Driving Guide

Getting an Ontario Driver's Licence as a Newcomer

You can drive in Ontario on a valid foreign licence for 60 days after becoming a resident. After that you need an Ontario licence. Whether you can simply exchange your licence or must take tests depends on where it was issued.

Newcomer preparing for an Ontario driving test

The 60-Day Rule

Plan your licence in your first two months

Driving on a foreign licence past the 60-day limit can cause problems with insurance and enforcement. Start the process early, especially if you will need to take road tests, as test appointments can take time to book.

Use your valid foreign licence for up to 60 days after becoming a resident
Exchange directly if your licence is from a country with an Ontario agreement
Otherwise, use Ontario's graduated licensing system with tests
Bring an official authentication letter to get experience credit

Exchange Countries

Who can exchange a licence without tests

Ontario has exchange agreements with these jurisdictions. Some classes, such as many motorcycle and commercial licences, cannot be exchanged.

Canada & the U.S.

Other Canadian provinces and territories, the Canadian Armed Forces, and U.S. states.

Europe

Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Denmark, France, Germany, Great Britain, Hungary, the Isle of Man, Kosovo, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, Switzerland, and Ukraine.

Asia-Pacific

Australia, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, and Taiwan.

Everyone Else

If your country is not on the exchange list

This applies to licences from countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, the Philippines, Nigeria, and the Gulf states.

Experience credit: since July 1, 2026, you can get credit for up to one year of driving experience if you show your valid original licence and an official authentication letter from the issuing government, in English or French.
With credit: you can move through the graduated system faster, as your past driving counts toward the waiting periods.
Without credit: you take the vision and knowledge tests, then the G2 road test, and must wait at least 12 months before the G road test.
Get the letter before you leave home. It is much harder to obtain from abroad.

Getting Ready

How to prepare for your Ontario tests

Study the Handbook

Read the official Ontario Driver's Handbook before the knowledge test. Rules on right-of-way, school buses, and winter driving often differ from home.

Book Early

Book DriveTest appointments as soon as you are eligible, as road test dates can be weeks away in busy areas.

Take Lessons

A few lessons with a licensed instructor help you learn Ontario road-test expectations, even if you are an experienced driver.

Insurance

Car insurance in Ontario can be expensive for new licence holders. Proof of driving history and insurance records from home may help, so bring them.

On Test Day

What to bring to DriveTest

Your original foreign licence and, if you have one, the official authentication letter.
Proof of identity showing your legal name, date of birth, and signature, such as a passport and PR card or permit.
Glasses or contact lenses, if you need them, for the vision test.
Payment for the test and licence fees.
For road tests: a road-worthy, insured vehicle, and arrive early.

Related Resources

Related guides for your move

First 30 Days in Canada

Where your licence fits in month one.

Open Checklist →

Cost of Living in the GTA

Car versus transit in your budget.

Open Budget Guide →

Moving From India

India-specific planning, including driving.

Open India Guide →

Moving From Pakistan

Pakistan-specific planning.

Open Pakistan Guide →

Questions People Ask

Ontario driver's licences: common questions

You can use a valid licence from another province, state, or country for 60 days after becoming an Ontario resident. After that you need an Ontario licence.

Other Canadian provinces and territories, U.S. states, and countries including Australia, Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Denmark, France, Germany, Great Britain, Hungary, the Isle of Man, Japan, South Korea, Kosovo, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, Switzerland, Taiwan, and Ukraine.

No. These countries are not on Ontario's exchange list, so you go through the graduated licensing system. With an official authentication letter, you can get up to one year of driving experience credit.

An official letter from the government or agency that issued your licence, confirming it is authentic. It must be in English or French, or come with a proper translation.

G1 is a learner's licence after the vision and knowledge tests. G2 allows driving with fewer conditions after a road test. G is the full licence after a second, more advanced road test.

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