driving in Canada

[T0RR0]

Hello!

I apologize if I am posting this in the wrong section - couldn't find anywhere to post for help.

I have been living in Canada for 6 years now, and I am awaiting my PR under CEC.

I am considering buying a car. I have my home country driver's license, which is not under the Ontario Driver's License Exchange Agreement. The license is 10 years old, valid. I have significant driving experience overall, but little experience in Canada - other than the occasional car rental for trips, events, and moving, which obviously amounts to less than 12 months in the last 3 years.

I am confused now as to how to drive a car if I decide to buy one. I can get the G1 license, but I wouldn't be able to drive a car without accompanying sponsor (with 4+ years of experience). If I can't drive the car because of that, I can't accumulate the 12 months of driving experience, and I can't get my G2. I would be stuck in this loop, wouldn't I?

If anyone had similar experience, please advise!

 

[MenicMonday]

If you've been driving for more than 2 years (?) in your home country and have the documents to prove that (e.g. Valid Driver's License and/or certification), then you can immediately jump to the full G Licensing Test (without going through the G1 stage).

 

[sumeetkarora]

You can self declare 12 months of driving experience with your foreign license and get a G2 license directly. I know quite a few guys who did it in last 2-3 years.

http://www.ontario.ca/driving-and-roads/exchange-foreign-drivers-licence

And, you shall stop using your foreign license for rentals. You are not supposed to use a foreign license in ON for more than 60 days. I got a written warning for using my US license beyond 60 days (was pulled over for speeding though).

 

[T0RR0]

thanks!

my understanding is that effective may 1, 2006, they judge you based on the months of driving experience in the last 3 years. in my case, that's close to 0

hope I'm wrong

 

[sumeetkarora]

Correct.

But this rule is not enforced consistently. A friend (in similar situation as yours) was able to get a G2 license (in 2013). First rep at Service Ontario refused to acknowledge self declaration, while another one (visited a different Service Ontario (I think in Mississauga) a week later) accepted and issued a G2 license.

thanks!

my understanding is that effective may 1, 2006, they judge you based on the months of driving experience in the last 3 years. in my case, that's close to 0

hope I'm wrong

 

[T0RR0]

Correct.

But this rule is not enforced consistently. A friend (in similar situation as yours) was able to get a G2 license (in 2013). First rep at Service Ontario refused to acknowledge self declaration, while another one (visited a different Service Ontario (I think in Mississauga) a week later) accepted and issued a G2 license.

thanks! and in case I don't have the same luck, I assume I'd have to get my G1, wait 12 months, then pretend like I've been driving regularly with my friend, get my g2 and only then buy the car?