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Driving in canada on visitor visa

OhCanadiana

VIP Member
Feb 27, 2010
3,086
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Mrslwsn said:
I would like to know the result because my husband is coming soon and will need to drive. He has a valid Jamaican license.
There's two different processes:

If you are from countries with agreements to exchange driver's licences (see below for list of countries/states) you get a simple process: http://www.drivetest.ca/en/license/ExchangeReciprocal.aspx but may have to turn in your existing license (not a good idea if you are just a visitor)

Otherwise, you have to go through a longer process taking various exams. It is very important to get your experience validated up front to minimize waiting time so check with your Embassy on how to get a letter from them (some provide them based on your licence, others require documentation from your the country you are licenced in so you better get it before you move): http://www.drivetest.ca/en/license/OutOfCountryDrivers.aspx


Countries that you can exchange licenses with:
Canadian provinces and territories;
Canadian Forces Europe;
United States
Applicants from Alabama Arizona, Colorado, District of Columbia, Florida, Maine, Minnesota, North Dakota, New Jersey, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Vermont and Washington must provide a driving abstract dated within 6 months. The driving abstract must be an original and must indicate the date the licence was first issued. Fax, electronic copies (i.e. PDF documents, emails or email attachments) and photocopies are not acceptable.
US IRE (Interprovincial Record Exchange) search is mandatory for all other applicants and may present a delay in processing an exchange if a successful search is not completed. It is therefore recommended that you obtain a driving record (dated within six months of your application and indicating the date the licence was first issued) to prevent any delays in processing. The driving record must be an original; Fax and photocopies are not acceptable.
Australia, Austria, Belgium, France, Great Britain, Germany, Isle of Man, Japan, Korea, Northern Ireland and Switzerland.
 

Cupkeyk

Star Member
Dec 22, 2015
54
4
Hi,

Planning to drive when i get to ontario. I am on a visitor visa and I have a valid philippine license. Just validating if i can drive with just bringing my license right? My bf offered that i could use his car for my short vacation.