Driving Licence Exchange in Canada by Province
Each province runs its own exchange. After you become a resident, you can drive on a valid foreign licence for 60 days in Ontario, 90 days in BC and Alberta, and up to 6 months in Quebec. Then you switch to a provincial licence. A reciprocal agreement lets you exchange without a road test. Otherwise, you take the tests.
How long can you drive on your foreign licence?
Driving regulations in Canada are set by each province and territory. There is no single national driver's licence.
| Province (licensing office) | Can drive on foreign licence for |
|---|---|
| Ontario (MTO) | 60 days after becoming a resident |
| British Columbia (ICBC) | 90 days after becoming a resident |
| Alberta (registry agent) | 90 days after becoming a resident |
| Quebec (SAAQ) | Up to six consecutive months after establishing residence |
The period runs from when you become a resident (not just after arriving as a visitor). After that period, you must obtain a provincial driver's licence.
The rule
Ontario allows 60 days after establishing residency.
Which licences can you exchange without a road test?
A licence exchange agreement means you can exchange your foreign licence for a provincial licence without a road test. Each province keeps its own list.
- Ontario
- Ontario has direct-exchange (reciprocal) agreements with a defined list of jurisdictions. As listed on ontario.ca in November 2026, it covers any Canadian province or territory, the Canadian Armed Forces, US states (not US protectorates or territories), and Australia, Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Denmark, France, Germany, Great Britain, Hungary, the Isle of Man, Japan, Kosovo, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan and Ukraine. Holders from these places can typically exchange for a full G licence without a road test (a vision test still applies). Learner's permits, motorcycle classes from most of the listed countries, and commercial classes issued outside Canada cannot be exchanged. A licence in another language needs a certified translation dated within the last six months.
- British Columbia
- With a licence from a jurisdiction on ICBC's exchange list (the US, the UK, Australia and others), you can exchange it for a BC licence without additional testing. ICBC keeps its list of exchange jurisdictions on its website.
- Alberta
- Alberta exchanges a licence without a knowledge or road test only if it was issued in a jurisdiction on its recognized list. As listed on alberta.ca in November 2026, that list covers the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Taiwan, Ukraine, Switzerland, Guernsey, Jersey, the Isle of Man and the countries of the European Economic Area, some for certain licence classes only. To be issued a full Class 5 licence, you provide proof of 2 or more years of driving experience.
- Quebec
- A licence from another Canadian province or territory, the United States, or a country that has an agreement with Québec can be exchanged (the SAAQ lists those countries).
These countries appear on both Ontario's and British Columbia's lists today, and Alberta's list includes them too: the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, France, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Austria and Ireland. Some classes are left out, such as motorcycle licences from South Korea and Taiwan.
What if your country has no agreement?
Without an agreement, you take knowledge and road tests. Each province sets its own path.
- Ontario
- Drivers from places without an agreement take the vision test, the knowledge test and the G2 road test, wait at least 12 months, then take the G road test. Since July 1, 2026, Ontario gives credit for up to one year of driving experience to holders who show a valid, original foreign licence and an authentication letter from the agency that issued it.
- British Columbia
- With a licence from elsewhere, you can still apply, but you also take a knowledge test and a road test. If you cannot prove more than two years of non-learner driving experience, you enter the Graduated Licensing Program.
- Alberta
- Drivers from other places take the Class 7 knowledge test, apply for a graduated licensing (GDL) exemption and take a Class 5 road test. With 2 or more years of experience you get a full Class 5. With less, you get a GDL licence.
- Quebec
- With a licence from elsewhere, it may be possible to exchange it if you have held it for at least one year, but you must first pass the SAAQ knowledge and road tests. If you fail the road test, you can no longer drive on the foreign licence, and you get a learner's licence.
Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta use graduated licensing for new drivers, including newcomers who cannot exchange their foreign licence directly. It runs in stages, with restrictions at each stage.
Level 1 (learner: G1 in Ontario, Class 7 in Alberta)
Knowledge test. Restrictions apply at this stage.
Level 2 (G2 in Ontario)
First road test passed. Restrictions still apply. A wait applies before the next test.
Full licence (G in Ontario, Class 5 in Alberta)
Final road test passed.
What does an International Driving Permit do?
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a translation document you get from your home jurisdiction (not from IRCC or a Canadian authority). It translates what your licence allows you to drive. Countries that signed the 1949 Convention on Road Traffic, and some others, accept IDPs (Global Affairs Canada).
An IDP is not a replacement for a licence. In Canada, it helps when your foreign licence is not in English or French: Alberta, for example, strongly recommends one if your licence is not in English. Alberta's rule is that you must carry both the IDP and your valid licence, and an IDP alone is not valid to drive.
What about car insurance and winter tires?
Each province sets its own car insurance rules, including the coverage you must carry. Check the rules of the province where you register your vehicle.
In British Columbia, ICBC provides basic car insurance and credits up to 15 years of driving experience upon receipt of an acceptable driving record. Elsewhere, the insurer decides what proof of driving history it accepts.
In British Columbia, drivers must obey winter tire and chain signs throughout the province from October 1 to April 30. On select highways not located through mountain passes or high snowfall areas, the requirements end March 31. In Quebec, your vehicle must be winter-ready, with winter tires, from December 1 to March 15.
Other provinces set their own rules.
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What do people ask?
How long can I drive in Canada on my foreign licence?
It depends on your province. Ontario allows 60 days after you become a resident. BC and Alberta allow 90 days, and Quebec allows up to 6 months. The clock starts when you become a resident of the province. After that, you need a provincial licence.
Which countries' driving licences can be exchanged in Canada?
It depends on the province, because each one keeps its own reciprocal list. Ontario lists every US state, Great Britain, Northern Ireland, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Switzerland, Ukraine and several European countries. Alberta lists the US, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Taiwan, Ukraine, Switzerland, Guernsey, Jersey, the Isle of Man and the European Economic Area countries. Quebec exchanges licences from the US and from countries that have an agreement with Québec. Confirm the list with its licensing office.
Can you exchange a UK driving licence for a Canadian one?
Yes, in Ontario, BC and Alberta. Ontario lists Great Britain and Northern Ireland for a direct exchange to a full G licence without a road test, though a vision test still applies. BC lists the United Kingdom (England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland) for an exchange without additional testing. Alberta lists the United Kingdom, for some classes only. Confirm on the provincial site. Our Visiting Canada from the UK guide covers the trip itself.
Can I drive in Canada with an international licence?
Yes, as a translation carried with your valid home licence. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is never a licence on its own, and because it is a translation, the provincial deadline still applies. It helps when your licence is in a language other than English or French, and some rental agencies may ask for one. It comes from your home jurisdiction and is usually valid for 1 year. The IDP section of this guide has the details.
My home country is not on the reciprocal list. What do I do?
You go through the regular licensing process: a knowledge test and one or more road tests. Documented driving experience counts differently in each province. In Ontario, since July 1, 2026, a valid original licence and an authentication letter can earn credit for up to one year of experience. In BC, proof of more than two years of non-learner experience keeps you out of the Graduated Licensing Program. In Alberta, 2 or more years gets you a full Class 5.
What documents do I need to exchange my driving licence in Canada?
It depends on the province. Ontario asks for identity documents showing your legal name and date of birth, the original valid foreign licence, original proof of driving experience in English or French, and the fees. A licence in another language needs a certified translation. Alberta asks for proof of residence in Alberta and of legal status in Canada. In BC, your immigration documents serve as primary ID, with secondary ID. Confirm the exact list and any fees with ServiceOntario, ICBC, an Alberta registry agent or the SAAQ.
Can I exchange my licence as an international student or temporary worker?
It depends on the province. BC has an exemption for students enrolled full time at a designated educational institution in BC. Alberta says students, visitors and workers under the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program cannot get an Alberta licence because they do not live in Alberta permanently, but they may be able to keep using the licence from their home province or country. Visitors may drive on it for up to one year. Your permit and length of stay decide which rule applies. Our First 30 Days in Canada guide covers the other setup steps.
Do I keep or surrender my foreign licence when I exchange it?
In BC and Alberta you surrender it. ICBC requires you to surrender any driver's licence you hold, and Alberta says a surrendered licence will not be returned to you. If you split time between countries and need your home licence, ask the provincial authority about its policy before you start.
Official sources
This page is based on law and policy published by the Government of Canada.