You need a valid driver’s licence to drive a car in Canada. Licences are issued by the province or territory where you live. You are legally required to carry your driver’s licence with you whenever you drive. You should also carry copies of your vehicle registration and insurance.

To find out more about getting licensed to drive in Canada, visit the website for the motor vehicle licensing agency in your province or territory.

Licence regulations vary

Regulations for driver’s licences vary according to province or territory. Some provinces and territories use graduated licensing. Graduated licensing limits driving for new drivers. As they gain more experience, new drivers are given more freedom to drive.

Foreign licences

You may be able to use your foreign driver’s licence for a few months after you arrive in Canada, but eventually you will need to take a driving test here to remain licensed. This will include a road test and a knowledge test on the rules of the road. Studying for this test will help you learn about driving in Canada.

The cost of obtaining and renewing your driver’s licence depends on your driving record and where you live in Canada.

International driving permit

You may also decide to get an international driving permit. Find out more from the ministry of transportation or from the motor vehicle licensing agency in your province or territory.

Driving lessons

Driving lessons are available from private companies, for a fee. Even if you already know how to drive, you may decide to take a few lessons before you take your driving test. Look in the yellow pages in your telephone book under Driving Instruction.

Once you have your licence

Your Canadian driver’s licence allows you to drive anywhere in Canada. It must be renewed regularly and may contain a photograph of you. Your driver’s licence must be with you whenever you drive.

Get vehicle insurance

In Canada, to drive your car, you must have vehicle insurance. This is the law. Insurance protects you financially if you are in an accident. Insurance costs vary across Canada. The prices you pay are determined by your driving record, the driving risks in your community and other factors such as the type of car you are insuring.

Be safe

In Canada, we drive on the right-hand side of the road. To drive safely, it is important to know all of the road signs and rules. These rules are available from the transportation ministry in your province or territory.