This search form will help you determine when your light-duty vehicle (passenger car, van, sport utility vehicle or pick up truck with a GVWR or GCWR of 4,500 kg or less) is due for its next test.
Jump down to:
Search Form
Special circumstances
Most used vehicles require a valid Drive Clean test pass when they are sold in order to transfer the ownership. There are two exceptions to this rule:
- When you are buying your car from a leasing company at the end of the lease
- When you sell your car to an immediate family member*. Immediate family members include your:
- parent
- stepparent
- grandparent
- stepgrandparent
- child
- stepchild
- grandchild
- stepgrandchild
- sibling
- half-sibling
- father-in-law
- mother-in-law
- son-in-law
- daughter-in-law
- brother-in-law
- sister-in-law
Vehicles that have an Ontario Ministry of Transportation-issued “Historic” licence plate are permanently exempt from Drive Clean testing.
Heavy-duty vehicles have different requirements, which you can read about on the heavy-duty vehicle section
Light-duty vehicle owners do not need to have their vehicle tested more than one time in a two-year period for registration renewal. This means a test done when a car is sold or brought into the province can be used to renew its license at any point in the next calendar year.
*Note: Your car will still need a Drive Clean test if it’s reached the age when a test is needed in order to renew the registration (i.e., when it is seven years or older). If this is the case, even if you qualify under one of the exceptions above, you must get your vehicle tested in order to renew the licence plates. See the example below:
Family transfer example
If Dad gives his son his seven-year-old car, the car may need to be tested, not because of ownership transfer but because it is seven years old. If the car has already had its Drive Clean test, then it doesn’t need to be tested again now. But, if Dad didn’t get the test done prior to transferring the ownership, then one IS required now because the car is seven years old.
If Dad gives his son that same car next year, the car will not need a test. That’s because:
- The car was tested when it was seven years old
- A test is not required for family transfers.
ServiceOntario will notify you when your car needs a Drive Clean test. If it is needed for registration renewal, the notice will be in the package that’s mailed to you. If it is needed to transfer ownership, the clerk will advise you at the counter.