CANADIAN DRIVER'S LICENSE

DRIVING IN CANADA

Learn about Canadian driver licenses, car insurance, traffic laws and regulations, car buying or leasing, and safety.

ON THIS PAGE
Canadian driver's license
Car insurance
Traffic laws and regulations
Car purchase or leasing
Security
CANADIAN DRIVER'S LICENSE
To legally drive in Canada, you need a Canadian driver's license issued by the government of your province or territory. You must carry it with you at all times. This allows you to drive anywhere in Canada.

If you have a valid driver's license from your home country, you can likely use it to drive in Canada for a short period of time after your arrival. Check with your provincial or territorial government for details.

If you plan to use a foreign driver's license in Canada, you should apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP) in your home country. An IDP will provide you with a translation of your license into French and English.

The process for obtaining a Canadian driver's license depends on the province or territory you reside in and your driving skills. It may include:

a written test on traffic rules (you will receive a study guide for this)
one or two driving tests
You can take paid driving lessons to prepare for your driving test. Search for driving lessons online.

Once you have a driver's license, you must renew it regularly. The expiration date is printed on your license.

Learn more about driver licenses, tests, and driving lessons from your province or territory's Department of Transportation.

Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Newfoundland and Labrador
Northwest Territories
Nova Scotia
Nunavut
Ontario
Prince Edward Island
Quebec
Saskatchewan
Yukon
CAR INSURANCE
In Canada, driving without car insurance is illegal. As a car owner, you are required to have insurance. If you regularly drive a relative or friend's car, you should make sure you are enrolled in their car insurance plan.

There are different types of car insurance that cover:

Self-harm and damage to your vehicle or
the costs of damage and injuries to third parties if you are responsible for an accident.
The cost of your car insurance depends on the plan you choose and the following factors:

Old
Driving behavior
Place of residence
Driving experience
Costs also vary between insurance companies. Therefore, you should:

Make sure you understand the benefits of each plan.
Contact several companies to find out details about the prices of their insurance plans.
TRAFFIC LAWS AND RULES
You must comply with Canadian traffic laws. Check the laws of your province or territory before driving.

For a complete list of driving laws and regulations, refer to the driving guide provided by the motor vehicle and driving authority in your province or territory. These guides are typically available at service centers, online, and in stores.

Traffic laws in Canada are strictly enforced. Violations of the law are generally punished severely. Learn about the most important laws.

IF YOU ARE INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT
Leaving the scene of an accident without authorization is a serious offense. This also applies to accidents involving other vehicles or hitting a pedestrian. In the event of an accident:

Call the emergency number (911) to call police and ambulance (if necessary).

Wait at the scene of the accident until the emergency services arrive.

Exchange information with the other party involved in the accident (if another vehicle is involved in the accident), including:
name
address
Telephone number
license plate
Driver's license numbers
Name of the insurance company
Insurance number
BUYING OR LEASING A CAR
You can research online or call your city's transportation department to find out about car dealers or car rental companies.

If you only need a car for a short time, you can rent one from a car rental company. Make sure your rental agreement includes car insurance, if you need it. Some cities offer car-sharing programs that allow you to use a car without having to buy, lease, or rent one. Check to see if this option meets your needs.

CAR PURCHASE
You can buy a new or used car from:

car dealer
Person selling their car
For information and assistance with purchasing a car, contact the motor vehicle and traffic authority in your province or territory. Information on consumer issues related to purchasing a vehicle can be found in the Canadian Consumer Handbook.
Contact your provincial or territorial consumer protection agency.
LEASING A CAR
Instead of buying a car, many people in Canada lease a car from a car dealer. A lease is a legal contract between you and the dealer in which you:

agree to pay a fee for the use of the vehicle for a specified period (usually several years) and
return the vehicle to the dealer in perfect condition after the expiry of the term.
Because a lease is a legal contract, you should understand the terms and conditions of the lease before signing.

SECURITY
The Canada Safety Council provides information on what drivers can do to improve road safety.

Safety in Canada.

Familiarize yourself with winter driving safety. Snow and ice pose significant hazards in most parts of Canada. Drive slowly in snow and ice. It's also recommended that you purchase special winter tires for your car (required in some provinces).