10 Key Facts Every Newcomer Should Know About Driving in Canada

Driving in Canada and a new country can be stressful until you become familiar with the driving 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!

1. Each Province Issues Licenses to Drive in Canada

The process to get your driver’s license will vary by province. So, check the Provincial Ministry of Transportation (links provided below) where you will live to learn about specific requirements. You need to know:

• What identification to provide (i.e. Confirmation of Permanent Residence Form or Permanent Residence Card)

• What documents do you need from your home country (i.e. driving license extract)?

Gathering the documents you need while still in your home country, will make it easier and faster to get your license when you arrive in Canada. It will also save you time and money.

You must obtain your driving license from the province where you reside. If you move to another province, you must get a valid license from that province.

2. Canada has a Foreign License Exchange Agreement 

You may be able to take advantage of the Foreign License Exchange privilege if you have a valid driving license from one of the following countries: 

Australia Austria Belgium France Germany 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 – 90 days depending on the province. You must obtain an IDP from your home country. When you take advantage of the Foreign License Exchange you can get your license quickly without testing.

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 of getting 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 that you have

• Provide a Letter of Authentication as proof of your driving experience.
• Research what documents you may require to get driving credits. You can obtain this information from the provincial ministries of transportation (see section: Provincial Ministries 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.

REGISTER FOR THE WEBINAR

4. You Must Meet the Minimum Requirements to Drive in Canada

While minimum requirements may vary by province, generally you must meet these conditions:

• Age: the legal age to drive in most provinces is 16

• Medical health: including physical, vision, and hearing requirements

• Driver testing: including written tests and in-car driving tests to ensure you know the road rules in Canada.

You can confirm the specific requirements by visiting the website of the Provincial Ministry of Transportation (see links below).  

5. Canada has a Graduated Licensing System

The provinces use a graduated licensing system to ensure drivers have the skills and knowledge to drive safely. The system has three levels:

• G1 is a learner’s permit 

• G2 is a probationary license

• G is a full-license 

To move from a G1 to a full G license can take up to 2 years. But, you have five years to get your G license from the day you pass your G1 test. So take advantage of the foreign license exchange if you can, or obtain foreign driver experience credits to reduce the time and cost to get a full G license. 

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 serious penalties that include: 

• 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 it’s important to know what insurance you must carry to drive a car. You can get more information about what car insurance you require from the provincial Ministry of Transportation websites.

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 you can shop for the best rates. 

7. Driving Rules and Laws Vary in Each Province

The driving rules are similar in most provinces but, there may be slight 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 to know. 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. Read more about car seats for children below.

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.

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.

8. Driving Conditions Vary in Canada

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.

It’s also helpful to prepare for winter conditions and carry additional provisions in your car such as:

• Ice scraper/brush to remove snow and ice before you drive

• Snow shovel

• Jumper cables

• Blankets and extra hats and gloves.

9. You Must Have a Child Car Safety Seat When Driving with Children

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 restrictions. Four stages of child car safety seats include: 

1. 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.

It’s important to know which seat your child needs and how to install a safety seat correctly. Ensure the safe use of car seats with these child car seat safety resources.

10. You Can Finance a Car with a Loan or a Lease

Operating and maintaining a car in Canada can be expensive. From regular maintenance to annual car insurance, the cost can add up quickly.  However, if you need to buy a car, you can get a loan from the bank, or lease a car. Or, you can pay cash if you readily have the amount for the car cost. A car is a major purchase so most people get a car loan or lease a car.

If buying a used car in Canada, there are additional things to know and do to ensure you get the best value.

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. 

This overview of the rules of the road when driving in Canada will increase your safety. With additional research and driving tools, you’ll be a confident driver! For more information about the specific driving requirements in each province or territory visit the websites below. 

Contact the Provincial Ministry of Transportation

Click on the province where you intend to live to learn how to get a driver’s license.

Province
Alberta   British Columbia  Manitoba  New Brunswick   Newfoundland and Labrador  Nova Scotia  Ontario   Prince Edward Island  Quebec  Saskatchewan Northwest Territories  Nunavut Yukon

WRITTEN BY

Corinna Frattini

Senior Editor, Prepare for Canada

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.

© Prepare for Canada 2025