Moving to Ontario, Canada? You might be wondering if you can drive with your foreign license, or if you can transfer your driver’s license from another country. You can use a valid foreign driver’s license in Ontario for 60 days, but after that, you’ll need to switch to an Ontario driver’s license. Thankfully, exchanging a driver’s license in Ontario is a simple process.
If your foreign license is from a country that has a driving license exchange agreement with Canada (or another Canadian province), you can exchange it directly for a full Ontario license. If not, you can still use your driving experience to get credit towards your Ontario license. The more experience you have, the more you'll be able to skip through the licensing process.
Keep reading to learn more about how to exchange your driver’s license in Ontario.
The following countries have a reciprocal agreement with Ontario, allowing their driving licenses to be eligible for exchange in Ontario:
You can submit your Ontario driver’s license exchange application in-person at an Ontario DriveTest centre or at the ServiceOntario location by College Park in Toronto. The requirements needed to complete your application will depend on where you are immigrating from, the type of license you have, and your driving experience. To be eligible, your country must have a driver’s license exchange agreement with Ontario, Canada.
At a minimum, you’ll need to bring the following:
Make sure all documents are original and have up-to-date translations in English or French. You’ll also need to take a vision test, complete an application form, and pay any applicable fees. In some circumstances, you may also need to take a knowledge or road test to ensure your driving ability meets Ontario’s standards.
If you are not eligible for an Ontario driver’s license exchange, you can still use your years of driving experience to skip parts of the Ontario Graduated License Program. The more experience you have and the more supporting documentation you can provide, the less time you’ll need to wait to get your full Ontario license.
If the driving experience you declared is less than 2 years, you need to:
You can book the first test (G2 road test) after you pass your knowledge test and vision test.
You can book the second test (G road test) after you pass your G2 road test, and have one year of full driving experience. For example, if you’ve had your foreign license for 9 months, you can take your G road test after driving for 3 months with your G2. Once you pass your G road test, you’ll have a full Ontario driver’s license.
If the driving experience you declared is more than 2 years, you need to:
You can book the road test (G road test) after you pass your knowledge test and vision test. Once you pass your G road test, you’ll have a full Ontario driver’s license.
Regardless of how much experience you declare, you will have to complete an application process to be granted the foreign license credits.
If you have a driver’s license from another province in Canada, you can exchange it for an Ontario driver’s license. Visit a DriveTest centre or ServiceOntario location and they’ll help you make the switch. You may need to pay fees depending on the license you get.
If you have a driver’s license from a country that has an exchange agreement with Ontario, you can exchange it for an Ontario driver’s license. If you do not, you can still use your driving experience to get credit towards your Ontario license. Visit a DriveTest centre or ServiceOntario location to get started.
Yes, an International Driver’s License, also known as an International Driver’s Permit (IDP), allows motorists to drive in Canada when accompanied by a valid driver’s license from their country. You must obtain your IDP in your home country before you arrive in Ontario.
Yes, you can drive in the US with a Canadian driver’s license and you do not need an International Driver’s Permit (IDP). You can drive your vehicle for personal use within the US for up to one year.
You cannot drive in India with a Canadian license only. You will need to apply for an International Driving Permit in Canada prior to travelling to India. Once that is obtained, you can drive in India for as long as the IDP is valid.
Requirements for driving in Europe with a Canadian license vary by country. For example, you can drive in the United Kingdom with your Canadian license for up to 12 months from your date of entry. However some car rental companies may require an IDP, especially if your license is not in English. Most countries in Europe will require an IDP to drive with a Canadian license, so it is recommended to get one prior to your trip.
India is not part of the reciprocal exchange agreement with Canada. This means that an Indian driving license cannot be exchanged directly, and you will have to go through the mandatory licensing program to get your Ontario driver's license. You can present your driving abstract and documents to have your current driving experience credited towards the program, expediting the process.
No matter where in the world you are immigrating from, if you have driving experience, the government of Ontario has made it easier for you to get your full license quicker than going through the process from the start. Make sure you do your research to know what exchange or credits you are eligible for and what documents you will need to provide to complete your application. Good luck!
You might also be interested in these guides:
Ontario Driver’s License Guide
Guide to the Ontario G2 Road Test
How to Buy a Car in Ontario as a New Immigrant?
Buying a Car with No Credit in Ontario?
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