At Remitly, we’re committed to helping immigrants navigate life in a new country. And in Canada, that often means driving.
While most Canadian cities have public transit systems, travelling by car may be necessary in more remote areas, or if you want to explore the country. For many Canadians, driving is an essential part of daily life.
Newcomers and immigrants aged 16 and older can get a driver’s licence in Canada, including temporary residents, permanent residents, and citizens. This guide covers everything you need to know to get started.
Overview of Canada’s driving landscape
Driving in Canada is a spectacular experience. A regular road trip could offer breathtaking views, from the majestic Rocky Mountains to the crashing waves of the Atlantic.
When travelling across this vast country, you can expect long distances between destinations. This means that before you head out, it’s important to plan your trip, including:
- Thorough route planning
- Checking the weather forecast and preparing for Canadian weather
- Fuel management
- Allowing ample travel time
- Researching driving laws in each province you will travel through
- Staying connected in Canada’s remote regions
Importance of understanding local driving customs and regulations
Without a doubt, driving regulations are one of the things every new immigrant should know about Canadian laws.
These rules are in place to protect everyone—you and your passengers, other drivers, their passengers, cyclists, and pedestrians. In addition to putting lives at risk, breaking the law can result in heavy fines and even jail time.
Rules of the road in Canada
General driving laws and requirements
To drive in Canada, you must be over the age of 16, hold a valid driver’s licence, and have auto insurance. Motorists also commit to following specific general rules on Canadian roads:
- Drive on the right side of the road
- Pass on the left
- Do not pass a stopped school bus
- Driver and all passengers must wear a seatbelt
- Children must be secured in car seats or booster seats
- Do not use your cell phone while driving
- Do not drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Respect the speed limit
- Pay attention to all road signs
The guidelines encourage drivers to respect pedestrians: they always have the right of way at crosswalks and intersections, even if there is no marked crosswalk. Other regulations determine your behaviour at traffic lights:
- Green light: You can drive straight or turn right. To turn left, you must yield to oncoming traffic.
- Flashing green light or green arrow: You have the right-of-way to turn left, except in British Colombia.
- Yellow (amber) light: The light is about to turn red, so come to a stop if you can do so safely. If you are already in the intersection, continue driving to clear it.
- Red light: Stop and wait until the light turns green.
But what about intersections? Here are the right-of-way rules you should follow in Canada:
- At a 4-way stop, the first car to arrive is the first to leave. If two cars arrive at the same time, yield to the car on your right.
- At roundabouts, yield to traffic already inside the circle, that is, those coming from the left.
- At crosswalks, yield the right of way to all pedestrians.
Despite following all these rules, you may still have to deal with authorities at some point. If you’re pulled over by the police, stay in your vehicle, roll down the window, make sure your hands are always visible, and wait for further instructions.
Regional and provincial variations
Driving rules, fines, and penalties can vary widely depending on your location in Canada. You are responsible for knowing and following the rules of whatever region or province you are in, regardless of where your vehicle is registered.
Be aware that rules around children using a car seat or booster seat vary by province, too. Child car seat laws are very strict. If you’re travelling with children, make sure to use car seats or booster seats in compliance with the laws of each province you will be driving through.
Unique driving laws across different provinces
- In British Colombia, a flashing green light means pedestrians can cross the road and cars must yield. Everywhere else, it means you, the driver, can turn left.
- Turning right at a red light is generally permitted across Canada—after you come to a full stop and yield to vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists with a green light—EXCEPT on the island of Montréal or when a sign prohibits it.
- In Ontario, your vehicle must be at least 50% clear of snow and ice on the windshield, back window, and side windows.
- In Quebec, you must use winter tires from December 15 through March 15.
- In British Colombia, you must use winter tires or chains on marked routes from October 1 through April 30.
- You must honk your horn when passing another vehicle in Prince Edward Island; this is also recommended in Nova Scotia but discouraged in other provinces.
- You can be fined for honking at a driver stopped at a red light in Quebec.
- In Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island, U-turns are permitted at any intersection unless there is a sign prohibiting it.
- In British Colombia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan, U-turns are banned at intersections with traffic lights unless there is a sign that allows it.
While this isn’t an exhaustive list of all the driving laws that vary across provinces, it provides a snapshot of the most important ones.
Driving requirements in Canada
Newcomers who want to start driving in Canada must meet several requirements for documentation, licencing, and auto insurance before being legally allowed on the roads.
Necessary documents and licences
- All newcomers to Canada can get a local driver’s licence, including temporary residents and permanent residents.
- Depending on your country of origin, you may be able to use your valid driver’s licence from your home country for a limited time after arriving in Canada. This period is usually two to three months.
- When using a foreign driver’s licence, you should also have an International Driving Permit (IDP).
- The process for getting your driver’s licence in Canada varies by province.
- To get your licence, you will usually need to pass a written exam and one or two practical driving tests.
Car insurance specifications
It is illegal to drive in Canada without car insurance. If you buy a car, you must also buy an insurance plan to ensure coverage. But before then, you might frequently drive someone else’s car, so ensure you’re added to their auto insurance policy.
Canadian car insurance can include coverage for one or both of the following:
- Your injuries and damage to your car
- Others’ injuries and damage to their car(s) if you are at fault in an accident
Costs and coverage vary between insurance companies and plans. Shop around for different plans to get the best deal.
Rental car regulations and tips
Tourists and newcomers to Canada with a driver’s licence are eligible to rent a car. Each car rental company has its own rules, such as a minimum driver age and required minimum driving experience.
Before signing any rental agreement, compare different companies to find the best price. Consider other options, too. Some cities, like Vancouver, have car-sharing programs where you can rent a car by the hour or day.
Winter conditions in Canada can be extremely harsh, presenting significant challenges for drivers. These include:
- Extreme cold: Can lead to mechanical issues in vehicles and affect driver alertness or reaction times.
- Heavy snowfall and blizzards: Reduces visibility and lead to dangerous road conditions.
- Icy roads: Can cause vehicles to lose traction, increasing the risk of skidding.
- Reduced daylight hours: More hours of darkness can reduce visibility and increase driver fatigue.
Winter driving tips
Driving during Canadian winters means dealing with lots of snow and ice. These conditions may be unfamiliar to immigrants, depending on your home country. A few simple adjustments will help you stay safe on the roads:
- Before you leave, get all snow and ice off your car, including the hood, roof, windows, and lights.
- Defrost your windscreen so you have full visibility.
- Make sure your phone is fully charged before leaving in case you need to call for help.
- Use winter tires for cold, snowy, or icy conditions.
- Always wear your seatbelt and ensure your passengers do, too.
- Stay alert when driving and take rests as needed.
- Turn your headlights on to make your car easier to see in low visibility conditions.
- Drive more slowly when road or weather conditions are challenging.
- Avoid passing other cars when road or weather conditions are poor.
- Don’t use cruise control, and avoid sudden braking or steering changes.
- If driving conditions become too risky, pull off the road and stop in a safe place, such as a rest area.
Survival kit essentials to keep in your car
Most Canadians know to keep a survival kit in the car in case of emergencies. A fully stocked kit should contain several key items, including:
- Snow brush and Ice scraper
- Sunglasses, as sunlight reflecting off the snow can make it difficult to see
- Phone charger and portable power bank
- Warm blankets
- Extra clothes, such as a jumper, coat, gloves, hat, socks
- Extra shoes
- First aid kit
- Emergency radio
- Non-perishable food and water
- Jumper cables
- Wind-up flashlight
- Tire repair kit
- Road flares or reflective triangles
- High visibility clothing
- Whistle
- Shovel and sand
Road conditions and safety measures
Snow and ice on the road reduce tire traction, increasing the risk of skidding and losing control. Make sure you know how to drive safely on winter roads.
Driving safely in the snow
- Drive more slowly.
- Start in second gear.
- Accelerate gradually.
- Drive in higher gears and avoid braking when possible.
- Pay attention to what is happening ahead of you so you have more time to react.
- Maintain a greater distance from the car ahead of you, as braking takes longer in the snow.
- Turn on your headlights in very snowy conditions to increase visibility.
Braking on slippery roads
- To slow down, lightly tap the brake pedal to alert the drivers behind you, then shift down through lower gears.
- Avoid braking as much as you can.
- If you start skidding, steer into the skid and do not hit the brakes.
- If you lose control of the car while braking, keep the brake pedal down and focus on steering.
Understanding regional winter hazards
Winter hazards are common in Canada, including:
- Blizzard
- Cold temperatures and wind chill
- Freezing rain and ice pellets
- Ice fog
- Rain
- Snow
- Smog
- Storms
Before you go, check the weather forecast for every region you will be travelling through and stay alert to storm warnings. If extreme weather is predicted, consider rescheduling your travel plans for your safety. Driving in Canadian winters can be extremely dangerous.
Also, ensure you are dressed appropriately for Canada’s changing seasons. Exposure to extremely cold temperatures poses serious risks. Frostbite can occur within minutes, and prolonged exposure can lead to hypothermia, which can be life-threatening.
Driving tips for tourists and new residents
Key road rules to keep in mind
- A valid driver’s licence and car insurance are required.
- Driver and all passengers must wear a seatbelt at all times.
- Pedestrians have the right of way at crosswalks and intersections.
- When you come to a roundabout, yield to the vehicles that are already in the circle.
- Cell phone use is prohibited while driving.
- Pull over and yield to ambulances and other emergency vehicles with lights and sirens on.
- Come to a full stop when a school bus is stopped or has flashing red lights.
- If the police pull you over, stay in the car and keep your hands visible.
- Call 911 in case of an emergency.
Understanding road signs and metric rules
- You will need to learn the various road signs in Canada as part of your driver’s test.
- Speed limits are posted in kilometres per hour.
- Speed limits vary between 30km/h and 100 km/h, or about 20 to 60 mph.
Safety rules and regulations for a smooth drive
- Know the rules in every province and territory you travel through.
- Check the weather and road conditions before you go.
- Pack emergency supplies.
- Allow ample space between your car and the vehicle in front of you.
- Stay alert at the wheel, and pull over if weather conditions become too extreme.
Planning your Canadian road adventure
Driving in Canada is one of the most flexible, convenient ways to discover the country’s beauty.
Planning a memorable road trip is easy with these tips:
Major highways and scenic routes
The Trans-Canada Highway stretches across Canada from east to west, passing through all 10 provinces and connecting major cities. Other top scenic routes include:
- Badlands Parkway, Alberta
- Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia
- Fundy Coastal Drive, New Brunswick
- Highway 60 Corridor, Ontario
- Icefields Parkway, Alberta
- Pacific Rim Highway, Vancouver Island
- Sea to Sky Highway, British Columbia
- St. Lawrence Route, Quebec
- Viking Trail, Newfoundland
Tips for encountering wildlife
If you see animals on the side of the road when you’re driving, slow down and keep going. Do not stop your vehicle. Hikers should always take bear spray before setting off.
Learn more of our tips about how to safely explore nature and wildlife in Canada
Recommended itineraries and destinations
Consider making a stop at these famous attractions a part of your itinerary:
Outdoor adventures in the Canadian Rockies
- Banff National Park
- Jasper National Park
- Lake Louise
- Icefields Parkway
City hopping in Eastern Canada
- Toronto
- Montreal
- Quebec City
- Ottawa
- Niagara Falls
Weather is always an important consideration when planning your trip. In the summer, you may want to enjoy Canada’s lakes and rivers or go hiking in one of the many national parks. In the winter, you could go skiing, visit the frozen Niagara Falls, or see the northern lights. Wherever you go in Canada, you will discover a land of endless possibilities.
FAQs
Is Canada easy to drive in?
Roads are generally in good condition and sign-posted to help you follow the rules and find your way. However, winter weather can be extreme, and roads can get slippery with snow or ice. It’s important to check weather conditions and forecasts before your trip, especially in the winter.
Do I need anything special to drive in Canada?
You must be 16 years old or over, and you’ll need a valid driver’s licence and auto insurance at the minimum. You may also be required to use snow tires in the winter, depending on what province you’re in.
What are the steps to driving in Canada?
To start driving in Canada, check if a valid driver’s licence from your home country can be used for a limited time and if you need an International Driving Permit (IDP). But if you’re a temporary or permanent Canadian resident, you can get a driver’s licence by taking a written exam and one or two driving tests.