Driving in Canada with a foreign licence: everything you need to know

Are you planning a short visit to Canada or coming as a tourist? If you're thinking about driving while you're here, the rules can vary depending on a few things like where you're from, how long you’re staying, and which province or territory you’ll be visiting. This blog will cover everything you need to know about driving in Canada with a foreign driver's licence, from how long you can drive with your foreign licence to how car insurance works.

Who can drive a car in Canada?

In Canada, anyone over 16 can drive. To legally drive in Canada, you'll need a valid licence from the province, territory, or country where you live, and you must have it with you whenever you're on the road. This licence lets you drive anywhere in the country. There are also a few other things you need to have:

• Proper car insurance coverage for the car you're driving
• The original or a copy of the vehicle ownership permit

Can I drive in Canada with a foreign licence?

Yes. If you already have a valid driver’s licence from your home country, you can likely use it to drive in Canada for a short time after you arrive.

If you’re planning to use a foreign licence in Canada, it may be a good idea to get an International Driving Permit (IDP) before your trip.

What is an international driving permit (IDP)?

If you're visiting Canada as a tourist and planning to drive, you might want to get an International Driving Permit (IDP) from your home country before your trip. An IDP is basically a translation of your driver’s licence, and it’s especially useful if your licence isn’t in English or French. It makes it easier for police and rental car companies to confirm that you're qualified to drive.

When do I need an international driver's permit (IDP) to drive in Canada?

Some provinces may require you to carry an IDP if you're visiting from a foreign country for a certain length of time or if your international licence is not in English or French.

If you'll be driving somewhere that requires you to carry an IDP, make sure you have it with you when you arrive in Canada, as you can’t apply for one once you’re here. Let's break it down by province and territory:

Alberta

If you're visiting Alberta for a short stay or as a tourist, you can use your valid international driver's licence for up to a year. Just make sure your licence is in English, or bring an IDP along with it.

British Columbia

If you're visiting British Columbia, you can drive for up to six months with a valid foreign licence. Just keep in mind that if your licence isn't in English or French, you'll need an IDP.

Manitoba

In Manitoba, you can use your foreign-issued driver’s licence to drive for up to three months. If your licence isn’t in English or French, you’ll need to have an IDP as well.

New Brunswick

Temporary visitors can drive with a valid foreign driver’s licence for up to three months, as long as it’s in English or French. If not, you’ll need to have an IDP along with your licence.

Newfoundland and Labrador

In Newfoundland and Labrador, temporary visitors can drive for up to three months with a foreign licence. You'll need an IDP if your licence is not in English or French.

Northwest Territories

International tourists from countries without reciprocity agreements can use their valid driver’s licence, but they’ll need to have an IDP along with it. This is allowed for up to 90 days.

Nova Scotia

If you’re visiting Nova Scotia, you can drive with a valid foreign driver’s licence for up to 90 days. If your licence isn’t in English or French, you’ll need an IDP, too.

Nunavut

No information was available for Nunavut.

Ontario

If you're visiting Ontario for less than three months, you can use your valid driver’s licence from your home country. But if you're visiting for longer than three months, you'll need to bring an IDP from your home country to drive legally.

Prince Edward Island (PEI)

If you have a six-month Visitor’s Visa for PEI, you’re allowed to drive with your foreign licence for the full duration of your visa. If your foreign licence isn’t in English or French, you’ll need to carry an IDP along with it.

Quebec

If you're travelling in Québec, you can drive for up to six months with your valid foreign licence, as long as it covers the type of vehicle you’re using. If your licence isn’t in English or French, you'll need to have an IDP with it.

Saskatchewan

Foreign visitors who are visiting Saskatchewan can drive for up to 90 days with their foreign driver's licence. It will need to be accompanied by an IDP if it is not in English or French.

Yukon

If you're visiting Yukon from outside Canada, you can use your valid driver’s permit from your home country to drive for up to four months (120 days). If your licence isn’t in English or French, you’ll need to bring an IDP with it.

How long can I drive in Canada with a foreign licence as a new resident?

The length of time you can drive with a foreign licence in Canada depends on the province or territory and your residency status. In some places, as a new resident, you might be able to drive for up to six months, while in others, it could be just 30 days. After that, you'll need to get a new driver's licence when moving to Canada. Let's break it down by province and territory:

• Alberta: 90 days
• British Columbia: Six months
• Manitoba: Three months
• New Brunswick: No validity period for international driver’s licences
• Newfoundland and Labrador: Three months
• Northwest Territories: 30 days
• Nova Scotia: 90 days
• Nunavut: 30 days
• Ontario: 60 days
• Prince Edward Island: Four months
• Quebec: Six months
• Saskatchewan: 90 days
• Yukon: 120 days

Once you reach the deadlines in each of these provinces or territories, you'll need to swap your foreign driver's licence for a Canadian driver's licence.

Do I need Canadian car insurance as a visitor with a foreign licence?

Having valid car insurance is mandatory in Canada, no matter where you're visiting from. Each province and territory requires that all vehicles on the road be insured. This means that having valid car insurance is also mandatory for international drivers.

If you're bringing your own vehicle from home, you'll need to make sure your insurance covers you while you're in Canada. Contact your provider to extend your coverage or ask about buying insurance specifically for Canada.

However, the rental agency will offer Canadian insurance options if you're renting a car here in Canada. Rental car insurance typically includes coverage for third-party liability, accident benefits, and a collision damage waiver. You can also choose to add extras like roadside assistance, supplemental liability, personal effects coverage, and personal accident insurance.

For American visitors, if you have a car insurance policy in the U.S., your coverage usually extends to Canada. However, if you're visiting from another country, it's a good idea to contact a Canadian insurance broker to check if your current policy will cover you while driving in Canada.

Can non-Canadian residents get auto insurance?

Yes, non-Canadian residents can get car insurance, but it can be a bit more challenging and often more expensive. Many insurance companies are cautious about covering drivers with international licences, which might lead to higher rates or even being denied coverage.

However, working with an insurance broker can make the process easier. A good broker, like BrokerLink, can help you find insurance companies that offer policies to international licence holders and compare quotes to get the best coverage at an affordable price.

Some companies even provide short-term car insurance options, which is great if you're only staying for a short time, like six months instead of a full year.

Contact BrokerLink to learn more about car insurance

Are you planning an extended trip to Canada? Then, you may want to consider purchasing Canadian car insurance. While rental car companies offer insurance policies, their plans tend to be more expensive due to daily fees. BrokerLink can help you compare the cost of renting a car from a rental company and purchasing your own car insurance plan to find the best option for you.

You can reach us by phone, email, or in person at any one of our locations throughout Canada. No matter how you choose to get in touch, a BrokerLink insurance advisor will be happy to assist you. We also encourage you to take advantage of our free online quote tool that can provide you with a competitive quote in minutes.

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FAQs for driving in Canada with a foreign licence

How long can I drive in Canada with a foreign licence?

It depends on which province or territory you're visiting, as each one has its own rules for how long you can drive with a foreign licence. In some cases, you can drive for up to one year with your foreign driver's licence. In others, it may be for only 30 days.

Can I get car insurance with a foreign driver's licence in Canada?

Yes, it’s possible for international drivers to get non-resident car insurance plans, but you’ll need an International Driving Permit. However, this type of insurance is ideal if you’re only in Canada for a short period of time.

If you have any questions, contact one of our local branches.