Many of the new immigrants will find driving in Canada very different from driving in their home countries. In rare circumstances, you might be able to quickly convert your domestic driver’s license into an international driving permit, enabling you to legally drive in Canada. Before you can legally drive, you might need to pass at least part of the Canadian driving exam. If you live in Ontario and want to drive, you must have an Ontario driver’s license. If you’re new to the province, this page will walk you through the process of getting an Ontario license.
As one of the best driving schools near me, Key To Success Driving School has qualified instructors who can assist you in obtaining your driving license as an immigrant. Defensive driving, planning trips, and motor carrier safety rules are all covered in Key To Success driving training courses.
Obtaining a driving license
Foreign nationals who are new to Canada and have driven for more than two years in Ontario are eligible to exchange their current driver’s license for a new one without having to pass a road test. These countries include Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Great Britain, Japan, Korea, Switzerland, and the United States. But you have to pass the knowledge and vision tests administered by the province. If you have less than two years of driving experience, Key To Success Driving instructors are knowledgeable and can assist you in exchanging your foreign driver’s license for a full driver’s license.
Getting your current license converted to a Canadian and international license. If this is your first time, you may already be a seasoned driver with a driver’s license from your home country. If so, there are some important things you should know about driving in Canada and converting your current license to a Canadian one. To start, most provinces and territories only allow new residents with valid driver’s licenses from other states, provinces, or countries to use those licenses for a maximum of 60 to 90 days. However, most provincial and territorial regulations mandate that you get a legitimate Canadian driver’s license from the Ministry of Transportation if you intend to continue driving in your province or territory after the 60- to 90-day period.
Other immigrants applying for a license who came from nations not on the list above must show a current foreign driver’s license, pass a written and vision test on the traffic laws of their province or territory, and offer acceptable identification to get a Canadian license.
You should be aware that in the majority of Canadian areas, you may only apply for a starting license if you are a new resident of your province or territory and have fewer than 12 months of driving experience. On the other hand, if you have been driving for more than 12 months, you might be eligible to take the road test without having to complete the required first-step waiting time. If you own or operate a car after receiving your Canadian driver’s license, you are required by law to have car insurance. Unfortunately, ignoring your overseas expertise when you apply for auto insurance might result in higher prices.
But for each year you drive in Canada, your insurance premiums may go down if you drive defensively. Make sure you contact many auto insurance companies to see which one can provide you with the best price. You can get in touch with Key To Success Driving experts right now for additional insurance information!
The standards and process will change depending on your province if you are new to Canada and don’t have a driver’s license of any kind. You need to take Driving lessons when you first start driving, and all provinces will make you undergo a knowledge exam and a vision test. The vision exam verifies that you can see clearly enough to be deemed a safe driver, while the knowledge test gauges your comprehension of the rules of the road and traffic. You may use your glasses throughout the vision exam if you wear them.
Graduated licensing
Once you pass your eye and knowledge tests, you can get a full G license, you have to:
- Finish two learning levels: G2
- Pass two road tests
You have up to five years to finish the whole process. After five years, if you do not get your full G license, you will need to start over.
G2 road test
This is the first of two tests you need to take as a new driver.
- You can take your first road test after 12 months
- This exam tests basic driving skills such as:
*Turning left and right
*Stopping
*Parallel parking
*One-way streets
*Lane changes
*3-point turns
*Driving in residential neighborhoods
*Traffic lights, stop and yield signs
- Once you pass, you get your G2 license
If you finish a government-approved driver education course, you can take your first road test after just eight months.
Ontario driving schools
To take the road test sooner, you will need to choose a driving school that is certified to train new drivers.
G2 license
After passing your road test, you get a G2 license. You practice with your G2 license for 12 months. Now you can drive:
- Without another experienced driver in the car
- On all Ontario roads
- At any time of the day, in most cases
You must still:
- Have a zero blood alcohol level
- Carry only as many passengers as there are working seatbelts
If you are 19 and under, some other restrictions still apply.
G2 drivers: 19 and under
Between midnight and 5 a.m., you can only drive with one passenger who is 19 or under in your car.
This condition applies for the first six months of G2. After six months, you can drive with up to three passengers 19 or under between midnight and 5 a.m.
This condition does not apply if:
- You have a fully licensed driver in the car with four years of experience driving
- Your passengers are immediate family members (e.g., a parent, brother, or sister)
G road test (G2 exit test)
This is the second of two road tests you take as a new driver.
- You can take the test after 12 months with a G2 licence
- The test covers more advanced driving skills (e.g., driving on a highway)
- Once you pass, you get a full G licence
