TORONTO - The cost of driving is set to increase in Ontario.

"Our government is making thoughtful choices to eliminate the deficit and keep Ontario's economy on track, while making sure our roads and bridges remain in good repair," Transportation Minister Bob Chiarelli said in a media release Tuesday.

"By increasing some fees for the first time in almost 15 years, we are making the choice to keep Ontario's families safe when they are on the road."

The fees for driver's licences; vehicle permits, including trailers, snow machines and off-road vehicles; permits for bus and truck drivers; and tests are all going up. Many will start increasing this year and will continue to go up until 2015.

The cost for a driver's licence in southern Ontario is now $75. That will increase to $80 in 2013.