Are you considering moving to Canada? You can drive with your foreign license or international driving permit (IDP) for up to 90 days. After that, you’ll need to learn the rules of the road and get a Canadian driver’s license from your province. This guide covers the essentials of getting licensed across Canada.
We at Remitly want to support immigrants through this key step by providing this comprehensive guide to help you navigate licensing requirements across Canadian provinces and territories.
Table of contents
Using an international driver’s license in Canada
Your home country license and IDP remain valid for the first three months in Canada, but the duration varies by province. For example, Ontario gives new residents 60 days, while Quebec permanent residents have six months to start the conversion process.
Converting to a Canadian driving license
Provincial motor vehicle offices handle license conversions. If you are a licensed driver, present your current license in English or French (or with a certified translation), proof of identity, and driving record. Certain countries have also made agreements with Canada for a simple conversion process. These include:
- United States
- Australia
- Austria
- France
- Switzerland
- Japan
- South Korea
Required documents and tips for Canadian licenses
Getting your Canadian driver’s license requires careful preparation and proper documentation. The process begins well before your first visit to the licensing office, as you’ll need to gather several essential papers and may need time for translations or official verifications. Below is what you need:
- Valid ID
- Proof of residency
- Original international driver’s permit (if applicable)
- Driving record from your home country
- Immigration documents
- Proof of car insurance
Tips for success:
To successfully get your foreign driver’s license, schedule your driving test appointments several weeks ahead, as testing centers have limited availability. Study your provincial driver’s handbook carefully and practice critical skills like parallel parking. Professional driving lessons can also help you understand local road conditions and rules.
Moreover, keep all original documents organized, including certified translations of foreign licenses and records. Plan to wait up to three hours at testing centers to complete necessary paperwork and assessments. For more flexibility, people even schedule tests during off-peak seasons.
Driving requirements in Canadian provinces
Each Canadian province has its own licensing system protocol, catering to the region’s specific needs and challenges. While some requirements may overlap, it’s essential to understand each province’s key differences and focus areas. Here’s what you need to know
Ontario
DriveTest centers manage Ontario’s G1, G2, and full G license systems, part of the graduated licensing program. New drivers with over two years of driving experience may qualify for exemptions. You will have to complete knowledge, vision, and road tests. Key requirements include:
- Passing a knowledge test on traffic signs and rules
- Completing a vision test
- 12 months with a G1 license before taking the G2 road test
- 12 months with a G2 license before taking the full G license test
British Columbia
The ICBC handles licensing in British Columbia. They offer Class 7 licenses for new drivers and Class 5 for experienced ones. Knowledge tests are available in multiple languages, including English and French. Car insurance is mandatory before the road test. Key requirements include:
- Passing a written exam
- Completing a vision screening
- 12 months with an L (learner) license
- 24 months with an N (novice) license
- Passing a Class 5 road test
Alberta
Alberta Transportation’s GDL system starts with a Class 7 learner’s permit. The knowledge test covers road signs and road rules. Key requirements include:
- 12 months with a Class 7 learner’s license
- Passing a basic road test for a Class 5 GDL license
- 2 years with a Class 5 GDL license
- Passing an advanced road test for a full Class 5 license
Quebec
The SAAQ (Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec) manages Quebec’s strict licensing system. Written exams and road tests must be taken in French. Key requirements include:
- Passing a knowledge test
- Completing a vision test
- 12 months with a learner’s license
- Passing a road test for a probationary license
- 24 months with a probationary license
- Passing a road test for a full license
Manitoba
Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) administers a comprehensive graduated licensing program. Winter driving competency is crucial to the assessment, specifically testing on ice and snow conditions. Key requirements include:
- 9 months with a Class 5L learner’s license
- Passing a knowledge test and a vision test
- 15 months with a Class 5I intermediate license
- Passing a road test in winter conditions for a full Class 5 license
Saskatchewan
SGI’s licensing program focuses on prairie and winter driving conditions. Written tests are available in multiple languages to accommodate diverse newcomers. Key requirements include:
- Passing a written test to obtain a Class 7 learner’s license
- 9 months with a Class 7 learner’s license
- Passing a road test for a Class 5 novice license
- 6 months with a Class 5 novice license
- Another road test for a full Class 5 license
Nova Scotia:
Access Nova Scotia offers streamlined conversion for select countries with reciprocal agreements. Road tests specifically evaluate coastal driving conditions, urban traffic management, and rural road navigation. International drivers must also demonstrate proficiency in varying weather conditions.
New Brunswick:
Service NB provides bilingual testing, reflecting the province’s language diversity. Key requirements include:
- Passing a written test, available in English and French
- Completing a vision test
- 12 months with a Class 7 learner’s license
- Passing a road test for a Class 5 license, emphasizing highway safety, freeway merging, and rural road navigation
Prince Edward Island:
Transportation PEI requires completing the learner’s permit before road testing. Limited testing locations across the island mean advance scheduling is essential. Key requirements include:
- Passing a knowledge test and completing a vision test
- 12 months with a Class 7 learner’s license
- Passing a road test for a Class 5 license, including mandatory winter driving evaluation
Newfoundland and Labrador
Service NL prioritizes coastal and winter driving competency. The department carefully reviews international licenses and may transfer existing demerit points. Key requirements include:
- Passing a knowledge test and completing a vision test
- 12 months with a Class 5 level 1 license
- Passing a road test for a full Class 5 license, with testing schedules adapted to seasonal conditions
Northwest Territories
The Department of Infrastructure oversees licensing, focusing on extreme weather driving skills. The knowledge test includes specific sections on northern driving conditions and wildlife safety. Key requirements include:
Passing a knowledge test
Completing a vision screening
12 months with a Class 7 learner’s license
Passing a road test for a full Class 5 license
Yukon
The Motor Vehicles Branch requires all drivers to demonstrate winter driving proficiency. Mobile testing teams regularly visit remote communities to provide licensing services. Key requirements include:
- Completing a theory test and vision screening
- 6 months with a Class 7 learner’s license
- Passing a road test for a Class 5 novice license
- 18 months with a Class 5 novice license
- Passing a road test for a full Class 5 license
Nunavut
The Motor Vehicles Division conducts testing only at regional transportation centers. Converting an international license involves extended processing times. Key requirements include:
- Passing a knowledge test and vision screening
- 12 months with a Class 7 learner’s license
- Passing a road test for a full Class 5 license
Processing & Insurance
- License fees: CAN$20-100
- Tests: CAN$15-150
- Processing: 2-10 business days
Insurance requirements in Canada
New drivers typically face higher insurance premiums, though their previous driving experience may help reduce rates. Take time to compare insurance providers, as coverage and costs vary significantly.
FAQs
How long can I drive with my foreign driver’s license in Canada?
You can drive with your foreign license or international driving permit (IDP) for up to 90 days in Canada, but the exact duration varies by province.
What are the basic steps to getting a Canadian driver’s license?
To get a Canadian driver’s license, you must provide your foreign license, proof of identity, and driving record, pass a vision and knowledge test, complete a graduated licensing program, provide proof of insurance, and pay the required fees.
Are there any differences in the licensing process between provinces?
Yes, each Canadian province has its own unique licensing requirements. Because of this, the learner’s permit stage length, the number of road tests, specific focus areas for testing, language availability for knowledge tests, and mandatory waiting periods all vary.
