Ontario Drivers - Looking Back Quiz

Answer: Vehicle license

In 1903, the year that this went into effect, across Ontario 178, vehicles were registered and licenced. Slightly more than forty percent of those vehicles were found in Toronto. Chauffeurs did not have to register or get licenses for their limos at that time, they did not have to do this until 1909. Thirteen years after this went in to effect the Provincial Department of Public Highways was established, partially because the number of registered vehicles in Ontario had gone up to 52,590.

Answer: One dollar

It would have been much easier to obtain a drivers license in 1927, the year that they first came out, than it is now. Late in the year (2008) when my son goes to take his test for a drivers license he will be required to pay $125, which makes it an increase of over a dollar a year form 1927 to 2008.

The only requirement that hasn't changed from 1927 to 2008 is the minimum age requirement, you must be at least 16 years old to apply, then and now. Although several requirements have been added to help make drivers more safe to themselves and safe to others, in 1927 the only other requirements were that the driver had either six months driving experience or could prove that they had driven at least 500 miles.

Answer: Graduated Licensing System

The purpose of the Graduated Licensing System was to increase driver safety on the road. First time drivers now take longer before they are fully licensed giving them more time to develop better judgment and habits on the road. They must also pass a series of tests to prove their knowledge and to become more secure in their driving skills.

Answer: CAA

People who purchase CAA (Canadian Automobile Association) membership have many services available to them. CAA provides more than just roadside assistance, at the CAA web site they claim to be able to provide "180 reasons to be a member". In the July 2008 newsletter, it said that there were 5 million members; that is a huge increase from the original 27 members in 1903.

Answer: 4

The first test is a written test, testing your knowledge of the information in "The Official MTO Driver's Handbook". This test is to make sure that you have studied and that you understand the rules of the road. The second test is a vision test, basically to make sure that your vision is good enough to drive, some drivers are required to wear glasses when driving.

The last two tests are both road tests, a qualified tester will accompany new drivers on these tests to determine if the new driver has the necessary skills to be driving a car. If the new driver has taken and passed a ministry-approved drivers education course, the testing can be done in 20 months, but new drivers have up to 5 years to complete the testing.

Answer: Porcelain license plates.

Over the years there have been a few different types of material used to make license plates. The license plate on your car/van/truck right now is probably made of aluminum, but in the past they have been steel, rubber, and even just a brass shield. During WW1, some of the license plates issued were made out of cardboard because they had ran out of the steel to make the plates.

Answer: All of these.

Every time that you climb into your car to drive, it is the law that you must be carrying your driver's license. The ownership and insurance slip go with the vehicle, but it is the responsibility of the driver to make sure that the vehicle they are driving is legal. So every time you drive a vehicle that is not yours you should make sure to ask the owner where these papers are kept, although most people keep these two papers in their glove box.

The license plate on the vehicle must also be a valid plate registered to the vehicle that it is on, with a current sticker. You may not be asked about these but the license plate number can be checked and probably has been checked.

Answer: 60 days

When my sister-in-law moved from Newfoundland to Ontario she unfortunately missed the 60 day deadline to transfer her driver's license and she had difficulty doing it late. It is not impossible to transfer your license after the time limit but it is definitely in your best interest to do it within the time limit, it will save yourself a lot of extra paperwork and the possibility of having to take a test.

Answer: White and blue

The Ontario government started issuing white and blue license plates in the early 1970s. All vehicles on the road must have a valid license plate of some sort, even if it is just a trip permit. Some exceptions are made to the blue and white license plates, such as a car dealer's plate or a diplomatic license plate.

These examples are not the traditional white and blue, neither is a trip permit.

Answer: 80

As a senior, roughly two months before your 80th birthday you should receive a letter from MTO telling you where and when you need to show up if you wish to keep your license. Most seniors only need to participate in a group driver's education class as well as pass the written and vision test. My grandfather on his 85th birthday passed all the testing including a road test, which sometimes MTO will ask for.