Can I learn to drive in Canada as a Visitor?

[JackRogers1996]

I am planning to immigrate to Canada in the next two years. I figured being able to drive would be a very key skill to have and would make commuting to work generally easier. Thing is, I don't know how to drive in my home country of the UK let alone Canada, but if I am to drive I should learn sooner rather than later.

What are my options?

Could I learn to drive through driving lessons and such in Canada even as a visitor?

Could I learn to drive in the UK and carry over the licenses and approvals from the UK to make driving in Canada a faster process?

 

[Wonderland_1010]

I am planning to immigrate to Canada in the next two years. I figured being able to drive would be a very key skill to have and would make commuting to work generally easier. Thing is, I don't know how to drive in my home country of the UK let alone Canada, but if I am to drive I should learn sooner rather than later.

What are my options?

Could I learn to drive through driving lessons and such in Canada even as a visitor?

Could I learn to drive in the UK and carry over the licenses and approvals from the UK to make driving in Canada a faster process?

It would be alot easier for you to gain a UK licence and then exchange it for a Canadian licence after you immigrate.

 

[bellaluna]

^ Agree, since a lot of Canadian provinces have graduated licensing, which takes two years for a total beginner. Not familiar with the UK, but I imagine it’d be quicker indeed.

(I’ve never had experience with adjusting to the opposite side of the road though.)

 

[Bryanna]

The new UK driving test can be pretty nerve-wracking. It's not easy.

As for adjusting to the side of the road: Have to keep reminding oneself that left is wrong, and right is right

 

[Wonderland_1010]

Well its alot easier for those who have driving experiences in their home countries. It took me 2 weeks to attend mandatory lessons and pass the road tests.

 

[Bittboy34]

UK licence is not exchangeable in US or Canada. They only accept each others licences. I had my Estonian licence with all categories, as I drove everything in all over continental Europe, Cruiser Buses, Semis with Tents, Containers, Hardwalls, Opendecks, Oversize and also Motorcycles, etc. I had to start from 0 here. Only thing they noted was my year of attaining foreign licence. Had to do my Class 5 (cars) and then Class 1 (everything). Later got my LCV (Longer Combination Vehicle) endorsement as well, but that besides the point.

Long story short, go for UK licence first and learn to drive satisfactorily. It will help later here as well. We have too many people doing crazy stuff on the road as is.

By the way UK traffic was amazingly nice, as I remember delivering Casino Machines in Sussex, back in 2010. Was weird having the steering on the “normal” side shooting down your beautiful Motorways on the “wrong” side.

Another thing to note is, that you have to have an address here on your licence, which could be a problem as a visitor. Any time you move you will have to let them know and they will issue you a new one. Good luck on your journey.

 

[bellaluna]

UK licence is not exchangeable in US or Canada. They only accept each others licences.

Perhaps it depends per province? Ontario, for example, accepts UK licence exchanges:

https://drivetest.ca/licences/licence-exchanges/licence-exchanges-cars-small-trucks-and-vans.html

 

[Bittboy34]

Yeah, could be that “5 eyes” countries are accepted (UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand) in some provinces. Sorry for misleading then.