Understanding a driver’s abstract

A standard driver abstract provides information from an individual’s personal driving record, including:
- Driver information (name, address, licence number and issue date, etc.),
- Driver appearance (height, weight, sex, etc.),
- Current status of the driver’s licence,
- Conviction information,
- Demerit points, and
- Suspensions.
The driver abstract doesn’t show the individual’s driving experience or the date first licensed.
A commercial driver abstract allows for employers to assess safety risks associated with a driver prior to hiring them. It provides most of the same information as the standard driver abstract plus information about Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) inspections. However, the commercial driver abstract does not include information about the driver’s appearance.
A CVOR driver’s abstract is a report that shows a driver’s commercial motor vehicle operating record. It includes information on violations, accidents, and convictions. The Ontario Ministry of Transportation maintains the CVOR system. Drivers’ abstracts are available from the ministry or any authorized service provider.