1. Confirm the driver information
Begin with the driver’s name and licence number. Confirm that they match the intended driver before sharing the PDF. A spelling or number mismatch should be investigated rather than ignored.
2. Review the current licence details
Look for the licence status, class and expiry date. The record can also show conditions or restrictions associated with the licence. These fields describe the current licence rather than a full history of every earlier licence stage.
3. Check the demerit point total
Ontario drivers begin with zero points and gain points after certain convictions. The record shows the current point total. Points normally stay on the driving record for two years from the offence date.
Read our Ontario demerit point guide for the main thresholds.
4. Read conviction and suspension entries carefully
Recent entries can include the type of event and relevant dates. An offence date, conviction date and reinstatement date describe different points in time, so do not assume every date means the same thing.
5. Understand blank sections
A section with no entries can simply mean there is no reportable activity for that section during the record period. The 3-year abstract is a defined record, not a complete lifetime history.
Keep the document private
A driver abstract contains personal information. Save it securely and send it only to the employer, insurer or other recipient who needs it.