 3-5 years)
- History of driving violations and convictions
- History of suspensions, cancellations, or revocations
- Records of collisions over a set period (typically between 3-5 years)
- Medical conditions or restrictions that impact driving eligibility
Since its purpose is to verify your driving qualifications and history, it does not include information about car insurance claims, parking tickets, or your personal driving habits.
How to get a drivers abstract in Canada by province
The licensing authority in each province or territory in Canada is where you will need to go to get a copy of your driver’s abstract. However, how you get it depends on where you live – some provinces offer online portals, while others require a phone call or an in-person visit.
Use the table below to find out where and how to get a driver’s abstract by province or territory, along with the cost of a driver’s abstract in each location.
| Province | Where to get | How to get | Price* |
| Ontario | ServiceOntario (part of the Ministry of Government Services) | Online or in person at a ServiceOntario location | $12-18 |
| Quebec | The Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) | Online, by phone, by mail | $15 |
| Alberta | Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction | Online or in person at a Registry agent | $23.10 |
| Manitoba | Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) | By mail or in person at Autopac agent or MPI Service Centre location | $10 |
| Saskatchewan | Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) | Online, by email, by mail, or in person at SGI Customer Service Centre | $15 |
| British Columbia | Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) | Online, by phone, or in person at ICBC driver licensing office | Free |
| New Brunswick | Justice and Public Safety Department | Online, by phone, or in person at a Service New Brunswick service centre | $20 |
| Prince Edward Island | Highway Safety Division | Online or in person at an Access PEI location | $25 |
| Nova Scotia | Department of Service Nova Scotia | By mail or in person at an Access Nova Scotia location | $18.65 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | Motor Registration Division | Online or in person at a Motor Registration location | $15 |
| Northwest Territories | Driver and Vehicle Services | Online or in person at a Motor Vehicle Office | $19 |
| Yukon | Driving and Transportation Services | Online, by email, or in person at a Motor Vehicle Office | $10 |
| Nunavut | Economic Development and Transportation | By phone or in person at a Motor Vehicles Office | $12.60 |
* All prices are based on information from provincial websites as of January 2025. For the latest pricing details, please visit your province’s official page.
Does insurance look at your driving record?
When insurers calculate your car insurance premium, your driving record usually gets factored into the equation to some extent. That’s because insurers are always trying to assess the amount of risk you pose to them as a customer.
If your record shows a pattern of violations or accidents, insurers may see you as a higher-risk client. Since accidents often lead to claims, which cost insurers money, they offset that risk by charging higher premiums to protect themselves.
On the other hand, a clean driving record can send the signal to insurers that you pose less of a risk. This could lead to cheaper car insurance premiums, as insurers see you as less likely to file a claim, reducing the financial risk they take on by insuring you. Many even offer discounts the longer you go without making a claim, typically called a “claims-free” or “safe driver” discount.