Back on Track

BACK ON TRACK, ONTARIO’S REMEDIAL MEASURES PROGRAM FOR IMPAIRED DRIVERS

About the Remedial Measures Program

For offences that take place on or after September 30, 1998, the Highway Traffic Act requires convicted impaired drivers to successfully complete the Back on Track, Ontario Remedial Measures Program, before their licenses can be reinstated.  Participants must pay a fee of $475 (plus GST) to cover the costs of the program.

Drivers convicted of an impaired driving offence committed on or after December 23, 2001 are subject to ignition interlock requirements.

If you are convicted of a drinking and driving offence, you will receive a suspension notice from the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO).  The notice includes your remedial requirement and the length of your license suspension.

You should register for Back on Track as soon as possible after you receive your suspension notice.  This will help you avoid delays in having your license reinstated.  It can take 11 months to complete all program requirements.  The program requirements are: assessment, education/treatment and a six-month follow-up interview.  All program components must be completed before your license can be reinstated.

Back on Track Components

Assessment:  The assessment takes about one hour.  Based on the results, you will be referred to either the education or treatment program.

Education Program: 

The education program helps you learn about:

• How alcohol and other drugs affect driving performance and safety.
• The legal and personal consequences of an impaired driving conviction.
• Ways to avoid drinking and driving.

The program is eight hours in length.  It is sometimes offered as a one-day workshop, sometimes as shorter sessions over a number of weeks.  It includes presentations, exercises, discussions and group work.

Treatment Program:

The treatment program helps you to:

• Learn about, and take responsibility for, alcohol and drug use and its consequences.
• Commit to reducing or stopping problem use of alcohol and drugs.
• Plan to avoid relapses and make healthier choices.
• Avoid drinking and driving.

Follow-up Interview:

If you have received an assessment you must complete a follow-up interview six months after finishing your education or treatment program.  The follow-up interview takes 30 minutes.  It is your responsibility to arrange for your follow-up interview, which can be done in person or by telephone.

The follow-up interview:

• Assesses your success in meeting your goals.
• Reinforces the strategies for avoiding drinking and driving developed during the program.

Back on Track: Program Requirements

To pass the program, you must meet the following requirements:

• Don’t use alcohol or drugs not prescribed by your doctor on any day you participate in the program.
• Attend all session as scheduled and arrive on time.
• Participate in program activities.
• Treat others with respect.

If you fail the course or any component, you will have to register and pay the program fee again.  This could result in a delay of 11 months in reinstating your driver’s license.

Some Questions and Answers About Back on Track

Q:  How do I register?

A:  Call 1-888-814-5831

• You may leave a message with your name and address and a package will be mailed to you.
• You may ask to have a package faxed to you.  You may use the fax-back service by following the prompts.
• You may speak to a staff person, or leave a message for a staff person to call you back.
• You may print the registration package from the following website www.remedial.net

Q:  When should I register?

A:  Register early in your suspension period.  It can take up to 11 months to complete all components needed to meet your requirement.  All program components must be completed before your license can be reinstated.

You should allow between 30 and 90 days to schedule each program component.  As well, the follow-up interview can only be completed six months after you have completed the education or treatment component.

Q:  What happens if I am convicted of impaired driving but do not attend the Back on Track program?

A:  At the end of your license suspension period, your license will be further suspended.

Q:  What do I have to do to pass the program?

A:  You must meet the program requirements.  You must also initiate the follow-up interview six months after you complete the education or treatment program.

Q:  Where do I go for the program? 

A:  Back on Track is offered by community service providers in a variety of locations across the province of Ontario.  Contact information will be included in your registration package.  St. Leonard’s Community Services is one of the community service providers for the Back on Track Program.

Q:  What if I don’t speak or understand English very well?

A:  Program materials are available in English or French.  If you have difficulty speaking English or French, please tell us when you register.  You will need to bring a translator or helper to the program.

Q:  How will I get to the program?

A:  You will need to make your own transportation arrangements.  Most people use public transit if it is available, or have a friend or family member drive them.  You must be on time for appointments, and attend sessions as scheduled, or you will fail the course.

For more information on Back on Track, Ontario’s Remedial Measures Program for Impaired Drivers, or to register, please contact:

Tel.: 1-888-814-5831

Email: info@remedial.net

Internet: www.remedial.net

Mail: Back on Track
          33 Russell Street
          Toronto, ON
           M5S 2S1