Depending on which city in Canada you’re immigrating to and your daily routine, getting a driver’s license and maybe even a car might be a top priority for you. If you don’t live in Vancouver, Montreal, or Toronto (Canada’s most walkable cities), you need to learn what it takes to get your driver’s license as a beginner.

What to Prepare Before Landing in Canada

Before arriving in your province/territory, you should take the time to familiarize yourself with the road signs and driving rules. It can be very different from home. Driving in winter can be a hassle, so be careful driving or take driving lessons. Before you leave
This will save you from having to translate your driver’s license if it is not in French (only allowed in some provinces/territories) or English.

You must also obtain a copy of your driving history from your country’s licensing authority (in English or French). This will help when applying for a driver’s license in Canada, as you can earn points for driving experience when you exchange your driver’s license.

How to get a driver’s license for the first time in Canada

In most provinces, you will need to go through a staged licensing program. There are usually three steps:

Pass a written exam (and sometimes an eye test). If successful, you will receive permission to study. You cannot drive alone with this permit, you must always be accompanied by an experienced driver (with full license).
After one year of practice, you will be able to take a road test to receive an intermediate permit. You can drive alone, but you are not allowed to use any electronic devices (even hands-free) and have alcohol or drugs in the system.
After one to two years of driving, you will be allowed to take a full driving test.

Remember that these 3 steps (and the years between each test) are approximate. Each province/territory has its own characteristics. For more information on how to get a driver’s license for the first time, click on the province/province you plan to travel to:

How to exchange your driver’s license for a Canadian one

How to get a driver’s license in Alberta

SAWP Visitors, Students and Foreign Workers
If you are (i) visiting, (ii) going to study, or (iii) a temporary foreign worker under the Alberta Seasonal Farm Workers Program (SAWP) and you are outside of Canada, you must have a valid driver’s license country of residence and an international driver’s license to drive in Alberta. It is recommended to have a certified translation of your driver’s license if it is not in English.
You can drive for up to one year, but if you leave the country and return, the one-year countdown starts again.

Temporary Foreign Workers and Permanent Residents
If you are (i) a permanent resident of Alberta or (ii) a temporary foreign worker with a work permit that does not indicate “Does not grant temporary resident status”, you can change your home country driver’s license to a class 5 license or class 5L (students).

If your driver’s license is issued from the following countries: “Australia, Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Isle of Man, Japan, Netherlands, Republic of Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, UK, USA”, you can exchange it for a driver’s license. Alberta driver’s license class 5 (or class 6 depending on the country) if you have more than 2 years of driving experience. If less, you may be issued a class 5L license.
If your country is not listed, you will need to pass a knowledge test and road test. You will need to visit a licensed registration agent in your country and the registry will check which class of license will be issued to you. Depending on your years of experience and your country of residence, you may be allowed to take your Class 7, Class 5L, or Class 5 driver’s license exams.

For more information, visit the Government of Alberta website .

How to get a driver’s license in British Columbia

Visitors
If you are visiting British Columbia and are outside of Canada, you must have a valid driver’s license from your country of residence and a certified translation of your driver’s license, if not in English, by an ICBC approved translator .
You can travel for up to six months as a visitor.

Students
If you are studying in British Columbia and are outside of Canada, you must have a valid driver’s license from your country and a certified translation of your driver’s license, if not in English, by an ICBC approved translator .
You can drive a car throughout your studies if you remain a full-time student.

Foreign SAWP Workers
If you are a foreign worker under the SAWP program in British Columbia, you must have a valid residence permit and a certified translation of your driver’s license, if not in English, by an ICBC approved translator .
During your stay, you can drive a car for up to 12 months. If you leave the country and return, the annual schedule starts again.

Residents
If you are a new resident of British Columbia, you can change your home country driver’s license to a class 5 driver’s license. However, you can drive for 90 days after you receive your residence permit and you must change your country’s driver’s license before doing so.

If your driver’s license is issued from the following countries/territories: “Australia, Austria, France, Germany, Guernsey, Isle of Man, Ireland, Jersey, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom, States”, you can exchange it for a British Columbia Class 5 (or Class 6 depending on the country) driver’s license if you have more than 2 years of driving experience. If less, you may need to go through the Differential Licensing Program (GLP).
If your country is not listed, you will need to pass a knowledge test and road test. With two years of driving experience, you must pass a Class 5 driving test. If less, you will have to pass the Graded Licensing Program (GLP).

When you get your new British Columbia driver’s license, you will need to surrender your previous license.

For more information, visit the ICBC website .

How to get a driver’s license in Manitoba

Visitors
If you are visiting Manitoba and are outside of Canada, you must have a valid driver’s license from your country of residence and (i) a certified translation of your driver’s license, if not in English or French, by an official translator, or (ii) an international driver’s license .
You can drive for three months as a guest.
Students and Residents
If you are a student or new resident of Manitoba, you may change your country’s driver’s license to a class 5 driver’s license. you will have to change your country’s driver’s license.

If your driver’s license is issued from the following countries/territories: “Austria, France, Germany, Isle of Man, Northern Ireland, Ireland, Republic of Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom, United States”, you can exchange it for Manitoba. Driver’s license 5th class (or 6th class depending on the country).
If your country is not listed, you will need to pass a knowledge test and road test. Before you can take these tests, you must register as a Manitoba Public Insurance customer through an Autopac service center or agent .

For more information, visit the Manitoba Public Insurance website .

How to get a driver’s license in New Brunswick

Visitors
If you are visiting New Brunswick and are outside of Canada, you must have a valid driver’s license from your country of residence and (i) a certified translation of your driver’s license if it is not in English, or (ii) an International Driving Permit.
You can drive up to three months as a visitor.

Students
If you are studying in New Brunswick and are outside of Canada, you must have a valid driver’s license from your country of residence and (i) a certified translation of your driver’s license if it is not in English, or (ii) an international driver’s license.
You can drive a car throughout your studies if you remain a full-time student.

Residents
If you are a new resident of New Brunswick, you can change your home country driver’s license to a Class 5 license. You need to change your driver’s license as soon as possible.

If your driver’s license is issued from the following countries/territories: “Australia, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Isle of Man, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Scotland, Republic of Korea, Spain, Sweden , Switzerland, Taiwan, USA, Wales”, you can exchange them for a New Brunswick Class 5 (or Class 6 depending on the country) driver’s license.
If your country is not listed, you must pass a full driving license test which includes knowledge, vision and road tests.

For more information visit the website

government of New Brunswick .

How to get a driver’s license in Newfoundland and Labrador

Visitors
If you are visiting Newfoundland and Labrador and are outside of Canada, you must have a valid driver’s license from your country of residence.
You can drive up to three months as a visitor.

Students
If you are studying in Newfoundland and Labrador and are outside of Canada, you must have a valid permit from your country of residence.
You can drive for up to three months as a student. You will have to exchange your driver’s license for a Newfoundland and Labrador license (see below).

Residents
If you are a new resident of Newfoundland and Labrador, you may be able to replace your home country driver’s license with a class 5 driver’s license. You must change your driver’s license within 3 months of receiving your residence permit.

If your driver’s license is issued from the following countries/territories: “Austria, France, Germany, Isle of Man, Ireland, Japan, Republic of Korea, Switzerland, USA”, you can exchange it for a Class 5 Newfoundland and Labrador Driver’s License (or Class 6 depending on the country).
If your country is not listed, you must pass a full driving license test which includes knowledge, vision and road tests. You will be included in the Graduated Driver’s License Program .

For more information, visit the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador website .

How to get a driver’s license in the Northwest Territories

If you have just arrived in the Northwest Territories, you will need to get a new license wherever you are. Don’t worry, applying for and obtaining a driver’s license is really easy and fast compared to other provinces and territories in Canada. Newcomers should contact the Department of Transportation upon arrival.

For more information, visit the Government of the Northwest Territories website .

How to get a driver’s license in Nova Scotia

Visitors
If you are visiting Nova Scotia and are outside of Canada, you must have a valid driver’s license from your country of residence.
You can drive up to 90 days as a visitor.

Students
If you are studying in Nova Scotia and are outside of Canada, you must have a valid driver’s license from your country of residence.
You can drive up to 90 days as a student. You will have to exchange your driver’s license for a Nova Scotia license (see below).

Residents
If you are a new resident of Nova Scotia, you can change your residence permit in your country to a class 5 license. You must change your driver’s license within 90 days of entering the country.

If your license is from the following countries/territories: “Austria, Germany, Isle of Man, Northern Ireland, Republic of Korea, Taiwan, USA”, you can exchange it for a Class 5 Nova Scotia Driver’s License (or Class 6 depending on the country) .
If your country is not listed, you must pass a full driving license test which includes knowledge, vision and road tests. Learn how to get a class 5 license .

When applying for a Nova Scotia license, you must waive any country of origin license you hold

. For more information, visit the Government of Nova Scotia website .

How to get a driver’s license in Nunavut

If you have just arrived in Nunavut, you will need to get a new license wherever you are. Don’t worry, applying for and obtaining a driver’s license is really easy and fast compared to other provinces and territories in Canada. Newcomers should contact the Department of Motor Vehicles upon arrival.

For more information, visit the Government of Nunavut website .

How to get a driver’s license in Ontario

Visitors
If you are visiting Ontario for less than three months and are outside of Canada, you must have a valid driver’s license from your country of residence.
If you are visiting Ontario for more than three months and are outside of Canada, you must have a valid driver’s license from your country of residence and an International Driving Permit.

Students
If you are studying in Ontario and are outside of Canada, you must have a valid driver’s license in your country of residence.
You can drive up to 60 days as a student. You will have to exchange your driver’s license for an Ontario license (see below).

Residents
If you are a new resident of Ontario, you can change your country’s driver’s license to a Class 5 driver’s license. You must change your driver’s license within 90 days of entering the country.

If your driver’s license is issued from the following countries/territories: “Australia, Austria, Belgium, Germany, United Kingdom, Isle of Man, Japan, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Ireland, Republic of Korea, Taiwan, USA”, you can exchange it for a driver’s license Ontario Class 5 (or Class 6, depending on the country).
- If you have a driving experience of more than 2 years, you just need to pass an eye test.
- If you have less than 2 years of driving experience, you must pass a vision test and a G2 road test (only if you have 2 years of driving experience at home and in Ontario with a G1 license). There are some conditions for driving with a G1 license .
If your country is not listed, you must pass a full driving license test, which may include knowledge, vision, and road tests.
- If you have more than 2 years of driving experience, you must pass a written exam and an eye test. After that, you can take the G2 road test.
- If your driving experience is less than 2 years, you must pass a written exam and an eye test. After that, you can take the G1 road test. When you have accumulated 1 year of driving experience (overseas and in Ontario with a G1 license), you will be able to take the G2 exam.

When declaring confirming foreign driving experience, you can independently declare up to one year without any documents. If you wish to declare for more than a year, you will need an official letter from the foreign government or agency that issued your driver’s license confirming that the license is genuine. This letter must be written in English or French.

For more information, visit the Government of Ontario website .

How to get a driver’s license in Quebec

Visitors
If you are visiting Quebec and are outside of Canada, you must have a valid driver’s license from your country and can drive for 6 months as a guest.
If you are visiting Quebec and are outside of Canada, you must have a valid driver’s license from your country of residence and an International Driving Permit to be able to continue driving after the initial 6 month period.

Students
If you are studying in Quebec and are outside of Canada, you must have a valid driver’s license from your country of residence.
You can drive with a foreign license for the duration of your studies or internship. Once you become a Quebec resident, you will have to exchange your driver’s license for a Quebec license (see below).

Residents
If you are a new resident of Quebec, you can change your residence permit in your country to a class 5 license. You must change your driver’s license within 6 months of obtaining residence.

If your driver’s license is issued from the following countries/territories: “Austria, Belgium, Germany, United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales), Isle of Man, Japan, Netherlands, Northern Ireland, Republic of Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, USA”, you can exchange him for a Quebec Class 5 driver’s license.
If your country is not listed, you must pass a full driving license test which includes knowledge, vision and road tests. If you have less than 1 year of driving experience, you must complete a driving course and go through a step-by-step licensing process in order to obtain a learner’s license.

For more information, visit the Government of Quebec website .

How to get a driver’s license in Prince Edward Island

Visitors
If you are visiting Prince Edward Island and are outside of Canada, you must have a valid driver’s license from your country of residence and an international driver’s license if your license is not in English or French.
You can drive up to 120 days as a visitor.

Students
If you are studying on Prince Edward Island and are outside of Canada, you must have a valid driver’s license in your country.
You can drive up to 120 days as a student. You will have to exchange your driver’s license for a Prince Edward Island license (see below).

SAWP Foreign Workers
If you are a foreign worker under the SAWP on Prince Edward Island, you must have a valid driver’s license from your country of residence and an International Driving Permit.
You can drive up to 8 months within one year.

Residents
If you are a new resident of Prince Edward Island, you can change your residence permit in your country to a class 5 license. You must change your driver’s license within 120 days of entering the country.

If your permit is issued from the following countries/territories: “Australia, Austria, France, Germany, Japan, Republic of Korea, Taiwan, United Kingdom (including Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man, USA”), you can exchange it for a Prince. Edward Island Class 5 (or Class 6 depending on the country) driver’s license.
If your country is not listed, you must pass a full driving license test which includes knowledge, vision and road tests. Learn how to get a class 5 license .

For more information, visit the Government of Prince Edward Island website .

How to get a driver’s license in Saskatchewan

Visitors
If you are visiting Saskatchewan and are outside of Canada, you must have a valid driver’s license from your country of residence and (i) a certified translation of your driver’s license, if not in English or French, by an official translator, or (ii) an international driver’s license.
You can drive up to 90 days as a visitor.
If you have a Super Visa, Multi-Year Visitor Visa, you are eligible for a Saskatchewan Driver’s License.

Students
If you are studying in Saskatchewan and are outside of Canada, you must have a valid residence permit in your country and (i) a certified translation of your driver’s license, if not in English or French, by an official translator. or (ii) an international driver’s license.
You can drive a car throughout your studies if you remain a full-time student.

Residents
If you are a new resident of Saskatchewan, you can change your residence permit in your country to a class 5 license. However, you can drive for 90 days after obtaining a residence permit, and before that you will need to change your country’s driver’s license.

If your permission is from the following countries/territories: “Australia, Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Isle of Man, Jersey, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Ireland, Republic of Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom, United States”, you may Exchange it for a Saskatchewan Class 5 (or Class 6 depending on the country) driver’s license if you have more than 2 years of driving experience. If less, you may need to complete the Graduated Driver’s Licensing (GDL) program .
If your country is not listed, you will need to pass a knowledge test and road test. You will need to complete the Graduated Driver’s Licensing (GDL) program . The GDL training period and driver training requirements may be waived under certain conditions .

When will you get your new driver’s license?

Saskatchewan, you will need to surrender your previous driver’s license. For more information, visit the Government of Saskatchewan website .

How to get a driver’s license in the Yukon Territory

Visitors
If you are visiting the Yukon and are outside of Canada, you must have a valid driver’s license from your country of residence.
You can drive up to 120 days as a visitor.

Students
If you are studying in the Yukon and are outside of Canada, you must have a valid driver’s license in your country.
You can drive up to 120 days as a student. To continue driving, you will need to obtain a Yukon license (see below).

Residents
If you are a new resident of Yukon, you must apply for a Yukon driver’s license. To become a fully licensed driver, you must complete the Graduated Driver Licensing program .

For more information, visit the Yukon government website.

Car insurance in Canada

Car insurance while driving in Canada is mandatory. If you regularly drive a car owned by a relative or friend, make sure you are enrolled in their car insurance plan.

You can get different types of auto insurance plans, including coverage for one or both of:

personal injury and damage to the vehicle or
expenses for damages and injuries to others if you are at fault in the accident

The cost of car insurance depends on the plan you choose and your:

age
driving record
living place
driving experience

The cost also varies depending on the insurance company. For this reason, you should:

make sure you understand what each plan covers
contact several companies for details on the price of their insurance plans

How to get a driver’s license in Canada? How to change your driving license in Canada? How much do driver’s licenses cost in Canada?