Getting a driving license in Canada is essential if you want to ride freely on the roads of Canada. If you are new in Canada, then it will be a very challenging task for you to get a driver license. To get a driving license in Canada, you must meet specific criteria set by the respective province. Age restrictions, residency, passing both written and practical driving exams, proof of identity with certain documents etc., are some requirements to grab a Canadian driving license.
Driving License in Different Provinces of Canada
Driving in Canada offers a unique opportunity to explore its vast landscapes and diverse provinces. However, it’s important to note that driving regulations can vary from one province to another. Each province has its own set of rules and regulations that drivers must adhere to. This article will explore some key driving rules in different Canadian provinces, providing a glimpse into the nuances of driving nationwide.
Alberta
In Alberta, drivers must require a minimum of 3 years to get a full, non-graduated Driver’s license, also called a Class 5 driver license. To become a fully licensed driver, you must need a Class 5 driver’s license. Before grabbing it, you can get a learner driver’s license (Class 7 license) and probationary( Class 5-GDL license).
To get a Learner driving license, you must be older than 14 and pass a knowledge and vision tests. Likewise, to get a Class 5 GDL license, you must be older than 16 years and should have passed a road test. After that, you can get a Full non-graduated (Class 5 license ) if you are older than 18 and should have completed 24 months of provisional driving.
Steps for each stage of the Graduated Driver’s Licensing (GDL) program in Alberta:-
Learner’s Licence (Class 7)
To get a class 7 driver’s license, you must take a knowledge test by going to a registry agent and pay a fee. They will also take a vision test of you, if you pass both test, you will be able to purchase a Class 7 learners license. Class 7 license will allow you to drive class 5 or 6 vehicle with someone who have class 5 or higher driving license and is at least 18 yrs old. Also, they must seat in front seat. For a Learner’s License:
- Be at least 14 years old.
- Have parental or guardian consent.
- You have a maximum of 8 demerit points before your license is suspended.
- Not drive between 11 pm and 5 am.
- You must not carry more passengers than there are seat belts.
Class 5-GDL
This license will allow you to drive all class 5 vehicles. For Class 5- GDL license, you must:
- Have held your Learner’s licence for at least 12 months with one year of driving experience.
- Pass a road test.
- Not Drive between 11 pm and 5 am.
- Be at least 16 years old and have a parental consent if you are below 18.
- Not carry more passengers than there are seat belts.
Full Licence- Non GDL (Class 5)
For getting Full License:
- you must have Class 5- GDL license with no probation or suspension in last year.
- You must have at least two years of driving experience with class 5- non GDL license.
- You must pass a road test.
- You must not display any plates on your vehicle.
- You are free to drive at any time of day.
- You are free to carry as many passengers as there are seat belts.
Temporary residents such as students, tourists, and foreign employees are not eligible to get a driver’s license since they are not residents of Alberta on a long-term basis. However, they could still drive using their native province’s or country’s driver’s license.
British Columbia
In British Columbia, drivers are required to go through two stages before they graduate to a full license. It consists of one written exam and two road tests.
There are three levels of driving licenses in British Columbia. They are:
Learner’s license
Learner’s license, also called “Get your L,” is the first step to getting a driving license in British Columbia. Here, Applicants must be at least to apply. You need to pass the multiple-choice knowledge test. After passing the test, you can get a learner license for 12 months.
Novice License
After Obtaining a Learner’s license, you should obtain a novice license, also known as “Get your N.” You will have to pass a 45-minute class 7 road test. Once you pass it, you will get a novice license which allows you to drive legally on the road.
Full license
It is the final step in the graduation program of British Columbia. After 2 years of safe driving in novice license, you can apply for a full license.
The age requirement to get a driver’s license in British Columbia is:
- Learner’s licence (Class 7L): 16 or older.
- Restricted licence (Class 7N): 17 years of age or older.
- Full licence (Class 5): 18 years of age or older.
However, additional requirements must be met to obtain a driver’s licence in British Columbia, such as passing a knowledge test, a vision test, and a road test. Additionally, drivers under 19 must have parental or guardian consent to obtain a driver’s licence.
Here are some of the rules for 16-year-old drivers in British Columbia:
- They must have had a Class 7L learner’s licence for at least 12 months.
- They must pass the basic BC Class 5 road test.
- They must spend a minimum of 12 months as a restricted driver.
- They are not permitted to have more passengers than seat belts.
- They are not allowed to drive between 11 pm and 5 am.
Manitoba
In Manitoba, you need to visit an Autopac and register for MPI for getting a drivers license. You will also need to provide documents with a proof of your name, birthdate, signature and address in Canada. There are three types of license in Manitoba:
Learner’s Permit
- You must be atleast 16 years old and pass a knowledge test and vision test.
- A licensed driver must be always with you while driving.
- Zero tolerance of alcohol consumption.
- Restriction on number of passengers you can have in your vehicle.
Intermediate License
- You must have passed road test.
- You must have held your learner’s permit for at least nine months.
- During midnight to 5 am, you can have only one passengers unless a full license driver is present with you.
Full License
- You will be granted full license after you have intermediate license for 15 months.
If you have a valid driver’s license from a non-reciprocal jurisdiction, you may drive a car in Manitoba for up to three months after arriving. After three months, you must get a Manitoba license by passing a knowledge exam and a driving test in order to keep driving.
New Brunswick
In New Brunswick, drivers should be prepared when applying for a driving license at a New Brunswick Service Centre.
Through the NB licensing process, applicants must show their identification and understand to cross their way. Applicants should present some of the legal documents to the Motor Registration Officials. They should bring a birth certificate (original, certified copy). They can also bring a passport of their own if it is available.
The requirement to get a driver’s license in New Brunswick:-
Level 1 License / Class 7
- You must be at least 16 years old.
- You must drive with an adult with a Class 5 driver’s license and at least 3 years of driving experience.
- You must pass a knowledge test.
- You must pass a vision test.
- You must display L plates on your vehicle.
- You must not drive between midnight and 5:00 am.
Level 2 License
- Can apply for Level 2 license after holding level 1 license for 1 year. But, you can apply after 8 months if you have completed approved driving course.
- Have to Pass a road test.
- Can drive without adult supervision.
- Restricted (R) or Graduated (G) stamped directly on license.
Class 5 Drivers License
- Need to gain more years of expeirence.
- Free of restrictions.
Newfoundland and Labrador
In Newfoundland and Labrador, it is essential to accomplish the Graduation Driving Licensing Program to get a driving license. This program will help new drivers to get the skills and knowledge required to run vehicles on the roads of Canada safely and freely.
Learner’s Permit (Class 5-Level I)
- You must display L plates on your vehicle.
- You must have parental or guardian consent.
- You must be at least 16 years old.
- You must not drive between 11 pm and 5:00 am.
- You must pass a written and vision test.
- You must be accompanied by a licensed driver with at least of 4 years of experience.
Class 5 Driver’s Licence
- You must have held your Learner’s licence for at least 12 months.
- You must pass a road test.
- You must not display any plates on your vehicle.
- You are free to drive at any time of day.
- You are free to carry as many passengers as there are seat belts.
Ontario
Drivers must pass the graduated license system to acquire a full driver’s license in Ontario. In Ontario, this entails going from a G1 license to a G2 license and finally a full G license with road tests and one written exam. Three levels of driving license in Ontario are as follows:
G1 License
You need to pass your vision test and written exam for the G1 License, also known as Learner’s Driving Permit. A person with G1 license should not be driving by their own and must be accompanied by G License holder who has at least of 4 years of experience. It has the most restriction as:
- Must drive with G drivers only.
- Seatbelts must be worn by all passengers.
- Cannot Drive in Highway.
- No driving from midnight to 5am.
- Zero level of alcohol consumption.
G2 License
G2 License gives you more freedom than G1 license. You can drive solo with G2 License but still you will be not allowed to drive into highway. For getting G2 License, you must have passed G1 test. You need to hold G2 license for 2 years with at least of 1 year of driving experience.
G License
G license is the full and last step in the Ontario graduation Licensing System. With a G license, you are allowed to travel anywhere with little to no restriction. You need to drive on highways to get a G license which is not permitted with a G2 license.
Quebec
To get a driving license in Quebec, you need to go through several steps of license process which is almost similar in most province of Canada. They are:
Class 5 Learner’s License
For obtaining Learner License:
- You must be at least 16 years old.
- You will need to pass knowledge test
- You must always be accompanied by fully licensed driver who has at least 2 years of driving experience.
- Zero level of alcohol level while driving.
Class 5 License
You can take the road test at an SAAQ center for a class license. If you pass the road test, you will get a Class 5 probationary License. Though, there will be restrictions on a number of passengers you can carry with this license.
If you have had a Class 5 probationary License for at least 24 months with no driving-related infractions, you can apply for a full Class 5 License.
Canada Driving License For International Students
To start this process, you must have certain documents and go through various driving test process. It is compulsory to collect all the needed documents before proceeding. Some provinces may require you to pass a written knowledge test, which assesses your understanding of traffic rules, signs, and regulations specific to Canada. This test may be available in multiple languages. After successfully passing the written test, the next phase involves a practical driving examination. This examination evaluates your ability to operate a vehicle safely and follows.
Suppose you possess a valid driver’s license from your home country. In that case, you may be able to take an exchange or recognition of your license. This process varies by province, your home country and certain requirements must be met. Some provinces may require you to provide a letter of authentication or translation of your existing license. It is advisable to contact the local transportation authority or visit their website for specific information on license exchange procedures.
Securing a driving license in Canada as an international student requires diligence, preparation, and adherence to local regulations. Researching and understanding the specific requirements and procedures in your province or territory is crucial. Take advantage of study materials, practice exams, and driving lessons to increase your chances of success.
So, getting a driving license in Canada and driving here comes with equal responsibility. Always prioritize safety, follow traffic laws, and maintain awareness of changing road conditions. Safe and responsible driving contributes to a positive driving experience for yourself and others.
