How to Get a Canadian Driver’s License

Whether coming to Canada to work, study or immigrate, getting a driver’s license represents a very important step, not only to be allowed to drive a car but also it can be used as a piece of identification.

It is possible to get a canadian driver’s license even if you have never had a license to drive before coming to Canada. The process of obtaining a canadian license could be facilitated if the applicant has previous experience and a valid driver’s license.

A valid driver’s license is accepted in Canada if the driver will be visiting for a short period of timewhich in turn, depends on which province the visitor will be driving. If visitors want to stay for a longer period of time, it is recommended to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP). The IDP should be obtained before coming to Canada and do not substitute the canadian license.

Canadian Driver’s License

In Canada, the driver’s license is issued by the government of each province or territory, and allows you to drive everywhere in Canada. The process of obtaining the license is done according to the road laws and rules of each province or territory. Residents moving provinces should obtain a driver’s license from the new province.

Generally, there are 3 levels of license for driving a car in Canada. The first level allows the driver to drive only if accompanied by an experienced driver. The second level allows the driver to drive alone with some restrictions. The third level gives the full right to drive.

To get the first level of the driver’s license, the applicant just needs to pass a written knowledge test about road laws and rules. To get the second and third level, the driver needs to pass a driving test. There must be a minimum time of practice between the written and driving test.

The applicants must take the written knowledge testeven for those possessing previously driving experience before applying. In the case that there is a minimum time of experience, after passing the written test, the applicant can already apply for the driving test in order to get the full license. Some provinces and territories have an exchange program for foreign licenses which depends on the origin country. The driver will not need to take any tests. Each province or territory has its own rules for the exchange and in most cases, the original license is retained by the government.

How to Get a Driver’s License in Ontario

When moving to Ontario as permanent or temporary resident, the driver can use a valid licence from another province, state or country for 60 days. After that time, the driver should get an Ontario driver’s license.

Drivers with a valid driver’s license from the following countries could apply for a simple exchange of license: Australia, Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Great Britain, the Isle of Man, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Switzerland, Taiwan and the United States.

The licenses in Ontario are known as G1, G2 and G. To get a G1 license you need to pass a vision and written test. It gives the right to drive only when accompanied by a fully licensed driver who has at least four years of driving experience. The G1 license has some restrictions including maintaining a zero blood alcohol level, not driving between midnight and 5 a.m or on highways. After 12 months, you can apply for a driving test to get the G2, that allows the driver to drive alone, but still with some restrictions related to fines and demerit points. There are specific restrictions for drivers under 19 years old. Twelve months after getting the G2, you can apply for the driving test to get the G license. Applicants who have 2 or more years of driving experience, can apply directly for the G driving test after getting the G1.

Getting a G1 license

To get the G1 license, you just need to go to a Drive Test Centre ou no Service Ontario localizado no College Park, e apresentar um documento original de identificação com nome completo, data de nascimento e assinatura (o passaporte brasileiro válido é aceito). Caso queira utilizar a experiência brasileira, é necessário apresentar a CNH original e válida, junto com a validação do consulado e, em alguns centros, a tradução juramentada da mesma, feita no Canadá. A taxa para este teste é de aproximadamente CAD$ 160. Caso queria usar a experiência brasileira, o custo será por volta de CAD$ 106.

The Knowledge Test

Knowledge tests are written tests available without an appointment. You just need to present all the documents in order to take the test. They have 40 questions in multiple-choice format, 20 of which are about road rules and 20 about road signs. There is no time limit to finish the test, and it is available in paper or computer format. You will get the results immediately and must earn a total score of at least 80% to pass the test. If you are unsuccessful, you can pay a CAD$ 16 fee and try again. The knowledge test is offered in 24 different languages.

The Ministry of Transportation of Ontario offers a free online version of the official driver’s handbookon their website, to help study for the knowledge test. The handbook can also be purchased online, at retail stores (Canadian Tire, Walmart) and at a Drive Test Center. Study resources in other languages can be found online to help prepare for the test.

The Driving Test

You need to pass a road test in order to get a G2 or G license. You can book the road test online, by phone or in person at one of the Drive Test Centres. For new drivers, the provincial government imposes a waiting period of 12 months between each road test. The cost of the G2 test is CAD$ 53.75 and for the G test is CAD$ 91.25.

The G2 test assesses basic driving skills, like turning, stopping and parking the car. It is commonly referred to as a city test, and usually it takes about 20 minutes. The G test assesses more advanced driving skills, including a highway component and parallel parking, and usually it takes about 30 minutes. It is important to know that for the road test, you must bring a vehicle. The vehicle can be owned, borrowed, rented or from a driving school.

How to Get a Driver’s License in British Columbia

When moving to British Columbia (BC), a driver can use a valid licence for 90 days. After that time, the driver should get a BC driver’s license.

British Columbia has reciprocal licence exchange agreements with the following countries: Austria, Australia, France, Germany, Guernsey, Isle of Man, Jersey, Ireland, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom and the United States. The licenses in British Columbia are known as L (learner), N (novice) and Class 5. To get a L license you need to pass a vision and written test. It gives you the right to drive only when accompanied by a qualified driver of age 25+ and with a valid Class 5 license. A red L sign must be displayed on the back of the car while driving. The L license has some restrictions, including maintaining a zero blood alcohol level and not driving between midnight and 5 a.m.

After 1 year, you can apply for a driving test to get the N license, that allows you to drive on your own. A green N sign must be displayed on the back of the car while driving. There is a limit of one passenger only (immediate family exempt) unless a driver of age 25+ with a valid Class 5 licence is in the car. After 2 years with the N license, you can apply for the driving test to get the Class 5 license.

If you have 2+ years of driving experience from another country, after getting a L license, you can already book a Class 5 road test. If the licence is in a language other than English, a translator approved by (ICBC Insurance Corporation of British Columbia will need to translate the document).

British Columbia law does not allow drivers to have more than one driver's licence at the same time. If you will use your out-of province license as driving experience, that means you will need to surrender your previous licence to ICBC.

How to Get a Driver’s License in Alberta

When moving to Alberta, a driver can use a valid licence for 90 days. After that time, the driver should get an Alberta driver’s license.

Drivers with a valid driver’s license from the following countries could apply for a simple exchange of license: Australia, Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Isle of Man, Japan, Netherlands, Republic of Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom and the United States. The licenses in Alberta are known as Class 7, Class 5-GDL and Class 5. To get a Class 7 license you need to pass a vision and written test. The minimum age to apply for a Class 7 license is 14 years of age and must have parental or guardian consent. The Class 7 license gives the right to drive only when accompanied by a driver of age 18+ and with a valid Class 5 license. This license has some restrictions including maintaining a zero blood alcohol level, not driving between midnight and 5 a.m., and allows only 8 demerit points.

After 12 months, you can apply for a driving test to get the Class 5-GDL license, that allows you to drive by yourself. The driver must be at least 16 years old, and if the driver is under 18, must have a written consent from the parents or guardians. After 2 years with the Class 5-GDL license, you can apply for the driving test to get the Class 5 license.

After 12 months, you can apply for a driving test to get the Class 5-GDL license, that allows you to drive by yourself. The driver must be at least 16 years old, and if the driver is under 18, must have a written consent from the parents or guardians. After 2 years with the Class 5-GDL license, you can apply for the driving test to get the Class 5 license.

For more information about how to get a driver’s license in Canada, please visit the links of each province Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta.
IAll information and costs are based on data available in April 2020.

By Janayna Sercheli