(Source: Global Affairs Canada, Protocol Office, www.international.gc.ca)
In Ontario and Québec, a foreign driver’s licence can be used up to 60 days after arrival. In Alberta and British Columbia, it is valid for up to 90 days. Canadian drivers’ licences are issued by the province. A driver must be at least 16 years old to obtain a licence. The licence includes the driver’s name, address, signature, date of birth, gender, height, date when the licence was issued, expiry date, and codes showing the class of vehicle and conditions under which the driver may drive. For example, a letter “X” means a driver needs corrective lenses to drive.
In order to obtain a driver’s licence, the following documents are needed:
- ID card, which is a photo identification document (with a ‘D’, ‘C’, ‘J’ or ‘I’ prefix) issued by the Global Affairs Canada, Protocol Office
- Letter of authorization from the respective Protocol Office (Ontario and Québec)
- Original driver’s licence from the home country
- Original translation (in English or French)
- Passport