What We Do

Ontario DriveON

Emissions and safety inspections for heavy-duty diesel commercial, light-duty and
passenger motor vehicles have been combined into one single digital program called
DriveON.

Ontario’s DriveON program will:

Modernize and streamline vehicle safety and emissions inspections
Improve vehicle and road safety using digital inspection data to reduce fraud
Reduce harmful emissions
Include digital recordkeeping and administration
Address issues with deletion and tampering of a vehicle’s emission equipment

Advocacy

We don’t sit on the sidelines, we show up, speak up, and push forward.

At AARO, advocacy means action. We bring the voice of independent repair shops directly to government and industry leaders, ensuring your challenges are heard and your interests are represented.

Collaboration isn’t new to us, it’s in our DNA. Since 1939, we’ve been connecting businesses, building relationships, and creating strength through unity.

When you’re part of AARO, you’re not standing alone. You’re backed by a network that supports your business, protects your future, and helps you grow.

Government Relations

We represent the automotive aftermarket industry in a number of issues, proposals and initiatives such as:

Professional Affiliations

We work with the following affiliations and other industry partners to influence positive Change:

WSPS

Workplace Safety and Prevention Services

UCDA

Used Car Dealers Association of Ontario (UCDA)

NASTF

National Automotive Service Task Force

Training & Certification

We’ve been delivering industry-leading technical and business training for over 35 years because staying competitive means staying ahead.

AARO partners with top-tier instructors and industry experts to bring you high-impact training that goes beyond theory. Our programs are built for real-world application giving you the skills, insights, and confidence to improve performance in your shop immediately.

Our training is designed to help you:

Master advanced diagnostics and emerging vehicle technologies, including EVs and hybrids
Strengthen your business performance with proven strategies to improve profitability, efficiency, and customer experience
Stay ahead of industry changes with up-to-date, relevant content tailored to today’s automotive environment
Build a stronger, more skilled team that delivers consistent, high-quality service

ODP Certification

We also offer ODP (Ozone Depletion Prevention) Certification training for those who handle or purchase refrigerants. This comprehensive course meets federal and provincial requirements and includes a certification exam.

New training sessions are offered throughout the year. AARO members receive priority access and notifications when registration opens.

Health & Safety Training

Our interactive online health and safety courses are designed to be efficient and practical, each session takes approximately one hour, making it easy to stay compliant while keeping your team safe.

WHMIS with GHS
Accessibility in the Workplace Level 1 – Customer Service Standard: accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act is intended to create an accessible province by the year 2025. This course is the first standard.
Accessibility in the Workplace Level 2 – Integrated Standards: the AODA Integrated Standards course reviews regulations contained in the newly-released AODA Integrated Standards.
Prevention of Violence and Harassment in the Workplace: this course provides training on the policies and procedures of Bill 168, which are designed to reduce workplace violence and harassment.
Prevention of Violence and Harassment for Supervisors: designed for Ontario supervisors/managers, this course covers general information such as the law, prevention measures, and how to recognize & respond to violence & harassment in the workplace.
Slips 100 (verify if this is supposed to be 101) – Slips, Trips and Falls: this course covers preventing slips, trips and falling accidents in the workplace.

Government Resources

Repair it Right 2020

We formed an alliance with associations and parts suppliers across Canada that has resulted in a strong voice nationally with the creation of our National “Repair it Right 2020” Taskforce. We are calling on all technicians to join us so that we can have access to information, tools and equipment to repair all vehicles. Join NASTF for FREE!

When you apply make sure to check “AARO” in the drop down box. You may also apply to become a “VSP” Vehicle Security Professional on the NASTF site for key codes, etc

Click here to join the National Automotive Service Task Force and become a Vehicle Security Professional for key codes.

Service Information Request Form (SIR)

If you are unable to find the information to repair a vehicle in your bay, please complete and submit a Service Information Request Form (SIR). Once reviewed, you will receive an answer to your problem.

SIR is a feedback service for automotive professionals to submit a Gap Issue for urgent review by participating OEMs. A GAP ISSUE is a situation where service is potentially available to a franchise dealer but not available outside the OEM’s franchise network.

*For use by USA/Canadian residents + vehicles only