Home / Living / Driving / 10 Key Facts Newcomers Must Know About Driving in Canada
10 Key Facts Newcomers Must Know About Driving in Canada
Written By
Corinna Frattini
•
Apr 3, 2025
•
Driving
Driving in Canada and a new country can be stressful until you become familiar with the rules and other requirements. Whether you’re moving or have recently arrived, you’ll find vital information, from getting your driver’s license to road rules in Canada to car safety. This overview will help you understand 10 key things to know and do to drive safely in Canada!
The Trans-Canada highway in Alberta, Canada.
1. Each Province Issues Licenses to Drive in Canada
You must obtain your driving license from the province where you plan to live. If you move to another province, you must get a valid license from that province.
The process to get your driver’s license varies by province. Check the Provincial Ministry of Transportation (links provided below) for specific requirements where you plan to live. You may need:
Personal identification such as your Confirmation of Permanent Residence Form or Permanent Residence Card
Documents from your home country, including your driving license extract
Proof of residency in Canada, such as a utility bill or lease agreement
Additional documents required by the province.
Gathering the documents you need from your home country before you arrive in Canada to save time and money.
2. Canada has a Foreign License Exchange Agreement
The foreign license exchange agreement allows people from specific countries to exchange their license for a Canadian permit without taking a knowledge or road test. This can save time and enable newcomers to adapt to life in Canada while ensuring they meet driving regulations.
You may be able to take advantage of the Foreign License Exchange Agreement if you have a valid driving license from one of these countries:
Australia
Austria
Belgium
France
Germany
Isle of Man
Great Britain
Hungary
Ireland
Japan
South Korea
New Zealand
Switzerland
Taiwan
United Kingdom
United States
You can also use an International Driving Permit (IDP). An IDP allows licensed drivers from other countries to drive in Canada without testing or applications. However, an IDP is primarily useful for drivers who are visiting Canada.
Permanent residents can only use the IDP for a defined period. This usually varies from 60 to 90 days, depending on the province. You must obtain an IDP from your home country.
Credits for previous driving experience can reduce the time to get your driver’s license in Canada.
3. You May Be Eligible for Foreign Driving Experience Credits
You may be eligible for credits for previous driving experience if your country is not recognized in the foreign license exchange agreement (i.e. India, Nigeria, Philippines). The driving credits will reduce the time and cost to get your full license in Canada.
To apply for foreign driving experience credits, you must:
You may be eligible for credits for previous driving experience if your country is not recognized in the foreign license exchange agreement (i.e. India, Nigeria, Philippines). The driving credits will reduce the time and cost to get your full license in Canada.
To apply for foreign driving experience credits, you must:
Have proper documents, including a current license, proof of identification, and driver’s extract
Pass a vision test, written test, and one or two driving tests depending on the number of years of driving experience and documents you have
Provide a Letter of Authentication as proof of your driving experience.
Research documents you may need to get driving credits. You can obtain this information from the provincial ministries of transportation (see section: Provincial Ministry of Transportation).
Your First Weeks in Canada | Developing Your Action Plan
Arriving with an action plan for your first weeks in Canada can save you time and money. The quicker you settle into your new environment the faster you’ll feel at home! In this webinar, Your First Weeks in Canada, we discuss the important things to do to manage your first weeks efficiently.
4. You Must Meet Minimum Requirements to Drive in Canada
While minimum requirements may vary by province, generally, you must:
Be of legal age to drive, which is 16 in most provinces
Pass medical health tests, physical, vision, and hearing requirements
Complete driver testing, including written and in-car driving tests, to ensure you know the road rules in Canada.
Visit the Provincial Ministry of Transportation to confirm the specific requirements (see links below).
Taking advantage of the foreign license exchange or obtaining foreign driver experience credits may reduce the time and cost to get a full G license.
5. Canada has a Graduated Licensing System
Each province uses a graduated licensing system to ensure drivers have the skills and knowledge to drive safely. The system has three levels:
G1 learner’s permit: allows you to drive with a fully licensed driver
G2 probationary license: permits drivers to practice driving independently with some restrictions
G full license: removes most driving restrictions.
Moving from a G1 to a full G license can take up to two years. However, you have five years to get your G license from the day you pass your G1 test. Taking advantage of the foreign license exchange or obtaining foreign driver experience credits can reduce the time and cost.
While car insurance may be expensive, it is a legal must-have. However, insurance companies want your business, so shop for the best rates.
6. You Must Have Car Insurance to Drive in Canada
Every province and territory in Canada requires drivers to have car insurance. It is illegal to drive in Canada without car insurance, and you can face penalties, including:
Fines from $5,000 – $25,000 for a first conviction
Fines from $10,000 – $50,000 for a second conviction
Suspension of your driver’s license
Seizure or impoundment of your car for up to three months.
The minimum requirements for car insurance also vary in each province. So, verify what insurance you require with the provincial Ministry of Transportation websites and insurance companies.
While car insurance can be expensive, it is a legal must-have if you want to drive with peace of mind. Also, many insurance companies want your business, so shop for the best rates.
7. Driving Rules and Laws Vary in Each Province
The driving rules are similar in most provinces, but there are differences. You can research the driving rules before you arrive to avoid facing tickets and penalties. This will reduce the stress of driving in a new country, increase safety, and prevent accidents.
Become familiar with the laws in the province where you intend to get your driver’s license to ensure your safety.
Rules of the Road When Driving in Canada
While laws may vary in each province, the basic rules of the road remain the same across Canada.
Speed Limits
Speed limits are vital road rules in Canada. Pay attention to posted speed limits. Common speed limits are 50 kilometers per hour in cities, 80 on two-lane highways, and 100 on most highways.
Seatbelts
Buckle up! All drivers and passengers must wear seatbelts for safety or get a fine. Children must be in child safety seats until they meet age and weight requirements.
Cell Phone Use
You can only use your cell phone using a “hands-free” device (i.e. Bluetooth) or a mounted device. Texting or holding your phone will result in hefty distracted driving charges and increase your car insurance rates. Distracted driving is one of the biggest dangers on the road. Learn more about what counts as distracted driving in Ontario.
Alcohol
Driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) is a serious offense in Canada. With a DUI, the police can suspend your license, impound your vehicle, or arrest you. It is a criminal offense to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08%. Avoid drinking and driving and opt for a taxi, UBER, or public transit.
Learning to Drive
If you want to learn to drive, consider taking lessons from a recognized driving school. When you take driving lessons, you can also lower your insurance rates. Completing driving lessons shows insurance companies that you have received professional training and can drive safely. In turn, they will reward you with lower insurance rates. Click here for government-approved driving schools in Ontario.
Driving conditions vary in Canada depending on the season. So, you must prepare your car for both summer and winter driving conditions. Your car may have all-season tires, but winter tires are safer when driving in snow, freezing temperatures, and icy road conditions.
8. Driving Conditions Vary in Canada
It’s also helpful to prepare for winter conditions and carry additional provisions in your car, such as:
Blankets and extra hats and gloves.
Ice scraper/brush to remove snow and ice before you drive
Snow shovel
Jumper cables.
9. Children Must Be in Child Car Safety Seats
Another road rule in Canada is that children must be in a child car safety seat from birth until they meet age, height, and weight requirements. Four stages of child car safety seats include:
1. Rear-facing infant seats
2. Forward-facing child car seats
3. Booster seats for children who weigh 18 kg (40 lb)
4. Seat belts for children who have outgrown their booster seats.
Operating and maintaining a car in Canada is expensive. From regular maintenance to annual car insurance, costs add up quickly. However, if you must have a car, you can get a loan from the bank or lease a car. Or, you can pay cash if you readily have cash. A car is a big purchase, so most people get a car loan or lease a car.
Whether you finance a car through a loan or a lease, there are key differences to know and understand. So, carefully consider each option to help you make the right choice.
If buying a used car in Canada, there are additional things to know and do to ensure you get the best value.
These 10 facts will increase your safety and make it easier to drive in Canada confidently.
Contact the Provinical Ministry of Transportation
Click on the province where you intend to live to learn how to get a driver’s license.
Corinna Frattini is the Senior Editor and Content Director for Prepare for Canada. She contributes articles to help newcomers achieve their goals in key areas related to living, working, and settling in Canada. With an extensive background in human resources and leadership development, her articles focus on what Canadian employers seek and how newcomers can continue their careers in Canada.