Obtaining a driver’s license in Canada 2024 – Istehabanati Immigration Institute (Homa)

Knowing the requirements for obtaining a driver’s license for an immigrant in Canada can be confusing, as the rules are not the same across provinces. But if you understand the steps and rules involved, you can get your driver’s license in this country and drive legally. This article examines the issue of obtaining a driver’s license in Canada for you and analyzes its important points. However, if you need to understand these rules, stay with the advisors until the end.

List of types of certificates in Canada

In Canada, driver’s licenses are introduced according to certain categories. Basically, each of them allows drivers to drive certain vehicles. In the table below, we explain these categories:

Who can drive in Canada?

People over the age of 16 can drive in Canada. However, in addition to meeting this age requirement, drivers in Canada must:

• Have a valid provincial/regional driver’s license.
• Get a suitable and valid insurance for the vehicle they use.
• Carry the original (or copy) of the vehicle ownership license with you at all times.

Conditions for obtaining a driver’s license in Canada for immigrants

It doesn’t matter if you are in this country for a short time or you plan to become permanent residents of Canada (PRs), you can apply for this certificate anyway. First, you will drive in your home province/region using your own international driver’s license.

Although international driver’s licenses are only valid for a period of time after arrival in Canada, it is strongly recommended that everyone carry an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) from their home country during this time. The list below specifies the validity period of international driver’s licenses in each province/territory.

At the end of the periods mentioned above, immigrants must obtain a Canadian driver’s license in their province of residence. This is because all newcomers are residents of the target province/region at the end of the specified validity period. Therefore, they should be coordinated with the rules of obtaining a driver’s license in Canada.

In general, the conditions required to complete the process of obtaining a driver’s license in Canada are:

1. Providing valid identity documents

2. Success in vision test and driving tests

3. Paying the fee (the cost of obtaining a driver’s license varies between 100 and 200 dollars)

Can immigrants get a driver’s license in Canada?

The answer to this question is positive. Immigrants (and all newcomers to Canada) can and should get a driver’s license in Canada. In fact, it is illegal to drive in this country without a valid driver’s license or IDP.

A driver’s license is one of the official government documents from a specific province or region. These documents allow holders to operate a motor vehicle (car, van, etc.) in the province or territory where the document is issued. These licenses are required for all prospective drivers (including citizens, temporary residents, and permanent residents) and must be obtained after the expiration of the international driver’s license transfer period.

How to pass the Canadian driving test

Obtaining an official driver’s license in Canada usually involves a written test and between one and two driving tests on the road (city test). How to hold this type of test depends on your region. To verify this process, you must follow the specific driving requirements of your area.

For example, the process of obtaining a full G-level driver’s license in Ontario is as follows:

Most of the provinces and regions have a driving license issuing system, only the names of the levels are different in the provinces. Licenses are normally transferred from the beginner level to a regular driver’s license and then reviewed for driving heavy or specialized vehicles such as trucks, buses or motorcycles. A driver’s license is usually valid for five years, after which it must be renewed. Besides, you have to pay specific fees for all driving tests, test cancellation and license renewal.

To get a driver’s license in Canada, you must pass written tests at the licensing authority in your province of residence. In addition, this process requires prior appointment at the reference office. You may need to book a suitable time at least two months before the test day.

Written test resources are available in the form of workbooks, programs, and more to help you learn about state- and region-specific laws and road signs. A score of 80% or higher is acceptable for passing the written driver’s test.

City test to get driver’s license in Canada

The city test section is usually done between one and two years after your first written exam. During this time, you should improve your driving level by accompanying a licensed driver for practice. It is also necessary to prove your physical health and vision level during the city test. Because these things are important factors in safe driving.

This type of testing is very strict to ensure the safety of everyone on the road. As a result, the failure rate on the first or second road test is often very high; So don’t get discouraged if you don’t pass the first test.

Documents required to obtain a driver’s license in Canada

To apply for a driver’s license in Canada, you must provide the necessary documents. Note that the required documents may change depending on the desired province. Below are some important documents:

• passport
• Canadian citizenship card
• Permanent residence card (if you have one)
• Proof of permanent residence (if you have it)
• Student study permit (in case of temporary migration)
• Employment permit (in case of temporary migration)
• Temporary residence permit (if you have it)

Conditions for changing the license in Canada

In certain circumstances, foreign nationals can apply to exchange their international driver’s license for a driver’s license from a Canadian province or territory.

Driver’s license exchanges allow new Canadian immigrants to fast-track their way to obtaining a Canadian driver’s license.

In some cases, foreign nationals may not complete the driving test. Because they have already proven these things. To check these conditions further, you can ask for help from the consultants of Istehbanati Migration Institute.

Car insurance to get a driver’s license in Canada

It is illegal to drive a car in Canada without a valid car insurance policy. Basically, after getting a driver’s license in Canada, you should go for the best insurance without wasting time. There are different types of car insurance that cover you for different driving accidents. Coverage is mandatory for all motor vehicles in Canada. Basically, insurance helps cover your legal costs if you are at fault in a car accident, as well as any damage to another person’s body, vehicle or property.

Collision coverage is optional and helps you financially if your vehicle is damaged. Also, comprehensive coverage is the third type of insurance that is commonly purchased to protect drivers against loss caused by non-operational actions (eg your car is damaged due to weather or other things).

How much does car insurance cost in Canada?

Car insurance costs usually depend on the following:

• your age
• Your driving record
• The type of vehicle you drive.
• How often you use your vehicle.
• The city you live in.
• Whether you have completed a Department-approved driver education program.

Insurance companies may have different prices. It’s best to contact several insurance providers to ensure you get the best rate. Some provinces have government insurance programs (such as ICBC in British Columbia) that exclusively provide auto insurance for that province.

What to do in case of a car accident?

If you are involved in an accident with a vehicle, property, or pedestrian, you must remain at the scene of the accident until you have spoken to the police and been cleared to leave. In the event of an accident, call 911 for police and ambulance services. Also, be in touch with an immigration lawyer who has experience in accident matters. When you have an accident with another person, you should share the following information with that person:

• name
• address
• Phone number
• Vehicle license plate
• Driver’s license number
• Insurance company and plan number

You should always have your driver’s license card and insurance papers with you when driving in case of an accident or violation of driving regulations.

Driving laws in Canada

If you are seriously looking to immigrate to Canada, it is important to be familiar with the driving laws of this country. In the following, you will see some important driving laws across Canada that you must follow seriously. Failure to pay attention to these points after receiving a driver’s license in Canada will lead to legal action against you.

1. You and your passengers must always wear seat belts while driving.

2. Speed ​​is measured in kilometers per hour and the maximum allowed speed may vary depending on the province (120 km/h is usually the fastest allowed speed and is only included on certain highways. 50 km/h is the normal city speed).

3. Always drive on the right side of the road.

4. Pedestrians always have the right of way.

5. At an intersection, drive in the order of arriving at the station and taking turns.

6. The use of mobile phones is not allowed in any way.

7. Drunk driving is punishable by law.

Breaking driving laws (in a way that endangers yourself and others) will result in serious penalties. So you must take the time to learn the driving rules of your province or region. You can easily find provincial laws by searching for the terms below.

• Alberta’s Driver Guides
• British Columbia – ICBC Drive Smart
• Manitoba Driver’s Handbook
• New Brunswick Driver’s Handbook
• Newfoundland and Labrador Driver’s Handbook
• Northwest Territories Basic Driver’s Manual
• Nova Scotia Driver’s Handbook
• Nunavut Driver’s Manual
• Ontario Driver’s Handbook
• Prince Edward Island Driver’s Handbook
• Quebec Driver’s Handbook
• Saskatchewan Driver’s Handbook
• Yukon Driver’s Basic Handbook

final word

Obtaining a driver’s license in Canada is a multi-step process and requires time, money, and knowledge of the specific driving regulations of your province or territory. If you plan to drive in Canada, you can use the tips and instructions in this article to get started and get your Canadian driver’s license. Soon after, you can hop in your car and head to work, school, or even a road trip to another province.

Also, if you need more help to go through these steps, the consultants of Esthebanati Immigration Institute are by your side.

Frequently asked questions

1- How much does car insurance cost in Canada?

The cost of the insurance plan varies based on the type of activity provided by the provider (private or public), the chosen plan and the applicant’s age, driving record/experience and the person’s place of residence.

2- Is it possible to drive without insurance in Canada?

By no means. It is against official Canadian law to drive without a valid insurance policy.

3- Do we need a license to rent a car?

yes One of the important conditions for renting a car in Canada is to provide a valid certificate to the relevant authority.