Driving Licenses

Many of the tests or examinations you have completed in your home country may not be valid in Canada, or will require paperwork in order to be converted.

Driving licenses are a minefield for two reasons.

Licenses are awarded by the provinces, not the federal government, and individual provinces have their own rules and testing procedures. Different countries around the world have particular agreements with some of the provinces regarding conversion of driver’s licenses.

For example, some countries, such as the United States, Australia, France and Korea, have an agreement with Ontario that allows licensed drivers to obtain an Ontario license without having to go through the regular process for obtaining a license. Many countries do not, however, so it is best to check with the provincial licensing ministry.