Moving from an international to Canadian driver’s licence: a Provincial and Territorial Guide

As a newcomer to Canada, you might already have a driver’s licence and substantial driving experience from your home country. But does that mean you can automatically drive in Canada? The answer depends on the province or territory you live in. New residents with a valid driver’s licence from another country can typically use their existing licence for 60 to 90 days, depending on the province or territory. After this period, you are required to obtain a valid Canadian driver’s licence.

It’s essential to check the specific rules and requirements with the Ministry of Transportation or equivalent authority in your province, as regulations and processes vary across Canada.

Driving in British Columbia
Newcomers to British Columbia can drive using their foreign driver’s licence for up to 90 days. After that, they must exchange their licence for a valid B.C. driver’s licence. B.C. has reciprocal agreements with several countries, allowing newcomers to exchange their licence without taking a road test. These countries include: United States, Austria, Belgium, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

To exchange a foreign licence for a B.C. licence, drivers must visit an ICBC driver licensing office and provide the following:

• Government-issued identification showing their legal name, date of birth, and signature.
• Proof of residency in B.C. (e.g., utility bills or lease agreements).
• A valid foreign driver’s licence and supporting documents to verify driving experience.
• A certified translation of their licence or documents if they are not in English or French.
• Completion of a vision test.
• Payment of the required fees (as of 2025, a five-year licence costs approximately $75).