For offences that take place on or after September
30, 1998, the Highway Traffic Act requires convicted impaired drivers to successfully
complete Back on Track, Ontario's Remedial Measures Program, before their licences
can be reinstated. Participants must pay a fee of $578 (plus GST) to cover the costs
of the program.
If you are convicted of a drinking and driving offence, you will receive a suspension
notice from the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO). The notice includes
your remedial requirement and the length of your licence suspension.
You should register for Back on Track as soon as possible after you receive your
suspension notice. This will help you avoid delays in having your licence reinstated.
If you are required to complete all the program components, starting with an assessment,
it can take more than 10 months to complete the program.
Please note: If you do not complete all components of the Back on Track program within your suspension period, your license will be further suspended. Your insurance company might factor in the length of the suspension when writing your policy and, as a result, may further increase your premiums over any increases related to your impaired driving conviction.
To pass the program, you must meet the following requirements:
- don't use alcohol or drugs not prescribed by your doctor on any day you participate in the program
- attend all sessions as scheduled and arrive on time
- participate in program activities
- treat others with respect.
If you fail the course or any component, you will have to register and pay the program fee again. This could result in a delay of eight months or more in reinstating your driver's licence.
The education program helps participants learn about:
- how alcohol and other drugs affect driving performance and safety
- the legal and personal consequences of an impaired driving conviction
- ways to avoid to drinking and driving.
The program is eight hours in length. It is sometimes offered as a one-day workshop, sometimes as several shorter sessions over a number of weeks. It includes presentations, exercises, discussions and group work.
The treatment program helps participants to:
- learn about, and take responsibility for, their alcohol and drug use and its consequences
- commit to reducing or stopping problem use of alcohol and drugs
- plan to avoid relapses and make healthier choices
- avoid drinking and driving.
The program is 16 hours in length. It is usually scheduled as several sessions over a number of weeks. It includes discussions, exercises, group work and personal planning.
If you have received an assessment you must complete a follow-up interview six months after finishing your education or treatment program. The follow-up interview takes about 30 minutes. It is your responsibility to arrange for your follow-up interview, which can be done in person or by telephone. The follow-up interview:
- assesses your success in meeting your goals
- reinforces the strategies for avoiding drinking and driving developed during the program.
