Autism and Driving in Ontario: What the Law Actually Says

Ontario says all drivers must meet basic medical standards set out in section 14 of Ontario Regulation 340/94. The published standard for Class G and M drivers concerns whether a mental, emotional, nervous, or physical disability might significantly interfere with safe driving.

The ministry says it reviews each reported case individually against the medical standards in Ontario Regulation 340/94 and national medical standards. Physicians, nurse practitioners, and occupational therapists use the Medical Condition Report form when they report a patient who is unfit to drive.

Ontario's graduated licensing system applies to new drivers seeking their first car licence. A driver moves to G2 after the first road test and receives full G privileges after passing the second road test.

Ontario defines a functional assessment as a full medical assessment plus an on-road evaluation conducted by an occupational therapist and a qualified driving instructor. A person may be asked to complete one after being reported medically unfit because of a neurological condition, physical disability, or cognitive impairment.

The Licence Appeal Tribunal can hear appeals of medical suspensions and downgrades made under sections 47(1) and 32(5)(b)(i) of the Highway Traffic Act. Its published information sheet says the appeal test concerns the reported condition, disability, or addiction and how it affects safe driving ability.