If you’ve been convicted of impaired driving or have received multiple roadside suspensions in Ontario, reinstating your driver’s license requires completing the Back on Track Ontario program. This mandatory remedial program educates drivers on the dangers of impaired driving and helps develop safer habits on the road. Understanding the costs, requirements, and locations can help you successfully complete this program and get back on track.
Program Details for Back on Track Ontario:
- Back on Track Ontario Cost:
- Convicted Impaired Drivers: $894
- Drivers with Two or More Administrative Suspensions: $344
- Program Components:
- Assessment: An initial one-hour evaluation determines whether participants should attend the Education or Treatment workshop.
- Education Workshop (one day): An 8-hour session that covers:
- Myths and facts about alcohol and other drugs
- Effects of substances on driving performance and safety
- Legal and personal consequences of impaired driving
- Strategies to prevent impaired driving
- Treatment Workshop (two days): A 16-hour program focusing on:
- Understanding reasons behind substance use
- Assessing personal alcohol and drug use and its consequences
- Developing strategies to reduce or eliminate problematic use
- Learning skills for stress management, communication, and healthy decision-making
- Follow-Up Interview:
- Six months after completing the workshop, participants attend a 30-minute follow-up interview. This interview assesses progress and reinforces strategies to avoid impaired driving. It can be conducted in person or by phone.
Back on Track Ontario Locations:
The Back on Track Ontario program is offered across the province through community service providers to ensure accessibility. Some of the key locations include:
- Peterborough: Services are available through Fourcast, which offers both in-person and virtual sessions.
- Belleville: The Canadian Mental Health Association Hastings Prince Edward (CMHA HPE) provides the program locally.
- London: CMHA Thames Valley offers the program and also provides virtual services.
- Aurora: The program is available through Addiction Services for York Region (ASCO).
- Peel Region: The Peel Addiction Assessment and Referral Centre (PAARC) offers the program for local residents.
For a comprehensive list of service providers and locations, you can visit the official Back on Track Ontario website or contact the main office at 1-888-814-5831.
License Suspension and Program Completion:
- Warn Range Suspension: Drivers with multiple administrative suspensions must complete the Education or Treatment workshop within the specified timeframe to avoid further license suspension.
- Convicted Impaired Drivers: The license remains suspended until all components of the Back on Track Ontario program are completed, fees and penalties are paid, and the suspension period has ended.
Timely registration and completion of the program are crucial to avoid delays in license reinstatement. Early registration is especially important for first-time offenders who wish to qualify for a reduced suspension.
DUI Insurance Considerations:
A conviction for impaired driving can significantly impact auto insurance rates, often placing you in a high-risk category. However, completing the Back on Track Ontario program demonstrates a commitment to safer driving. Consulting with an insurance provider specializing in high risk coverage can help you find the best options.
For more information or to register, please refer to the official Back on Track Ontario website.