Do You Need a Licence to Drive in Canada?

No matter where your studies, work or move take you, one thing that may come in handy is having a license to drive. If your home country provides valid driver’s licenses that can often be used upon arrival; though this depends on which province or territory is where your destination lies.

As part of your first steps toward driving in Canada, obtaining a learner’s permit should be your top priority. This limited license must be held for six months before taking a road test for full licences.

To secure a learner’s permit, a written test and sometimes eye exam are required. Once passed, practice driving can start under supervision from an experienced driver.

Megan Shepherd of Finder Insurance recommends enrolling in a pre-licensing or driver education course before taking your road test, according to her advice. Such classes can often be found through local high schools, colleges and DMV-approved driving schools.

Step two is taking an intermediate driving test. This one-hour exam can either be taken online or face-to-face, depending on which is easier for you.

There are various levels of licenses in Canada, although their names differ between provinces. At its base level is a novice license, while full licensing allows drivers to operate heavy vehicles such as trucks, buses or motorcycles.