Sophia Orji
This post is also available in:English /
Updated:
Jun 26, 2025
Published:
Jun 19, 2025
If you’re planning to drive in Canada with a foreign driver’s licence, it’s important to know how long you can drive for and when it becomes illegal. Canada allows visitors to use foreign licences for a short period, but if you’re a new resident, you must convert your licence within a specific grace period, usually 60 to 90 days, depending on the province.
This article explains everything you need to know about converting a foreign driver’s licence in Canada. We'll explain the step-by-step process, highlight the documents you need, and help you avoid common delays.
Table of Contents
Can I drive in Canada with a foreign licence?
As a foreigner, you can drive in Canada with a foreign licence, but it depends on your status in the country and how long you plan to stay.
If you’re visiting Canada as a tourist or short-term traveller, you can drive using your valid foreign driver’s licence for a limited period. However, most provinces require that you also carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your original licence. The IDP acts as a translation of your existing licence and helps local authorities understand its contents.
But if you’re planning to live, work, or study in Canada, the rules are different. Once you become a resident, you’ll need to convert your foreign licence to a Canadian driver’s licence. Each province and territory sets its own grace period (the timeline during which you can use your foreign licence before converting it).
Eligibility to exchange a foreign driver’s licence in Canada
If you hold a valid foreign driver's licence, your ability to exchange it for a Canadian one depends on whether the issuing country has a reciprocal agreement with the province where you reside.
These agreements allow you to bypass written and road tests to get your Canadian driver’s licence. Below is a table of countries with a reciprocal agreement with Canada by province.
Province/Territory
Reciprocal Countries
Tests Required if Issuing Country is Non-Reciprocal
Alberta (AB)
Australia, Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Isle of Man, Japan, Netherlands, Ireland, S. Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, UK (all), + all Canadian & U.S.
Knowledge + Advanced Road Test (GDL exemption available for 2yr+ drivers)
British Columbia (BC)
Austria, Australia, Belgium, France, Germany, Guernsey, Isle of Man, Jersey, Ireland, Japan, Netherlands (except some territories), New Zealand, S. Korea (car only), Switzerland, Taiwan (car only), UK, U.S. (+ all Canadian)
( You must enter Graduated Licensing if less than 2 yrs experience)
Manitoba (MB)
Pre-2024: Australia, Austria, France, Germany, Ireland, Isle of Man, Japan, N. Ireland, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, UK, U.S
+ 2024 EU expansion: 26 countries (e.g. Belgium, Denmark, Italy, Spain, etc.) (total 41 jurisdictions)
Knowledge + Road Test (foreign licence is valid for 3 months)
New Brunswick (NB)
Austria, Australia, Belgium, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Isle of Man, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Scotland, S. Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Ukraine, Wales (+ Can/US) (Taiwan/Ukraine require extra docs)
Vision + Knowledge + Road Test (full exam for non-reciprocal)
Newfoundland & Labrador (NL)
U.S., Austria, Germany, Switzerland, UK (GB), S. Korea, Ukraine, France, Isle of Man, N. Ireland, Ireland, Japan, Taiwan (+ all Canadian)
Knowledge + Vision + Road Test (experience credit given towards GDL)
Nova Scotia (NS)
Austria, Belgium, Germany, Isle of Man, S. Korea, Taiwan, UK (incl. N. Ireland) (+ Canada, U.S.)
Knowledge + Vision + Road Test (must enter Graduated system if <2 yrs experience)
Ontario (ON)
Australia, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Great Britain, Hungary, Ireland, Isle of Man, Japan, S. Korea, New Zealand, N. Ireland, Switzerland, Taiwan (+ all Canadian, U.S. states)
Vision + Knowledge + Road Test(s) (2+ yrs experience lets you take one road test for full G)
Prince Edward Island (PEI)
Austria, Australia, Belgium, France (car), Germany, Japan, S. Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan (car), Ukraine, UK (incl. Isle of Man). 2022 added: Denmark, Ireland, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden (require IDP/abstract)
Knowledge + Road Test + Novice Driver Course
Quebec (QC)
Germany, Austria, Belgium, France, Great Britain (UK), Isle of Man, N. Ireland, Japan, Netherlands (+ Aruba, etc.), S. Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan (+ Canadian provinces, U.S.)
Usually, a Road Test only (Class 5 practical exam) – a knowledge test may also be required in some cases. (Foreign licence becomes invalid after 6 months or upon failure of road test)
Saskatchewan (SK)
Australia, Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Isle of Man, Japan, Jersey, Netherlands, New Zealand, Ireland, S. Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, Ukraine, UK, U.S. + 2023 added 24 EU (e.g. Denmark, Italy, Spain, etc.) (motorcycles included)
Knowledge + Road Test (GLP entry if <2 yrs experience).
Yukon (YT)
Canada, U.S., Taiwan, Germany (with sign test), Isle of Man
Knowledge + Road Test (if not from a listed place; Yukon requires a sign test for German licences)
Northwest Territories (NT)
Canada, U.S., Taiwan (from 2024). (Likely also accepts licences from some countries on a case-by-case basis, but only Taiwan formally announced.)
Knowledge + Road Test (standard testing for non-reciprocal; foreign licence valid 30 days only).
Nunavut (NU)
Canada, U.S. (no known other formal agreements as of 2025)
Knowledge + Road Test
If your licence was issued in a country without a reciprocal agreement with Canada, you’ll have to take the driving test. You may also be required to submit additional documents to prove your driving experience.
Step-by-step process to convert a foreign driver’s licence
Converting your foreign driver’s licence to a Canadian one involves several steps. While the exact process may vary by province, the general workflow remains consistent. Here’s what you can expect:
Step 1: Gather required documents
Before heading to your province’s licensing office, make sure you have the necessary documents ready. These typically include:
Your original valid foreign driver’s licence
A certified translation: If your licence is not in English or French, you’ll need to provide a certified translation.We offer fast, reliable, certified translations accepted across Canada.
Valid identification (passport, PR card, study permit, work permit, or visa).
Proof of residency (A lease agreement, utility bill, or official government letter showing your address within the province)
Licence history or driving record. Some provinces, like Ontario, may ask for proof of driving experience, especially if you want to skip graduated licensing steps (e.g., G2).
Step 2: Visit the licensing office
Once you have all your documents prepared, the next step is to visit the licensing office in your province. While some provinces accept walk-ins, it's often more efficient to book an appointment online to avoid long wait times or delays.
During your visit, you'll first complete a standard vision test to check your eyesight. The staff will then verify your documents, including your foreign driver's licence, government-issued ID, proof of residency, and any certified translations if your documents are not in English or French.
If your country does not have a reciprocal agreement with the province, you'll also be scheduled to take a written knowledge test and, in most cases, a road test. Since each province has its own rules and procedures, it's important to check in advance with your local licensing authority to confirm exactly what’s required in your region.
Step 3: Take any required tests
If your country does not have a reciprocal agreement with Canada, you’ll need to pass a knowledge test. This test typically covers Canadian road signs, traffic laws, and driving scenarios completed on a computer at the licensing centre. You’ll also complete a driving exam with an instructor to assess your ability to operate a vehicle safely under Canadian road conditions.
In some provinces, like Ontario, you may be eligible for partial credit based on your driving experience. This allows you to skip certain licensing stages (e.g., skipping G1 and going straight to G2 or G).
Step 4: Pay the fees
Be prepared to pay any licensing fees associated with the conversion process. Fees can vary by province; therefore, check with the local licensing authority for the exact amount. Payment methods typically include credit/debit cards, cash, or checks.
Step 5: Receive your Canadian licence
Once all your documents have been verified and you pass the tests, you’ll be issued a temporary paper license. This enables you to drive legally while waiting for your licence. The licence is typically valid for 5 to 10 years, depending on provincial regulations.
Note: If your licence is from a “reciprocal” jurisdiction, it is exchanged and you must surrender it as you can legally only have one. But if the licence is from a “non-reciprocal” country, your licence experience can still be applied, but not fully, and your foreign licence is NOT surrendered.
Application process time for converting a foreign driver’s licence in Canada
The timeframe for processing your foreign licence exchange in Canada varies by province. However, it ranges from 1 to 6 weeks, assuming all your documents are in order and you don’t have to take any driving tests.
Reciprocal licences
If you’re from a country with a reciprocal agreement with Canada, e.g. U.S, U.K., E.U., Australia, etc, the process is fast. Provinces like Ontario, BC, Alberta, and Saskatchewan issue temporary paper licences immediately after your application. The permanent card will arrive by mail within 1-4 weeks.
Non-reciprocal licences
If your issuing country doesn’t have a reciprocal agreement with Canada, you’ll have to take a driving test. This makes the process longer for you. You may wait up to 2 weeks or more to schedule road test appointments, depending on local demand. If you pass, you’ll receive your permanent licence in roughly 1-6 weeks.
Tip: Begin early, especially if your grace period is short. Booking appointments ahead of time and ensuring all necessary documents are ready can help keep things on schedule.
Costs of converting a foreign driver’s licence in Canada
Application & licence fees
Reciprocal exchange fee: Typically between 90 and 130 CAD, depending on the province.
Non-reciprocal exchange fee: Additional knowledge and/or road test fees apply. In Ontario, the cost is around $106 for a licence and knowledge test + road test fees (~$54–$91 per test). Other provinces charge separately for tests and licence cards.
Translation & documentation fees
If your foreign licence isn’t in English or French, you must provide a certified translation. Translation fees vary by provider and language. Translayte’s certified drivers licence translations typically cost between $25 per page.
Test fees
Knowledge (written) test: Typically 15–30 CAD
Road (driving) test: Usually costs between 50–100 CAD
Translation requirements for foreign driver’s licences
When converting your foreign driver’s licence in Canada, you need a certified translation of your licence if it’s not in English or French, Canada’s official languages.
Below are the requirements for your driver's licence translation;
The Ministry of Transportation (MTO) only accepts translations from approved, qualified translators. This includes:
Members of professional associations like ATIO (Association of Translators and Interpreters of Ontario)
Translators approved by an embassy, consulate, or high commissioner
The translated copy must be accurate and accompanied by a certification of translation to be accepted during your licence exchange.
Translayte offers certified translation in Canada that meets these requirements, ensuring your documents are in the right format for Canadian authorities. We deliver certified translations within 12-24 hours in 150+ languages, with options for notarization or apostilles if needed. All our translations are 100% accepted by DriveTest Centres and other provincial licensing authorities.
Start early: Don't wait until the end of the grace period to apply for a licence conversion. Start gathering documents and researching the process immediately you arrive.
Ensure all documents are translated & certified: If your licence or other documents aren’t in English or French, order your certified translations ahead of time. Errors or missing translations are common reasons for processing delays and extra visits.
Book tests in advance: For non-reciprocal licence cases, book your knowledge and road tests as soon as possible.
Bring proof of driving history: If you have experience driving abroad, especially over 2 years, carry a driving record along with translations. In provinces like Ontario, this can help you secure a full licence faster by skipping parts of the Graduated Licensing Program.
Avoid common document errors: If your licence includes unfamiliar formatting or small discrepancies like unclear expiry dates or missing stamps, it can raise red flags. Licensing authorities can spot famous signs of document tampering, so make sure to provide accurate documents.
Extended validity: Most licences are valid for 5 years, with some jurisdictions offering up to 10 years, removing the need for yearly renewals.
International recognition: A Canadian licence is accepted worldwide under various conventions, making it easier to rent vehicles or drive abroad.
Smoother car insurance: Insurance providers in Canada typically offer better rates to those with a Canadian licence and driving history. It also removes the need for you to rely on proof of foreign experience.
Easier replacement & identification: If you lose your licence, you can easily apply for a new one in your province. Plus, it also acts as your official photo ID across Canada.
Get your driver’s licence translated today and take the first step toward securing your Canadian licence.
