If you have a valid license from your home country, you will probably be able to use this to drive in Canada for a short time after you arrive. Check with the government of your province or territory for details.
If you plan to use a foreign driver’s license in Canada, you should get an International Driving Permit (IDP) in your home country. An International License will give you a translation of your license into French and English.
How to Exchange your foreign driver’s license to a Canadian Driver’s License
Depending on which country you are from, you may be able to simply exchange your foreign license for a driver license in Canada without the need to sit any road tests. However, many newcomers to Canada need to sit a theory test and road test before they can obtain a Canadian driving license, even if they already have years of driving experience outside Canada.
Licenses issued in another province or territory in Canada may also be exchanged for the relevant provincial license. All provincial/territorial jurisdictions have different regulations, so refer to the relevant jurisdiction for details. To exchange a driving license, it is generally necessary to:
• Complete an eye test
• Provide a valid driving license (if this is not in English or French, it may need to be translated)
• Show proof of identity
• Provide proof of address (for example a utility bill)
• Pay a fee
• It may also be necessary to complete a knowledge test if the person has been driving for less than two years
Reciprocity Agreements
If you have a driver’s license from a jurisdiction with License Exchange Agreement, you can benefit from this privilege.
The type of license you can get depends on how much driving experience you have. You follow the same process as drivers with a license from another Canadian province and from Canadian Forces – Europe.
Note: Information may not be up-to-date. Please check official government information for latest laws and regulations.
Read more on the website below:
How to exchange your driver’s license