After going through the process of becoming a new resident of Canada, you are most likely well-versed in completing applications, gathering documents, and performing tests. This experience will come in handy when you are ready to get a Canadian driver's license.
This article breaks down the entire process of obtaining your driver's license in Canada.
The rules around driving in Canada are managed on a provincial/territorial level. Each province has its own road authority. For example, in BC it's Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC), and in Ontario it's ServiceOntario. Some rules vary significantly between provinces, so it's important to thoroughly research the rules and requirements in your province.
Provincial differences include:
Your current driver's license is valid in Canada if you are immigrating from any of the countries below:
For newcomers who require a Canadian driver's license, the process involves a graduated system with different license levels.
After a written knowledge test is passed, new drivers obtain a learner’s permit, which means they can drive a car if they are accompanied by a fully licensed driver.
After they get sufficient experience and guidance, they can take a road test to advance to the intermediate stage. This stage comes with restrictions such as a passenger limit.
After a specific amount of time, intermediate drivers can take the final road test. Passing the final road test results in a full license.
Remember that requirements, fees and graduation timelines differ across provinces/territories.
As a newcomer, your province’s road authority will need some extra documents for you to start the licensing process. Documents include:
Remember that every province has different requirements, so check which documents are required in your specific region.
If your documents are in a language other than English or French, they will need to be translated.
The knowledge test consists of multiple-choice questions about road signs and traffic rules.
The best way to prepare is by thoroughly studying your province’s driver's handbook. You can also log onto your province’s road authority website and take practice tests. Many of the questions asked on these practice tests are the same questions that are asked in the final test, and you can practice as many times as you like!
A road test is a 30-minute process where an examiner has you drive around while they ask you to perform certain driving tasks and go specific routes.
You must bring your own car and it must be in good working order. You can also use a car from a driving school that offers this option.
The examiners look out for:
Vehicle control
Traffic rule compliance
Defensive driving—which is awareness of other drivers and their actions, and the ability to anticipate their moves.
Common road test mistakes include:
Driving too cautiously and slowly.
Neglecting to perform shoulder checks.
Neglecting to check mirrors often.
Speeding through school zones.
Not coming to a complete stop at a stop sign.
The key to passing a road test is practice, practice, practice! Driving schools are a great resource and many offer packages with a certain amount of courses. You can also take just a few lessons, including a lesson right before your road test.
Costs, testing structure and processing times vary by province or territory:
Test |
Cost |
Knowledge Test |
CA$17 |
Road Test |
CA$93 |
Driver's License: |
CA$93 |
Road Test Car Rental: |
CA$65 |
Test |
Cost |
Knowledge Test |
CA$15 |
Road Test |
CA$35 (Class 7 &8 ) / CA$50 (Class 5 & 6) |
Driver's License: |
CA$75 (5-Year License) / CA$17 Senior's License (65+) |
Test |
Cost |
Knowledge Test |
CA$16 |
Road Test |
CA$54 (Class G2) / CA$91 (Class G) |
Driver's License: |
CA$90 (5-Year License) |
Package Fees |
CA$160 (G1 License Package) |
Test |
Cost |
Knowledge Test |
CA$12 |
Road Test |
CA$29 |
Driver's License: |
CA$60 (Probationary License) / CA$39 (Regular License) |
Test |
Cost |
Knowledge Test |
CA$15 |
Road Test |
CA$53 |
Driver's License: |
CA$80 (5-Year License) |
Test |
Cost |
Instruction Permit: |
CA$20 |
Knowledge Test |
CA$20 |
Novice Driver Course: |
CA$100 |
Driver's Handbook: |
CA$20 |
Test |
Cost |
Knowledge Test |
CA$15 |
Road Test |
CA$78 |
Driver's License: |
CA$125 (5-Year License) |
Test |
Cost |
Knowledge Test |
CA$10 |
Road Test |
CA$30 |
Driver's License: |
CA$65 (Annual Fee) |
Test |
Cost |
Knowledge Test |
CA$25 |
Road Test |
CA$55 |
Driver's License: |
CA$100 |
Test |
Cost |
Knowledge Test |
CA$25 |
Road Test |
CA$25 |
Driver's License: |
CA$90 (4-Year License) |
Test |
Cost |
Knowledge Test |
CA$20 |
Road Test |
CA$50 |
Driver's License: |
CA$100 (5-Year License) |
Test |
Cost |
Knowledge Test |
CA$25 |
Road Test |
CA$50 |
Driver's License: |
CA$100 (5-Year License) |
Test |
Cost |
Knowledge Test |
CA$20 |
Road Test |
CA$40 |
Driver's License: |
CA$60 (5-Year License) |
In Canada, people drive on the right side of the road. If you are from a country where people drive on the left side of the road, you may need time to adjust. Luckily, it doesn’t take long to get used to it.
If you are inexperienced with winter driving, this could be a learning curve. To stay safe, drive slowly in snowy or icy conditions and ensure your vehicle has high-quality winter tires.
Please notify us of any violations. This information will be kept confidential and shared only with Top Move.