If you want to drive in Canada, there are various regional laws you have to respect and permits you to need to apply for, primarily your driver’s license. Otherwise, there are some severe legal consequences you could run into, such as hefty fines. So, if you’d like to avoid those kinds of problems, here’s how to get a driver’s license in Canada.
How To Get A Driver’s License In Canada
Before you can drive a car in Canada, you’re legally obligated to obtain a license from your province or territory of residence and keep it on you wherever you drive. Although it’s a provincial or territorial document, that license will permit you to drive anywhere in the country.
Getting a full Canadian driver’s license depends on where you live and your existing driver’s history (if any). The process may include:
- A written test to see if you understand the rules of the road
- A driving exam (road test)
If you’re an inexperienced driver, it’s smart to buy lessons so you can prepare for both tests. In fact, a certain level of education is mandatory in some regions. After you get your license, you must renew it periodically, according to the expiry date printed on it.
Rules And Regulations On Getting Your Driver’s License By Province
| Ontario | Learn More |
| Quebec | Learn More |
| British Columbia | Learn More |
| Alberta | Learn More |
| Manitoba | Learn More |
| Saskatchewan | Learn More |
| Nova Scotia | Learn More |
| New Brunswick | Learn More |
| Prince Edward Island | Learn More |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | Learn More |
Can You Drive In Canada If You Have A License From Another Country?
It depends on your citizenship status. In other words, if you’re just travelling in Canada for vacation, you probably won’t have to get a whole new license to drive your rental car (but a temporary license may be necessary). However, if you’re moving or working here, chances are you’ll need to exchange your international license for a domestic one.
If you plan on using your international license for a longer period of time, you’ll have to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) from your home country, which can be translated to English or French.
Here is a list of some countries you can exchange your current license for a Canadian one.
| Ontario | Austria, Australia, Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Switzerland, United States, United Kingdom |
| British Columbia | Austria, Australia, France, Germany, Jersey, Ireland, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Switzerland, Taiwan, United States, United Kingdom |
| Manitoba | Austria, Australia, France, Germany, Ireland, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, United States, United Kingdom |
| Alberta | Austria, Australia, Belgium, France, Germany, Japan, Netherlands, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, United States, United Kingdom |
Note – Not all driving classes can be translated into a Canadian license without any tests.
Drivers from countries other than the ones above must re-do their driver’s tests in Canada.
Are Driver’s Laws Different For Older Canadians (Seniors)?
Before you move to Canada or try to obtain a driver’s license here, don’t forget to read the provincial or territorial laws of your region. One of the main reasons is to confirm that you’re legally the age and condition to drive. This doesn’t just apply to teenagers.
For instance, in Ontario, if you’re over 80 years old, you must get recertified every two years to operate a motor vehicle in Ontario. If you live there, the provincial government will send you details about how to potentially renew your license just before your 80th birthday.
Do You Need To Take Classes To Get A Driver’s License In Canada?
Canadians used to be able to acquire a driver’s license without any formal schooling. These days, however, most provincial and territorial governments will require you to complete a specific level of driver’s education courses before issuing you a license. This could involve at least 10 – 20 hours of theory and driving lessons with a certified school.
While getting your license may be a lengthy and expensive process, it’s necessary to drive anywhere legally in Canada (unless you’re vacationing or have an IDP). Plus, it makes things safer for everyone on the road and can earn you a lower car insurance premium. Most students spend about $500 – $1,000 on their driver’s ed courses.
Requirements To Get A License In Quebec
| Driver License Class | Class 5 (Passenger vehicle) |
| Eligibility | – Must be at least 16 years old and have consent from a legal guardian (unless you’re above 18) |
| Requirements To Get A License | – Apply for a driving course that is recognized by the SAAQ – Pass the Knowledge Test – Pass The Road Test |
| Cost | – $74.30 for learner’s driver’s license – $12 for knowledge test – $30 for road test – $54.60 for your probationary license |
Requirements To Get A License In Ontario
| Driver License Class | G class |
| Eligibility | – Must be at least 16 years old – Pass an eye test |
| Requirements To Get A License | – Pass the Knowledge Test (G1 license) – Pass The Road Test (G2 license) |
| Cost | – $159.75 for G1 license – $16 knowledge test – $53.75 G2 road test |
Requirements To Get A License In Alberta
| Driver License Class | Class 5 License |
| Eligibility | – Must be at least 16 years old and have consent from a legal guardian (unless you’re above 18) – Have a learner license (Class 7 license) for 12 months |
| Requirements To Get A License | – Pass the Knowledge Test (Class 7 license) – Pass the basic road test (Class 5-GDL license) – Drive for 2 years with the class 5 GDL license – Pass the advanced road test |
| Cost | N/A |
Requirements To Get A License In British Columbia
| Driver License Class | Class 5 License |
| Eligibility | Must be at least 16 years old and have consent from a legal guardian (unless you’re above 19) |
| Requirements To Get A License | – Pass the Knowledge Test (Learner’s License) – Pass the class 7 road test and drive for 1 year (Novice License) – Pass the class 5 road test and drive for 2 years (Full License) |
| Cost | – $15 for the knowledge test – $35 – $50 for road test |
Driver License FAQs
Do you need car insurance to legally drive in Canada?
What should you do after getting into a car accident?
What is a G1 and a G2 license?
What kind of car can you drive with a G license in Ontario?
Trying To Qualify For A Canadian Driver’s License?
Then remember to check the legal requirements of your home region before you apply. Having a driver’s license is a privilege, so it’s important to be prepared and show your driving examiner that you’re responsible behind the wheel. For more information about how to get a license in Canada, contact your provincial or territorial traffic authority.
