How To Get A Driver’s License In Canada

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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.

Additional Reading

Distracted Driving Laws in Canada

What Are The Laws In Canada For Driving While High?

How Does Drunk Driving Affect Your Car Insurance?

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?

Yes! It’s 100% illegal to drive a car in Canada without car insurance. If you routinely borrow someone’s car, you should even be listed on their insurance policy. The final cost of your premium will depend on the conditions of your plan, as well as your age, driving record and the province you live in. Make sure to compare providers and read each plan carefully before you buy car insurance. You can get several forms of vehicle insurance in Canada, like coverage for personal injuries or damages to your vehicle (or someone else’s, if you’re held at fault).

What should you do after getting into a car accident?

If you’re in a car accident, like a collision with a pedestrian or other vehicle, leaving the scene is a crime in Canada. Move away from any danger and follow these steps:

Call 9-1-1 to report the incident and alert the authorities (police, medical, etc.)

Wait until the authorities arrive and give them a clear report of the incident

If another vehicle is involved, get the other driver’s details, including their license plate, name, address, phone number and insurance Information.

What is a G1 and a G2 license?

Before you can get a full G License in Ontario, you’ll need to obtain your G1 and G2. A Class G1 License is the name referred to as your learner’s permit. Your G1 lets you legally drive G-Class vehicles (cars, vans, etc.) if you’re accompanied by a driver with a full license and at least 4 years of driving experience (other conditions may apply). If you drive responsibly and retain your G1 for at least 12 months, you can move up to graduated licensing Level Two and get your G2 license. This probationary license lets you drive G-Class vehicles unaccompanied, with similar conditions to the G1, like having 0% blood alcohol or THC while you’re driving.

What kind of car can you drive with a G license in Ontario?

It can go by different names in other provinces and territories but a Graduated (G) License is the most common type of driver’s permit you’ll see in Canada. When valid, it lets you drive a car, van or small truck unaccompanied. Requirements vary by region but you’ll probably need additional licenses if you want to drive specialty vehicles like Motorcycles or heavy trucks.

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.

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Bryan Daly

Bryan is a graduate of Dawson College and Concordia University. He has been writing for Loans Canada for five years, covering all things related to personal finance, and aims to pursue the craft of professional writing for many years to come. In his spare time, he maintains a passion for editing, writing screenplays, staying fit, and travelling the world in search of the coolest sights our planet has to offer.