Getting your driver's licence in Canada

Act quickly

• In Ontario, new residents must apply for an Ontario licence within 60 days. After that, the foreign licence can no longer be used.
• Other provinces have similar time limits, often around 90 days. Check your province's rule as soon as you arrive.

Exchange agreements (Ontario example)

• Ontario exchanges licences from other provinces, U.S. states and some countries, including Australia, France, Germany, Ireland, Japan, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, Ukraine and the United Kingdom.
• For a full G licence, you need proof of at least two years of driving experience within the last three years.
• Without enough proof, you get a beginner licence and go through Ontario's graduated licensing steps.

If your country has no agreement

• You can get credit for up to 12 months of experience, which can shorten the beginner stage.
• In Ontario, from July 1, 2026, drivers in this group take the G2 road test, then the G road test at least 12 months later.
• You still take the written knowledge test and a vision test.

Prove your experience

• Get a letter of authentication from your home country's licensing office, embassy or consulate.
• In Ontario it must be issued within the last six months and show your first licence date, class, status and expiry date.
• Documents not in English or French need a translation by a recognized translator. Bring originals, because the office may keep them.

Car insurance

Insurance is mandatory and can be very expensive for drivers with no Canadian history. Ask insurers whether they accept a letter from your home-country insurer showing your claims-free years, and compare several quotes before you buy a car.