Every driver starts with zero demerit points on their record. Certain offences will add demerit points to your driving record, but you may find it hard to keep track of the grand total.
The more points you collect, the closer you are to a licence suspension. On top of that, your car insurance premiums will increase. In this article, we’ll help you find out how many demerit points you currently have. But for that, you’ll need a driver’s abstract.
A driver’s abstract is a government-issued document that summarizes your driving record. In Canada, it is specific to each province and territory, with several differences between them. It typically includes details such as:
You can request a driver’s abstract providing up to 5 years of history. This process can be done online, in person at a registry office or by mail. The process varies by province and territory, so you’ll need to find the one that is relevant to you.
Alberta residents can request a 3-, 5- or even 10-year driving record by visiting the designated page on the Government of Alberta’s website. Those who are physically in the province can also complete a request for personal driving and motor vehicle information, which a registry agent will process in person. Mail options are also available for those who are outside Alberta.
The Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) provides a record of your driving history for the past five years, including tickets and demerit points. You can request a driver’s abstract on ICBC’s online portal, by mail, or in person. While there is a waiting period for mail delivery, you can obtain this report immediately when you request it online or in person.
If you are in Manitoba, you can complete and submit a request form online through the Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) website. Alternatively, you can also mail this form to:
Manitoba Public Insurance Driver Records and Suspensions PO Box 6300 Winnipeg, MB R3C 4A4
Or you can fax the completed request form to 204-985-8105.
Abstracts can be obtained in person at any Service New Brunswick office or by mail at the following address:
Argyle Place Floor 1 PO Box 6000 Fredericton, NB E3B 5H1
However, most drivers prefer to use the Service New Brunswick website since it is the quickest and most convenient method. Your driver’s abstract will usually be fulfilled within 2 business days if you request it online.
Residents of Newfoundland and Labrador can obtain a driver’s abstract directly from the MyGovNL portal. This service lets them pay online and download their driver’s abstract immediately. Those who prefer alternative options can also complete and submit an application through mail or in person at any Motor Registration office.
If you are a resident of the Northwest Territories, you can request your driver’s abstract online. You will receive a summary of your driving record for the past 3 years, including the total number of demerit points. Those who are already in the Northwest Territories can visit a Driver and Vehicle Services office to request their driver’s abstract in person, but some offices may require an appointment.
Nova Scotia is the only province whose residents cannot obtain their driver’s abstract online. Instead, they’ll have to apply in person at one of the RMV Customer Service Centres. Those who are currently not in Nova Scotia can mail the request form to:
Service Nova Scotia PO Box 1652 Halifax, NS B3J 2Z3
To request a driver’s abstract in Nunavut, you must complete a request form and submit it in person at a Motor Vehicles Division issuing office in Iqaluit, Rankin Inlet, Cambridge Bay or Gjoa Haven. Before you visit, you can also call these offices at 888-975-5999 to find out more details about this procedure.
Ontarians can obtain their driver’s abstract from the ServiceOntario website by simply providing their driver’s licence number and paying the fee using a credit card or debit card. The same process can also be done in person at a ServiceOntario location or by mailing an application form to the Ministry of Transportation.
Residents of Prince Edward Island can request a driver’s abstract from the Highway Safety Division by completing an online form. The abstract is not available digitally, so you can pick it up in person at a designated Access PEI location, have someone collect it on your behalf, or request to have the abstract mailed to your address.
The quickest way to access your driver’s abstract in Quebec is via the SAAQclic webpage. If you prefer, you can also request your abstract by mail. This process can take up to four weeks, depending on the number of requests that must be processed. You can also obtain your driver’s abstract in person by visiting an SAAQ service centre.
In Saskatchewan, you can request your driver’s abstract in four ways: online, in person, by mail or by fax. The MySGI portal is the most convenient option if you need quick access to your record. You can also visit a motor licence issuer in Saskatchewan with a completed request form, and your request will be processed immediately. Residents of this province can also mail a completed request form to Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI).
The easiest way to obtain a driver’s abstract in Yukon is online. Once the process is complete, you can download and print your abstract immediately. Note that payment must be made with a credit card for this service. Alternatively, you can also complete a request form and send it either by mail to [email protected] or by fax to 867-393-6220. In-person requests are also available at any Motor Vehicles office.