Driving in Canada: What you need to know about your foreign licence
If you have a driver’s licence, it proves that you understand traffic laws and can safely operate a vehicle. In many cases, it allows you to drive in other countries. But once you arrive in Canada, your driving privileges may be significantly restricted—unless you take the right steps!
Understanding the Rules
In Canada, you cannot drive indefinitely with a foreign licence. Eventually, you will either have to exchange it or take a driving test to obtain a Canadian licence.
However, things get complicated, because transportation is regulated at the provincial level, not the federal level. This means you don’t get a “Canadian” licence, but rather a provincial one—an Ontario licence if you live in Ontario, a Quebec licence if you live in Quebec, and so on. In short, there is no single rule that applies across Canada. Each province and territory has its own set of rules - 13 in total.
To find out what applies in your province or territory, search for
SAAQ (Société de l’Assurance Automobile du Québec) for Quebec.
Ministry of Transport + [your province name] for other provinces.
Key factors to consider
There are three key elements to consider when doing your research
Your immigration status—Are you a visitor, student, worker or permanent resident?
Length of stay—Short visits and long-term residency have different requirements.
International Driving Permit (IDP)—Some provinces allow you to drive for longer if you have an IDP.
Let’s look at two examples: Ontario and Québec.
Driving in Ontario
Visitors (less than 3 months): You can drive with a valid foreign licence.
Visitors (more than 3 months): An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required in addition to your foreign licence.
When you move to Ontario: You can drive with a foreign licence for only 60 days. After that, you must obtain an Ontario licence.
Licence exchange or driving test: Depending on your home country, you may be eligible for a licence exchange. If you’re not eligible, you’ll need to take a written and driving test.
Driving in Québec
Québec has more flexibility than Ontario:
Visitors: You can drive with a foreign licence for up to 6 months. After that, an IDP is required.
Students & Interns: You can use your foreign licence for the entire duration of your studies or internship. An IDP is recommended if your licence isn’t in English or French.
New residents: You can drive with your foreign licence for 6 months after moving to Québec. However, it’s best to start the process of getting a Québec licence well in advance.
For more details on Ontario’s driving regulations, click here. For Québec driving regulations, click here.
Bottom Line
Each Canadian province and territory has unique driving laws. Always check with the official transportation authority in your province what is in force and make sure you have the right documents on hand. Start the process of exchanging or obtaining your licence as soon as you arrive.