Foreign Drivers Licence Exchange in Ontario: The Complete Guide

Understanding Ontario’s 60‑day grace period for foreign licences

When you move to Ontario, you have 60 days to drive with a valid foreign driver’s licence before you must exchange it for an Ontario one or apply as a new driver. 

After 60 days, your foreign licence becomes invalid for driving in Ontario, and you must obtain an Ontario licence to continue driving legally. During this grace period, it’s wise to get familiar with Ontario’s road rules and begin the exchange process on time. 

The 60-day rule applies to new residents, not temporary visitors. This means if you’re visiting Ontario for a short time (less than 3 months), you don’t need to exchange your licence at all; you can use your original home licence. But if you’re visiting for longer than 3 months, you’ll need to carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your licence. Always confirm residency status, as it's easy to confuse temporary stays with permanent moves.

Additionally, once you have an Ontario licence, you must use it. You can no longer legally drive with your foreign licence in Ontario beyond the 60 days. 

Who is eligible for a driving licence conversion in Ontario?

If you hold a valid licence from a reciprocal jurisdiction, you can exchange an out‑of‑province driver’s licence in Ontario without going through all the tests of the graduated licencing system. Reciprocal jurisdictions include; 

• All Canadian provinces and territories (e.g., British Columbia, Alberta).
• All U.S. states, including Louisiana, Michigan, etc.
• Other approved countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Great Britain, Japan, Hungary, Ireland (Republic and Northern Ireland), South Korea, New Zealand, Switzerland, Denmark, and others listed on the DriveTest website.

For example, if you have a full UK licence with less than 2 years' experience, you can exchange it for a G2 licence, allowing you to drive on your own with a few restrictions. 

Many people get confused about reciprocal jurisdictions, so always check the official DriveTest list, as countries like Qatar or the Philippines are not reciprocal. 

Overall, the exact class of Ontario licence you get (such as full G or a G2) will depend on how much driving experience you have. But if you meet the criteria, the exchange process is straightforward.

When you cannot exchange your licence in Ontario

Not every situation allows for a foreign driver's licence exchange in Ontario. These situations include; 

• No reciprocal agreement: Your licence is from a country not on Ontario’s approved list. For instance, licences from India, China, the Philippines, Qatar, or other nations without an agreement with Ontario cannot be directly exchanged.
   
• Learner’s or novice licence: Ontario does not exchange learner permits or novice-class licences from any jurisdiction. If you only have a learner’s licence (e.g. G1, or equivalent beginner permit from another place), you will need to start as a new driver in Ontario’s system.
   
• Suspended or invalid licence: If your foreign licence has been cancelled or suspended (for example, due to DUI offenses or demerit points), or if it’s expired beyond Ontario’s allowances, you cannot exchange it. Only valid licences in good standing are eligible for exchange.
   
• Certain licence classes: Some specific classes of licences aren’t exchangeable. Motorcycle-only licences from certain countries cannot be exchanged in Ontario (though car licences from those countries might be). Similarly, commercial licences from outside Canada (e.g. truck or bus licences from foreign countries) are not exchangeable for Ontario commercial classes. At best, holders of a foreign commercial licence might get credit for a basic Class G licence, but would need testing for any higher classes.

Required documents for licence exchange

The driving licence conversion Ontario requirements include the following documents; 

• Original ID
• Valid foreign driver’s licence
• Proof of driving experience: If you have significant driving experience, especially from a country with no direct exchange, bring official proof of your driving history. This could be a letter of authentication or a driver’s abstract from the authority that issued your licence. The letter should be on official letterhead, indicate when you first got your licence, the class of licence, and confirm it was valid for that period.
• Translated documents: If the licence isn’t in English or French, you need a certified translation from an approved translator.

Experience credits

Ontario rewards your past driving experience by giving you experience credits, which help to reduce the test and waiting requirements.

If you're from a country that doesn't have a licence exchange agreement with Ontario, you can still receive up to one year of driving experience credit by presenting a valid foreign driver’s licence when you apply.

However, if you’re from a country with a licence exchange agreement with Ontario, you will need to provide a letter of authentication from the foreign government or agency that issued the driver’s licence, confirming that the licence is authentic. You will need this to claim more than one year of driving experience credit. 

Also, note that when you go for your appointment, the authorities may keep all original documents related to your driving experience. So, make photocopies for yourself beforehand. 

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Step‑by‑step guide to exchanging an out‑of‑province driver’s licence in Ontario

Here’s a guide on how to exchange your out-of-province driver’s licence in Ontario.

• Book an appointment at a DriveTest Centre, not ServiceOntario.
• Bring the required documents: ID, foreign licence, authentication letter, and translations if needed.
• Complete a vision test: Mandatory for all exchanges.
• Pay the licence fees of approximately $90
• Depending on experience, you may need a road test for a G2 or G licence.

Let’s look at each step in detail, so you have a clear idea of what to bring and when. 

Booking your DriveTest appointment

To exchange an out‑of‑province driver’s licence in Ontario, you must apply in person at a DriveTest Centre. DriveTest Centres are the provincial driver testing offices. 

Any DriveTest Centre can process a licence exchange application on a walk-in basis. When you arrive, you’ll take a number or speak to reception to indicate you are exchanging an out-of-province licence. DriveTest centres tend to get busy, so arrive early or be prepared to wait, especially if you don’t have an appointment.

Note: Driver's licences are exchanged at DriveTest in Ontario, NOT ServiceOntario. Check the DriveTest website for reciprocal country lists and requirements to avoid wasting time at the wrong location.

What to bring: documents & translations

Before heading out to the centre, double-check you have all the required documents readily available:

• Your current licence: Bring the physical original licence from your previous jurisdiction. It must be valid and not a learner’s permit. Authorities will take this licence from you upon exchange, so don’t be surprised.
   
• Personal ID: Bring at least one primary photo ID (besides your licence) that proves your identity, legal name, and date of birth. A passport is ideal. If you have immigration documents (landing paper, PR card, work permit), those can serve as additional ID.
   
• Proof of experience: If you have a letter of authentication, bring the original copy with you to claim experience credit beyond one year. Ensure it’s on official letterhead and valid. 
   
• Translations: If your licence or any document (authentication letter, etc.) is not in English or French, include the certified translation.
   
• Payment method: Bring a way to pay the fees (credit card, debit card, or cash, as not all centres accept cash). 

Paying fees & taking the vision test

When your number is called to exchange an out‑of‑province driver’s licence in Ontario, you will do the following:

• Fill out an application: There’s a driver’s licence application form where you’ll enter personal details and declare how long you’ve been driving (in years). This declaration, along with your documents, determines what tests you need. If you claim over 2 years of experience, you’ll be expected to provide proof.
   
• Eye test: You’ll take a quick vision test on-site to ensure you meet basic vision standards. This is required for all drivers in Ontario.
   
• Knowledge test (if applicable): Depending on your circumstances, you may need to take a written knowledge test on Ontario’s traffic rules and road signs. Here’s how it works:
  
  
  • If you are exchanging from a reciprocal country/province and have 2+ years of driving experience, no written test is required (just the vision test). 
     
  • If you have less than 2 years and are from a reciprocal country, you also do not need a written test but you’ll do a road test.
     
  • If you are from a non-exchange country, you will have to pass the written knowledge test. This test can usually be taken at the DriveTest center. It consists of multiple-choice questions on the rules of the road and traffic signs. Study the Ontario Driver’s Handbook ahead of time to prepare.
     
• Fee payment: The cost can vary depending on what tests you’ll be doing, but expect to pay fees for a written test (if required) and for the new licence card issuance at minimum.
   
• Licence issuance: When everything is in order, the agent will likely take your foreign licence (this is called surrendering, it’s exchanged). In return, you will get a temporary Ontario driver’s licence (usually a paper slip) on the spot, which is your proof of driving privilege in Ontario until the official plastic card is mailed to you. The paper will show what class and conditions you have (for example, G2 or G). The whole process is usually completed in one visit.

Graduated licencing & testing requirements

Ontario uses a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system with stages: G1 (learner), G2 (intermediate), and full G (advanced). The process you follow after exchanging your licence depends on whether your previous licence can be converted (exchange) and how much experience you have. In other words, the foreign driver licence exchange in Ontario will put you on one of two paths:

• With conversion (Reciprocal exchange) – for those from approved jurisdictions, you might bypass some stages.
   
• Without conversion (No exchange agreement) – for those from other places, you’ll enter the GDL system but possibly with credits to shorten it.

Let’s break down both paths:

With conversion

If you are from a reciprocal jurisdiction (one of the countries/provinces Ontario has an exchange agreement with), the tests and wait times depend on your driving experience:

Experienced drivers (2+ years)

If you have two or more years of licenced driving experience, you do not need to take any Ontario road tests at all. You will simply take the eye exam (and no written test), and you’ll be issued a full Class G licence immediately. For example, a driver from the UK with 5 years of experience can get a full Ontario G licence after the exchange process, with no additional testing.

Less experienced drivers (less than 2 years)

If you have less than two years of driving experience, you will get credit for your experience but still require a road test. In this case, you will be issued an Ontario Class G2 licence upon exchange (G2 is the intermediate stage) and told when you become eligible to take a G2 exit road test (the final road test for full G).

You must wait until your total driving experience equals 24 months (2 years) before taking the G2 road test. For example, if you have 21 months of driving experience from your home country, you’ll need to drive in Ontario for 3 more months on your G2 before you can go for the full G road test. Once you pass that one road test, you’re upgraded to a full G licence. The G2 licence has zero alcohol tolerance and some passenger restrictions for young drivers, but otherwise allows independent driving. 

Why the 2-year rule? 

Ontario’s policy is that a driver needs 24 months of experience to be considered fully equivalent to a seasoned Ontario driver. If you’re short of that, they want you to prove your skills with a road test after you accumulate the time. Many newcomers find this confusing, so if you’re unsure, remember this: 

• 2+ years of driving = No road tests
• Under 2 years = One road test (eventually). 

Without conversion

If your foreign licence is from a non-reciprocal country (or if you cannot exchange it for some other reason), you will have to earn your Ontario licence through testing. The upside is that your past driving experience can significantly reduce the time it takes. Here’s how it works:

Drivers with 2+ years experience (No exchange)

You won’t get a free pass to a full licence, but you get to skip one stage. You will need to pass a written knowledge test first (to get a G1 licence issued) and the vision test. After passing the knowledge & vision tests, you are allowed to take the G2 road test. 

Also, if you have over 24 months experience and have the proof, you can attempt a G2 road test, and if you pass, you obtain a full G licence in Ontario. 

Pro Tip: Study the road rules and consider a practice lesson if you’re not familiar with Ontario driving rules, because you only get one shot at going straight to G. If you fail the G road test, you’ll have to go back to first pass the G2 test and then a G test later.   

Drivers with less than 2 years experience (No exchange)

You will enter the graduated system fully, but with experience credit to shorten the waits. First, you’ll take the knowledge (written) test and vision test to get an Ontario G1 licence. Normally, G1 holders must wait 12 months to attempt the G1 road test (to get G2), but your foreign experience counts towards this wait. 

If you have between 12 and 24 months of experience, you can likely attempt the G1 road test immediately or very soon after getting your G1 licence. Passing the G1 road test grants you a G2 licence. Then, to get the full G, you normally need to wait another 12 months, but again, your prior experience can shorten this. 

Essentially, Ontario will let you take the final G road test as soon as your combined foreign + Ontario experience equals 24 months. For example, if you had 8 months of driving experience from back home, you’d get your G2 licence after the first road test, then need 4 more months of driving with that G2 licence in Ontario (to reach 12 total months) before you can attempt the final G licence test.

Translation & authentication for foreign licences in Ontario: How Translayte can help

The foreign driver's licence exchange in Ontario translation is important, especially if your documents are not in Canada’s official languages: English or French. 

Ontario authorities require official translations from approved and qualified translators offering certified translations in Canada. This means, when submitting any of your documents, such as your driver’s licence, ID, passports, etc, it must include certified translations.

These translators must be members of a professional association (for example, members of ATIO – Association of Translators and Interpreters of Ontario), or approved by an embassy, consulate, or high commissioner of your home country. 

For the best experience, you can use certified translation services through providers like Translayte. We offer professional translation of driver’s licences and other documents, ensuring the format and wording meet official requirements. 

We translate your documents within 12–24 hours and also provide notarization or apostilles if required. Translation costs in Canada are typically around $25 per page, depending on the language and turnaround time. All our translations are 100% accepted by DriveTest Centres, so you have nothing to worry about.

Using a reputable translation service removes the guesswork. You get an accurately translated, certified copy of your licence or driving record, which fulfils the “MTO-recognised translator” requirement. This is particularly useful if you’re applying from abroad or rushing to meet that 60-day deadline after moving.

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Special cases & alternatives

Visiting drivers (Tourists & short-term visitors): 

If you are visiting Ontario for up to 3 months, you can simply use your valid home country driver’s licence during your stay, no exchange is needed. But you should carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your licence. The IDP is an official translation of your licence into multiple languages. You'll need to apply for an IDP in your home country if you wish to drive as a visitor/tourist in Canada for more than 90 days, as it’s not issued in Canada.

Commercial licence holders

If you have a commercial truck or bus licence from another country, you cannot exchange it directly. 

The exchange agreements with other countries are typically only for regular passenger vehicle licences (Class G equivalent). Even for U.S. licence holders, you will only get an equivalent Class G licence on exchange, not a commercial class. 

Commercial licence conversion in Ontario usually requires additional testing. For example, if you have a Class A (tractor-trailer) from abroad, you will be issued at most a G licence and would need to go through the Ontario testing process to earn a Class A in Ontario. 

The only exceptions are inter-provincial: You can exchange commercial licences from other Canadian provinces (with some conditions, like proof of experience or training for Class 1/A).

Protected persons & refugee claimants

If you are a protected person or refugee claimant, and you cannot present your original foreign licence (for instance, if it was taken by border services), you can use a stamped true copy of that licence or even make a self-declaration of your driving experience. 

Ontario authorities will credit the declared experience on your driver record to help you get your licence faster. Here’s how it works:

• If you self-declare 24+ months of foreign driving experience, you get exemption from the normal waiting periods in graduated licensing (so you won’t have to wait a year between tests). However, you will still need to pass all the required tests (knowledge, G2 road test, and G road test) to prove your ability.
   
• If you declare less than 24 months experience, the waiting periods between your tests will be reduced according to however much experience you have. For example, declare 12 months and you won’t wait before your first road test; declare 18 months and you’ll have a shorter wait for the final test, etc.
   

You’ll need to provide documentation of your status (e.g. Refugee Protection Claimant Document or other IRCC documents) to use these special measures. Also, any copy of a foreign licence you have, even if it's expired up to one year can still count, as long as it’s translated if needed.

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Apply as a new driver option

If you’re only temporary in Ontario beyond 60 days and do not want to surrender your foreign licence, you have the option to apply as a new driver. This means you would keep your foreign licence, but you cannot use it to drive in Ontario once it's past 60 days. Also, you’ll start at G1 as if you never had a licence. 

For most people with experience, this is not practical, it’s slower, and you’ll be subject to all the graduated licence restrictions for the full duration. A few people take this route if they strongly wish to retain their original licence (for use back home later) and are okay with Ontario’s long process. 

Keep in mind, as a new drive,r you’ll wait 8–12 months for a G2 licence and another 12 months for a G licence. And you’ll still have to surrender your foreign licence if you’re driving in Ontario because it’s illegal to use a foreign licence once you’re an Ontario resident past 60 days.