To drive legally in Canada, you need a driver’s license issued by the province or territory where you reside, and it’s mandatory to carry it while driving. This license allows you to drive across Canada. If you have a valid driver’s license from your home country, you might be able to use it in Canada for a limited period post-arrival, but it’s important to verify this with the local government of your province or territory.

Obtaining an International Driving Permit (IDP) in your home country is advisable if you intend to drive in Canada with a foreign license, as it provides a French and English translation of your license.

The procedure for acquiring a driver’s license in Canada varies by province or territory and your driving history. Generally, it involves passing a written test on road rules, for which study guides are available, and completing one or two practical driving exams.

After obtaining your license, you’ll need to renew it periodically, with the expiration date marked on the license itself. For more information on driver’s licenses, exams, and driving lessons, consult the transportation department of your specific province or territory.

The “Graduated Licensing” Program

The “Graduated Licensing” Program is a standard procedure in most provinces, requiring individuals to progress through a series of stages before obtaining a full driver’s license. Initially, participants may receive a more restricted driver’s license, which may include limitations such as driving restrictions during certain times, like nighttime, or on specific roadways. These restrictions gradually ease as individuals fulfill certain requirements or successfully pass designated tests.

While each province or territory may have its own set of licensing prerequisites, generally, there are three key steps to transition from a beginner’s or “Learner’s” permit to a complete driver’s license:

Undertake a written examination evaluating your comprehension of road signs and driving regulations. Additionally, you may undergo an eye assessment to evaluate your vision. With a Learner’s Permit, you typically cannot drive unaccompanied and must be accompanied by someone possessing a full driver’s license.

After one year of driving experience, you will undergo a road test and obtain an intermediate permit. This permits independent driving, albeit with restrictions such as abstaining from driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Following 1-2 years of driving under the intermediate permit, you become eligible to apply for a full, unrestricted driver’s license.

In Alberta, acquiring a full, non-GDL Class 5 Driver’s Licence typically necessitates a minimum of 3 years. The licensing process comprises three stages: Learner (Class 7 License), Probationary (Class 5-GDL Licence), and Full, non-GDL (Class 5 Licence).

In British Columbia, new drivers commence with an L driving license, which mandates passing knowledge and vision tests. Subsequently, one can apply for an N driving license after one year of practice and passing a class 7 road test. Obtaining a full license entails an additional 2 years of safe driving and passing a class 5 road test.

In Manitoba, the licensing process also unfolds in three stages: the learner stage, requiring a minimum of 9 months; an intermediate stage, lasting a minimum of 15 months; and finally, a full stage where a full license can be obtained.

In Saskatchewan, there exist 6 distinct classes of licensing. New drivers must progress through several stages: obtaining a Class 7 learner’s licence, completing driver education, acquiring a Class 5 Novice 1 licence, practicing as a Novice 1 driver, practicing as a Novice 2 driver, and eventually graduating to an experienced Class 5 driver.

Ontario follows a three-tiered system for driving licenses: G2, G1, and G. After passing eye and written tests, individuals receive a G1 licence. To obtain a full G licence, one must complete two learning levels—G1 and G2—and pass two road tests.

Applying for a licence

When applying for a license, you must present original and valid documents proving your legal name and birth date, including the day, month, and year. Photocopies or expired documents won’t be accepted. You can submit these documents at a Drive Test Centre or a Travel Point, which serves as a temporary center in areas without a regional one. It’s advisable to call ahead or visit www.drivetest.ca to locate the nearest Travel Point and its hours of operation.

An application fee is required, covering the knowledge test, the first road test, and a five-year license. Additional fees apply for a second road test and any necessary retests, which must be prepaid when scheduling a road test appointment.

For further details on applying for a license, visit the Ministry of Transportation website.

Proof of identification

To meet the requirement for proof of legal name and full date of birth, you may use any one of the following documents:

• Passport (Canadian or foreign)
• Canadian Citizenship Card with photo
• Permanent immigration documents
  • Permanent Resident Card (PRC)
  • Record of Landing (Form 1000)
  • Confirmation of Permanent Residence (Form IMM 5292)
• Temporary immigration documents
  • Student Authorization (IMM 1442)
  • Employment Authorization(IMM 1442)
  • Visitor Record (IMM 1442)
  • Temporary Resident’s Permit (IMM 1442)
  • Report Pursuant to the Immigration Act (IMM 1442 with photo)

Additional documents

Additional documents are required if the document presented from the previous list does not indicate the legal name or complete date of birth (day, month, year). The additional documents must provide proof of the missing or incomplete information.

The following documents are acceptable as proof of date of birth and legal name:

• Canadian or U.S. Birth Certificate

Proof of legal name

If the documents provided to verify the date of birth do not show the applicant’s legal name due to reasons such as a name change or discrepancy between documents, the applicant must submit additional proof of their legal name. Acceptable forms of additional documentation include:

• A marriage certificate (issued by either Canadian or foreign government)
• A change-of-name certificate
• A court order related to adoption, name change, or divorce, which must include the legal name, date of birth, and the court’s seal.

To establish the full date of birth when only a partial date or no date is provided:

• an affidavit explaining why the full date of birth cannot be provided, alongside supporting documents. For more details, contact Service Ontario at 416-235-2999 or toll-free at 1-800-387-3445 within Canada.

It’s important to note that identification directly by a parent or guardian is not deemed acceptable for these purposes.

Choosing A Driving School

Opting for professional driving instruction can significantly enhance your safety and confidence on the road as a new driver. Enrolling in a Beginner Driver Education (BDE) course approved by the provincial government equips you with the necessary skills and attitudes for safe and responsible driving. Completing a BDE course could also qualify you for an earlier road test and potential savings on car insurance premiums.

These courses cover more than just the basics; they focus on strategic driving techniques, the importance of positive driving attitudes and behaviors, how to avoid distractions and skills in risk perception and management. They also cover specialized driving conditions such as freeway, night, and adverse weather driving. While primarily aimed at new drivers, many driving schools also offer advanced courses to refine your driving skills.

Graduating from an approved BDE course is recorded in your driving history, reducing the required time in Level 1 by four months, and potentially lowering your car insurance rates.

Ministry-licensed driving schools provide both classroom and in-car training under the guidance of ministry-licensed instructors. An approved BDE course must span at least 40 hours, including a minimum of 20 hours of classroom learning, 10 hours of in-car instruction, and 10 hours of flexible learning options, which might include classroom, computer-based, in-vehicle, or simulator instruction, along with homework.

Top of Form

All ministry-approved driving schools are listed on the ministry’s website.

Road Test Overview

Road tests evaluate your driving ability in actual traffic conditions, focusing on adherence to road rules and safe driving practices. When ready, book your test via the internet, phone, or in person at a Drive Test Centre. Contact details are 647-776-0331, 1-888-570-6110, or DriveTest.ca.

Preparation For The Test

• Ensure your vehicle is in good condition, properly registered, and insured.
• Level One drivers need an accompanying driver at the test center.
• Level Two drivers should arrange alternative transportation in case of test failure.
• The vehicle should be free of pets and passengers, except for the examiner. No instructors, friends, relatives, or translators are allowed during the test.
• The test is timed, and instructions will be provided beforehand. The examiner cannot offer guidance during the test, so address any questions beforehand.
• Electronic driving aids are prohibited to ensure you demonstrate driving skills without assistance.

After The Test

• You’ll receive a detailed performance report. If you fail, the report will indicate areas needing improvement. A retest can be scheduled after a minimum of 10 days.

Drivers with foreign experience:

Drivers able to demonstrate a minimum of 24 months of overseas driving experience within the past three years may have the opportunity to skip the graduated licensing program altogether and directly attempt the road test for their full license.