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I have a driver's licence from another country. How do I get an Ontario driver's licence?
You may be able to exchange it for an Ontario driver's licence. The type of licence you can get depends on how much driving experience you have and if the country has a reciprocal agreement with Ontario.
In some cases, you may have to go through the graduated licensing system.
Countries With a Reciprocal Agreement
Some countries, like the United States, Australia, France and Korea, have an agreement with Ontario which allows licensed drivers to obtain an Ontario licence without having to go through the regular process for obtaining a licence in this province.
If you have a driver's licence from one of these jurisdictions with Licence Exchange Agreement, you can benefit from this privilege.
The type of licence you can get depends on how much driving experience you have. You follow the same process as drivers with a licence from another Canadian province and from Canadian Forces - Europe.
Read about the Licence Exchange program on the DriveTest website to learn more about the process and the documents required.
Countries With No Agreement
If your licence is from a country that is not in the list above, you must present official, written confirmation of your driving experience.
Written confirmation is an original letter from the original licensing agency (such as the ministry of transportation in your country or state), or from the Embassy, Consulate, or High Commissioner's offices representing the country.
The letter must be:
- Written on official letterhead
- Written in English or French - If it is written in another language, you must submit a letter of translation from a qualified translator.
- Dated - It cannot be more than 6 months old.
This letter must include information about:
- The date first licensed
- Licence expiry date
- Class of licence
- That the licence was valid for the relevant period of time for the purposes of exchange and experience
If this information is not included, it may delay the processing of your licence exchange. Find more information about the requirements on the DriveTest website.
The type of licence you get depends on how much driving experience you have.
Less than 12 Months of Driving Experience in the Last 3 Years
You are in the graduated licensing system. You have to get 12 months of driving experience before you can take the G1 road test.
Read detailed information for out-of-country drivers on the DriveTest website.
12-24 Months of Driving Experience in the Last 3 Years
You are in the graduated licensing system. You can take the G1 road test immediately. If you pass this test, you get a G2 licence.
You must get written confirmation of your foreign driving experience.
If the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO) recognizes your driving experience, you can use this time towards the 12-month waiting period for the G2 road test.
Read detailed information for out-of-country drivers on the DriveTest website.
24 Months or More of Driving Experience in the Last 3 Years
You must get written confirmation of your foreign driving experience.
You can take the G1 or G2 road test immediately. If you pass, you will get the next licence in the graduated licensing system. For example, if you pass the G1 test, you will get a G2 licence. If you pass the G2 test, you will get a G licence. The G licence is a full driver's licence.
Read detailed information for out-of-country drivers on the DriveTest website.
Apply as a New Driver
You can also choose to apply for an Ontario driver's licence as a new driver. You will have to follow the process for new drivers, including the graduated licensing system.
For More Information
- Driver Examination Centres - You can take written tests and driving tests at these centres.
- Driver and Vehicle Licence Offices - You can renew your driver's licence, change your address or other information on your licence, get a driver's handbook and get other routine services at these offices.
- Driver's Handbook Online - Provides a guide to the rules of the road, safe driving practices and how to get your licence to drive a car, van or small truck.
- Out of Country Drivers - Information on how to get an Ontario licence if you have had a driver's licence before but are not eligible for a licence exchange. From the DriveTest website.
- Ministry of Transportation (MTO) - The provincial government agency responsible for the transportation industry and driving. The website has information about driver and vehicle licensing and Ontario transit systems.
Last updated:
June 12, 2023
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