TL;DR
If you're moving to Ontario, Canada, you can use your valid foreign driver's license for up to 60 days. After that, you'll need to obtain an Ontario driver's license. Ontario has reciprocal agreements with several countries, allowing direct exchange of licenses. If your country isn't on the list, you can still leverage your driving experience to expedite the licensing process. The more experience you have, the more steps you can bypass in Ontario's Graduated Licensing Program. To exchange your license, visit a DriveTest centre or the ServiceOntario location at College Park in Toronto, bringing your current license, proof of identity, and documents verifying your driving experience. Ensure all documents are original and translated into English or French if necessary. You may also need to pass a vision test and, in some cases, additional knowledge or road tests.
Which Countries' Driving License Can Be Exchanged In Canada?
The following countries have a reciprocal agreement with Ontario, allowing their driving licenses to be eligible for exchange in Ontario:
- Australia, Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Great Britain, Hungary, Denmark, the Isle of Man, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Switzerland, Taiwan, USA
Did You Know?
More than 100,000 immigrants arrive in Ontario every year, especially in Toronto and the surrounding suburbs. That is almost half the total number of new Canadians per year, making Ontario one of the most diverse provinces in the country!
How to Exchange Your Driver's License 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:
- Current License — must be valid and display a visible expiry date
- Proof of Identity — must show your legal name and date of birth
- Supporting Documents — to show proof of your driving experience
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.
Does Foreign Driving Experience Count in Ontario?
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:
- Take a written knowledge test
- Take a vision test
- Take two road tests
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:
- Take a written knowledge test
- Take a vision test
- Take a road test
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.
Useful Tip!
Completing a driving lessons program will lower your insurance rates. It helps show the insurance company that you have professional training and can drive safely, so even if you can get an exchange or license credits and have lots of experience in your home country, it can help you save money in the long run!
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Summary
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?