If you want to drive in Canada, you’ll need a driver’s license. Otherwise, there are some severe legal consequences you could run into, including hefty fines. If you’re planning to buy a vehicle but aren’t yet licensed, read on to find out how to get a driver’s license in Canada.
Key Points
- A valid driver’s license is required to operate a vehicle on Canadian roads.
- Each province has its own system for obtaining a driver’s license.
- In most cases, a written and road test are both required to get your license.
- Licensing fees apply, which may be separated for written tests and road tests.
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 vision test
- A driving exam (road test)
If you’re an inexperienced driver, it’s smart to take lessons from a professional 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. 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 provinces that allow the exchange of a foreign driver’s license to a Canadian provincial one:
| Province Allowing The Exchange | Country From Which The License Is Being Exchanged |
| Ontario | Austria, Australia, Belgium, France, Germany, Hungary, Denmark, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Switzerland, United States, United Kingdom, Taiwan |
| 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 |
Are Driver’s Laws Different For Older Canadians?
Before you try to obtain a driver’s license in Canada, don’t forget to read the provincial or territorial laws of your region. There are typically age requirements to obtain your license. Not only do you have to meet minimum age requirements, but there may be maximum age limits involved as well.
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. While there is no age limit to drive in Ontario, you’ll still need to get tested every couple of years to make sure you’re capable of operating a motor vehicle safely. 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?
You may not necessarily have to take lessons to get your driver’s license, depending on the province you live in. Most provinces do not require formal lessons, and only require written and road tests. Some provinces, however, do require lessons:
| Province | Driver Lessons Required |
| British Columbia | No |
| Alberta | No* |
| Saskatchewan | Yes |
| Manitoba | No (unless under 16 years) |
| Ontario | No |
| Quebec | Yes |
| New Brunswick | No |
| Nova Scotia | Yes |
| PEI | No |
| Newfoundland | No |
| Note: While some provinces may not require in-class or on-road instruction from a driving school to take the driver’s test, it’s still recommended to do so. In fact, you may be able to take your road test earlier if you have certified instruction, depending on where you live. You may also qualify for lower insurance rates if you take courses from a certified driving school. |
Requirements To Get A License In Canada
The exact criteria to obtain your driver’s license depends on the province you obtain your license from. Let’s take a look at some provinces and their specific requirements.
Requirements To Get A License In Quebec
The criteria to get your license in Quebec are as follows:
| 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) – Must live in Quebec – Must be a Canadian citizen or have the right to stay in Canada for 6 months |
| 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 | – $86.63 for learner’s driver’s license – $13.20 for knowledge test – $33 for road test – $59.85 for your probationary license |
Requirements To Get A License In Ontario
To get your driver’s license in Ontario, the following is required:
| Driver License Class | G class |
| Eligibility | – Must be at least 16 years old – Must live in Ontario – Pass a vision test – Must 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
In Alberta, the requirements to get your driver’s license are as follows:
| 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 |
| Cost | – $17 for knowledge test– $135 for Class 5E road test |
Requirements To Get A License In British Columbia
The requirements to get your license in BC are as follows:
| 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 (or 18 months if you enroll in ICBC-approved driver training instruction) to get your full license |
| Cost | – $15 for the knowledge test – $35 to $50 for road test |
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to get your driver’s license in Canada, make sure to check the legal requirements in your province first. Each province has its own system that you must go through to obtain your full license, including fees and possibly instructional time. For more information about how to get a license in Canada, contact your provincial or territorial traffic authority.
