How to apply for a driving license in Canada?

To drive a car in Canada, you must have a valid driver’s license. If you want to know how to apply for a driving license in Canada, then you’re at the right place as in this article we’ll let you know the complete procedure of applying for a driving license in Canada.

The procedure for obtaining a driving license in Canada depends on each province and territory in which you live as each province / or territory has its guidelines to apply for a driving license. This license will allow you to drive anywhere in Canada.

If you have a valid license from your home country then you will be able to use it for a short period in Canada. If you’re planning to use your home country license then you must apply for International Driving Permit in your home country.

It’s advisable for new immigrants in Canada that they must bring a copy of their driving history issued by the licensing authority in their home country, as this will be helpful in the processing of driving license application.

There is a certain process to get a driver’s license, which may include:

• A written exam on the rules of the road
• Driving test

We’ll try to give you some details about the validity of your driving license as to how long you can use your existing home country license in Canada and some important links which will help you apply and obtain a driver’s license in Canada.

Foreign / Existing License Validity:

Alberta

If you’re a temporary foreign resident in Alberta, then you can use your valid existing driving license (equal to or higher than a Class 5) for up to one year. If your license is not in English, then you should carry International Driver’s Permit issued by your home country along with a valid driving license, while driving any vehicle.

For more information about exchanging and using existing license Click here

If you live in Alberta and want to apply for a driving license, then the primary requirement to get a license is to appear in the driver’s knowledge test. This test will check your knowledge about Alberta’s traffic rules.

There are three types of Licence:

Class 7: This is a learner license which allows you to drive a moped. However, to drive a Class 5 or 6 vehicles, you must sit with someone who has a full Class 5 driver’s license or higher.

For more information on Class 7, Click here

Class 6: This license allows you to drive a motorcycle and Class 5 Vehicle as a learner. To become eligible for this license you must be at least 16 years old and have a Class 7 learner’s license.

For more information on the Class 6 license, Click here

Class 5: This license allows you to drive Cars, Trucks, and Vans. To become eligible for this license, you must have a 2-year driving experience with a Class 5 Graduated Driver’s Licence (GDL).

For more information on Class 5 license, Click here

If you have any other query related to the license, you can Click here. I hope this page will get you some more information about the driving license.

British Columbia

If you are planning to move to BC, and wish to apply for a driver’s license then this is the tool that will give you every information to obtain a driving license in British Columbia. In BC the local licensing authority is called ICBC.

License for New Drivers :

Graduated License: As a new driver you have to go through the Graduated Licensing Program which consists of three stages, One multiple-choice test, and Two road tests.

Learning Licence: To apply for a learning license, you must appear in the exam and answer 40 out of 50 questions right in MCQ. You have to be a learner for at least one year before you can apply for the next level. This license will be valid for 2 years.

Novice Licence: You will be eligible for your novice, only If you’ve had your Learner’s license for at least one year without any prohibition.

Full Licence: To become eligible for a full license you must have a 2-year driving experience along with the Class 5 road Test.

Manitoba

If you have moved to Manitoba and wish to apply for a driving license then you will need to pass the knowledge and road test. If you are applying for your driver’s license first time in Manitoba then autopac agents will help you to get your license. Click here to search autopac agents in your area.

To get your first license in Manitoba, you must be at least 16 years of age. It is advisable for all new drivers to get enrolled in driving schools to practice for their driving test.

If you are new to Manitoba and hold a valid driver’s license from the below countries then you can drive a motor vehicle in Canada for up to three months. After three months you will be required a valid driver’s license issued in Manitoba.

Foreign Nationals from certain countries can exchange their license without appearing in written and road tests. Click here to see the name of exceptions.

For more information about Manitoba driving policy, Click here

New Brunswick

If you’re new to NB and moved recently, then you can use your international driving license for up to three months. After three months you will be required a valid New Brunswick Driver’s Licence.

A person needs parental consent for applying for a driving license between Class 9 to Class 6 for obtaining a driving license in NB.

For more information about NB driving Licence policy, Click here

Newfoundland and Labrador

If you are a visitor or have moved recently to Newfoundland and Labrador, then you can use your foreign license/ or existing driving license for up to three months in this province. After three months you will be required a valid Newfoundland Driver’s Licence.

There are two categories in the Graduated Driver Licensing Program:

• Novice: Learner
• Novice Licenced Driver: 12 months driving experience post completion of the road test

For more information about Newfoundland driving policy, Click here

Nova Scotia

If you are a visitor or have moved recently to Nova Scotia, then you can use your foreign license/ or existing driving license for up to three months in this province. After three months you will be required a valid Nova Scotia Driver’s Licence.

There are three categories in the Graduated Driver Licensing Program:

Learner’s Licence Phase: In this phase, the minimum practice period is 12 months to become eligible for the next level. However, this period can be reduced up to nine months If a learner has completed a recognized driver education and training program.

Newly Licensed Driver Phase: During this phase, learners are not permitted to have passengers in their vehicles. To become eligible for the next level drivers must complete 6 hours of Defensive Driving Course.

Restricted Individual Phase: In this stage, you will be under certain restrictions for at least 2 years. Post completion of this period all restrictions will be removed and you will be considered as a fully experienced driver.

For more information about Nova Scotia driving license policy Click here

Ontario

If you are visiting Ontario as a new resident then you can use your foreign / existing license of your home country for up to 60 days. After 60 days you must apply for the Ontario driver’s license.

You can claim a one-year driving experience by showing a valid, original driving license.

For more details about driving license policy Click here

Quebec

months. After six months it is highly recommended that you must start the process of obtaining the Quebec license. For new visitors and immigrants, there is a good website that can help you to get more information about driving policy.

For more information on driving license policy Click here

Saskatchewan

If you’re a new immigrant in Saskatchewan, then you can use your existing/foreign license for up to 90 days. After 90 days you must apply for the Saskatchewan license for driving any vehicle. Your license must be in English or French.

You must apply for an International Driving Permit in your home country before leaving for Saskatchewan, If your driving license in not in English or French.

For more information about driving policy, Click here

We hope this article will help you in clearing all your doubts about driving license usage in Canada and takes you a step closer to get your driving license in the Canada.

At Blogimmi, we help applicants to travel, study, and settle abroad by connecting them to their preferred destinations. We eliminate the frustration with complex application procedures by streamlining the process with our fully online on-demand consulting.

Our advisors are ready to answer your queries 24/7. If you have any questions, feel free to reach us by email or phone call.

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