Driving Licence in Canada for Foreigners — Complete 2025 Guide
Step-by-step guidance for newcomers: how long you can drive on a foreign licence, when to exchange, required documents, typical fees and direct official links for every province and territory.
Before you apply: what you must know
Driver licensing in Canada is run by each province/territory — rules are similar but the details (deadlines, tests, fees, and reciprocity agreements) vary. Read your destination province’s official page before you book tests.
Short-term driving on a foreign licence
Most provinces let you drive on a valid foreign licence for a limited time (typically 60–120 days). If the licence is not English or French, bring a certified translation or an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Why get a driving record?
Request a driving history (abstract) and letter of experience from your home licensing authority before you leave — many provinces accept this to give credit for experience and may waive some tests.
Documents to bring
- Passport and immigration document (study/work permit, PR card)
- Original foreign driver’s licence (and certified translation or IDP if needed)
- Proof of local residence (utility bill, lease, bank statement)
- Driving history/abstract from home country (recommended)
- Payment (card; some registry agents accept cash)
Tip: keep photocopies and digital scans of all documents — many offices will accept originals only for verification but like to keep copies.
Fees — planning guide
Fees vary by province, licence class, and whether you need tests. Below are typical fee ranges used for planning. Always verify fees on the official provincial page before booking tests.
- Knowledge/written tests: ~$12 — $25 CAD
- Road tests: ~$30 — $120 CAD depending on province and class
- Licence issuance / renewal (3–5 years): ~$50 — $120 CAD
- Replacement/special documents: vary by province (~$20 — $60)
These are approximate figures for budgeting only. Use the official links in each province section for exact, up-to-date fees.
Province & territory rules — full breakdown
This section covers each province and territory: how long you can drive on a foreign licence, whether you can exchange your licence without testing, typical tests and documents, and the official application link (use the link to confirm fees and appointments).
Alberta
How long you can drive on a foreign licence: New permanent residents usually have up to 90 days to exchange. Temporary residents such as students or seasonal workers may have allowances up to one year depending on status.
Exchange & testing: Alberta has reciprocal agreements with several countries; holders of licences from those countries may exchange without written or road tests if they provide a driving abstract and meet other conditions. If no agreement exists, you will need a knowledge and road test.
- Knowledge test: ~$17
- Road test: varies by registry agent (example ~$83)
- Licence issuance: ~$90–100 for multi-year licences (agent fees may add)
Official application page: Alberta — Get a driver’s licence
British Columbia (BC)
How long you can drive on a foreign licence: New residents should switch to a BC licence within 90 days of moving unless exempt as a visitor or specific program participant (e.g., some students).
Exchange & testing: ICBC accepts exchanges from many countries. If you are from a non-reciprocal country, you’ll need the knowledge and road tests. BC commonly requires proof of at least two years’ driving experience for some exchange benefits.
- Knowledge test: ~$15
- Road test: ~$35–$50 depending on class
- Licence/renewal: ~$30–$80
Official: ICBC — Driver licensing
Manitoba
How long you can drive: Typically up to 3 months before needing to switch to a Manitoba licence.
Exchange & testing: Manitoba permits direct exchanges from some countries (Australia, UK, USA, several EU countries, Korea, Taiwan). Other applicants must take written and/or road tests.
- Written test: ~$10
- Road test: ~$30
- Licence: ~$65–$100 (varies by class)
Official: MPI — Driver licensing
New Brunswick
How long you can drive: Exchange requirements depend on residency and employment status. International students typically keep their home licence while studying, but new residents must exchange.
Reciprocity & tests: Some countries have agreements allowing exchange; otherwise you must pass vision, knowledge and road tests.
- Knowledge test: ~$25
- Road test: ~$25–$50
- Licence: varies — check Service NB
Official: Service New Brunswick — Driver’s licence
Newfoundland & Labrador
How long you can drive: New residents must exchange within 3 months.
Exchange & testing: U.S. licence holders often qualify for exchange without testing; various European and Asian countries also have exchange arrangements for cars and/or motorcycles.
- Written test: ~$25
- Road test: ~$78
- Licence issuance (5 years): ~$125
Official: NL — Driver licensing
Nova Scotia
How long you can drive: New residents must exchange within 3 months; visitors staying longer than 90 days should get a Nova Scotia licence.
- Knowledge test: ~$15
- Road test: ~$53
- Licence: ~$80
Official: Nova Scotia RMV
Ontario
How long you can drive: Non-Ontario licences are allowed for the first 60 days after arrival. After that you must obtain an Ontario licence.
Exchange & testing: Ontario has many reciprocal arrangements. If your country is NOT on the list you’ll typically take the knowledge test and then G2/G road tests to get a full G licence.
- Knowledge (G1) test: ~$23
- G2 road test: ~$53
- G road test: ~$91
- Licence (5 years): ~$90
Official: Ontario — Exchange or apply
Prince Edward Island (PEI)
How long you can drive: Up to 4 months on a valid foreign licence after becoming a resident.
- Knowledge test: ~$20
- Road test: ~$50
- Licence: ~$90
Official: PEI — Driver’s licence
Quebec
How long you can drive: Newcomers can drive for 6 months on their foreign licence before needing a SAAQ licence.
Exchange & testing: SAAQ provides direct exchanges for many countries (European countries, Japan, Korea, etc.). Others must take a knowledge test and then a road test.
- Knowledge: ~$12
- Road test: ~$28
- Licence issuance: ~$100–$130
Official: SAAQ — Driver’s licences
Saskatchewan
How long you can drive: New residents may drive with an out-of-province licence for 90 days.
Exchange & testing: Saskatchewan exchanges licences from many countries; drivers with under-two-years experience are placed in the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) stages.
Official: SGI — Driver licensing
Yukon
How long you can drive: Must exchange to a Yukon licence within 120 days.
Official: Yukon — Driver licensing
Northwest Territories & Nunavut
Both territories have local driver & vehicle services. New residents should contact local offices for exchange rules and test booking. Links appear in the official links section below.
Practical tips for newcomers
- Get your driving abstract from your home country before you move — it helps avoid retesting in many provinces.
- Book road tests early — waiting lists can be long in busy regions.
- Take local lessons to understand four-way stops, winter driving and different signage.
- Insurance: confirm you are covered before you drive any vehicle — being an unlisted driver may expose you to large costs after a collision.
- Translate documents: accredited translation or an IDP will prevent delays at the licensing office.
Official links — apply & verify
Frequently Asked Questions — Getting a Driving Licence in Canada (For Foreigners)