Attending and preparing for your Hearing

  1. You will receive a "Notice of Hearing" with a confirmed date and time approximately two to three (2-3) weeks prior to your hearing date. You can expect to be at the hearing office for up to two (2) hours.
  2. You will appear in front of a panel of three (3) board members. However, more board members may be present.
  3. When you are called in front of the Board you must make sure:
    • You have the copy of your Driver's Abstract and the documents that were sent with your Notice of Hearing
    • Your phone is turned off
    • You have removed any food or candy from your mouth
    • You have removed your hat and/or sunglasses
  4. The Board will provide a brief introduction and summary of the hearing process
  5. You will be asked about the items on your abstract
    • Typical questions include: where the incident occurred; what led to the incident; if there was an accident how much damage occurred and what actions you may take to prevent similar situations in the future
    • The Board will ask about what course(s) you have completed. They will ask you about what you learned in the course(s). If you have completed course(s) on your own, please be prepared to provide copies of your certificate(s)
    • If you are uncertain about the items on your abstract, you can contact MPI Service Centre or the Provincial Offences Court in order to obtain further information.
  6. You will then be asked about your driving requests. In this portion the Board is focusing on your exceptional hardship:
    • Board Orders are very specific:
      • Example: Permitted to drive motor vehicles in the course of employment with “ABC Company” between 7:00 am and 6:00 pm Monday to Friday
    • You will need to provide the Board with the earliest time that you leave the house to arrive to work on time and the latest time that you are home directly from work. If you have a complicated work schedule you will want to provide a schedule of your shift pattern to the Board. Also include this information with your application
    • You will be asked if you have considered other alternative transportation: can you take the bus; can someone pick you up; active transportation like bicycle, and why these alternatives are not possible for your situation
    • You can ask for driving requests that you believe you need. However, it is the Board’s responsibility to determine whether you are eligible for a conditional driver’s licence and the appropriate conditions to be imposed by considering exceptional hardship and public interest
    • If the Board approves a conditional driver’s licence, it will be based on the information you provide about your driving request and your exceptional hardship. The Board may grant all, some or none of the driving requests made
    • If a conditional licence is granted, you will be limited to driving only at those times and for the specific purpose(s) that are within the conditions that the Board has granted. Driving outside of the conditions may result in a charge of Driving while Disqualified
  7. Once the hearing is complete, the Board will meet and discuss your application. The decision is not made at or during your hearing. Once a decision is made, you will be notified by regular mail. It takes approximately fifteen (15) business days from the date of your hearing for you to receive the Board’s decision.
  8. Decision of the Board:
    • If the decision is favourable, then you are eligible for a conditional driver’s licence, with the conditions imposed by the Board. You must then visit an MPI Service Centre with the Board Order before driving to get your get your driver’s licence
      • You may be required to pay a licence reinstatement fee to MPI
      • You will be required to pay your driver’s licence fee
      • A Board Order is not your licence to drive
      • The Board Order must be carried on you at all times when driving, you must be able to present it with your licence. If you do not produce the Board Order with your licence when stopped by police, you may be charged with driving while disqualified
    • If the decision is not favourable, there is no appealing the Board's decision; the decision is final.