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The purpose of licence endorsements and restrictions on a driver’s licence is to ensure that drivers can safely operate a motor vehicle based on their experience, qualifications, specific skills, and abilities.
Licence endorsements and restrictions may vary depending on the province or territory where the driver is licensed.
Driver’s license endorsements and restrictions are codes that are added to a driver’s license to indicate that the driver is authorized to operate certain types of vehicles or that driving is subject to certain limitations or restrictions. Sometimes, endorsements and restrictions have the same codes, but they are usually listed separately on a driver’s license. Unlike endorsements, restrictions prohibit a driver from driving unless certain conditions are met.
Licence endorsements are additional qualifications that allow drivers to operate certain types of vehicles or perform certain functions. For example, drivers may need an endorsement to operate a motorcycle, a bus, a taxi, or a vehicle with air brakes. Licence endorsements may require additional knowledge tests, road tests, or training courses.
Licence restrictions are limitations that are placed on a driver’s licence to address specific conditions or situations. For example, drivers may have restrictions on their licence due to their age, medical condition, vision, hearing, or driving skills. Licence restrictions may require drivers to use corrective lenses, hearing aids, ignition interlock devices, or vehicle modifications. Licence restrictions may also limit drivers to certain hours, speeds, routes, or passengers.
Licence endorsements and restrictions are usually indicated by codes or symbols on the driver’s licence card. Drivers should always check their licence for any endorsements or restrictions and follow them accordingly. Failing to comply with licence endorsements or restrictions may result in fines, penalties, licence suspension, or insurance invalidation.
Some of the most common licence endorsements in Canada are:
The difference between a licence endorsement and a restriction is that an endorsement expands the driver’s privileges, while a restriction limits them. An endorsement allows drivers to operate certain types of vehicles or perform certain functions that are not covered by their regular licence class. A restriction imposes certain conditions or limitations on the driver’s licence to address specific issues or situations. For example, an endorsement may allow a driver to operate a motorcycle, while a restriction may require a driver to wear corrective lenses. Both endorsements and restrictions are meant to ensure the safety of the driver and other road users.