How to Get Canadian Driving License -for Newcomers

[jb2010]

Hi qorax,

I have Indian Driving Licence (Card Licence) I will be Immigrating to Canada in couple of months can I drive in ontario for first 60 days with current Indian Licence or I need to have IDL/IDP to drive ?

 

[kaps]

I need information regarding Experience Letter for the Ontario G Drivers License. I am a new immigrant in Canada living in GTA and I have brought an International Drivers Permit(IDP) from RTO of India but i didn't bring any Experience Letter from RTO. Can I get the driving experience letter from Consulate General of India, Toronto, Ontario.

What can I do now in Canada to get the Experience Letter of my experience of driving in my home country for 12 years. I have my Indian DL-card license (valid 1997-2017) and an International Drivers Permit (valid July 2010-2011) from India and I want to get Ontario G DL.

Did anyone get the Driving experience letter from Consulate General of India, Toronto, if yes, then what is the procedure?

 

[kaps]

I need information regarding Experience Letter for the Ontario G Drivers License. I am a new immigrant in Canada living in GTA and I have brought an International Drivers Permit(IDP) from RTO of India but i didn't bring any Experience Letter from RTO. Can I get the driving experience letter from Consulate General of India, Toronto, Ontario.

What can I do now in Canada to get the Experience Letter of my experience of driving in my home country for 12 years. I have my Indian DL-card license (valid 1997-2017) and an International Drivers Permit (valid July 2010-2011) from India and I want to get Ontario G DL.Did anyone get the Driving experience letter from Consulate General of India, Toronto, if yes, then what is the procedure?

 

[qorax]

Hi qorax,

I have Indian Driving Licence (Card Licence) I will be Immigrating to Canada in couple of months can I drive in ontario for first 60 days with current Indian Licence or I need to have IDL/IDP to drive ?

U need the IDP/IDL.

 

[CBI]

Qorax,

I have met the agent for the Driving license certificate, he said they will provide only the certificate which indicate DL holder name, number, valid from & upto and PP size photo.

They will not give in writing that "there is no traffic offence on against this license"

Will it be ok?

 

[CBI]

Qorax,

My wife's driving license is old (before our marriage) but still valid, so do we need to change the name in the driving license?

Please suggest...

 

[sunjohn]

Hi Qorax,
I really appreciate your helpful posts and in all subjects concerned with immigrants.
I have a Dubai DL,with more than 5yrs driving exp in Dubai alone.What my concern is that I have nearly 16 black points which had accumulated for past yr and do you think that in Lesson Bayat which you mention
1)Will they include this violations too,which would annul the purpose of this Letter of Authentication for me?
2)Should I take International driving license also along with the Letter of Authentication to take up the driving test in Canada?
3)If I have both IDL and LoA with me can I drive private car for few months?(i mean other than rent a car)
Thanks in advance

 

[suwail]

Did anyone had an experience getting a driving certificate in Abu Dhabi, share your experience please!

 

[LOVESKIS]

Hi Qorax,

How can I get a Driving experience letter from UAE. I hold a Sharjah license which is still valid. but I am now in Qatar (working) and will not be able to go to UAE for this. Is there an online application to request for this?

 

[gagansingh]

How to obtain Ontario Driving License
with our Home Country's D/License

Dear all,

Let me address another query which getting repetitive here. The procedure of obtaining a Canadian driving license is pretty much simple within our 1st few days [max a week]. Remember, this is 'easy' if we are coming from countries which has a similar driving & road management conditions [read 'left-hand drive']. If not, we may have to undertake some training before we apply.
...
Pre-conditions / Which License:
1. If we have over 24 months 'overseas' driving experience -we get the Ontario G2 Driving License.
2. If we have over 12 months [but less than 24] driving experience -we get the Ontario G1 Driving License.
(Details below)

Direct Swap of Licenses:
If our home country doesn't have a *reciprocal licence exchange agreement with Ontario, we cannot Swap our current D/License to get a Toronto-ON D/License.
*Reciprocal License Exchange Agreement exists between Ontario and: US, Japan, Korea, Switzerland, Germany, France, UK, Austria & Belgium.

What is the Procedure then:
But, in that case do we have to START all over Again? No... We can immediately apply & get a Toronto (Ontario) Driving License thru the following procedure:

Step-1 -Before we 'Land':
1. We must obtain a 'Letter of Authentication'* from the country's Roads & Transport Authority, explaining** our D/License.
2. Take also a 'True Translation Copy'* of our D/License from Road & Transport Authority. Both 1 & 2 maybe clubbed in one.
3. Obtain an International Driving License/Permit*** (IDL / IDP).
stating "more than 24 months" driving experience in our country.
*In English or French, the 2 Canadian Official Languages.
**The explanation should include 24 or 12 months driving experience [the Pre-conditions will apply].
***This is nothing but a translated copy of our present D/license. (it can be used in lieu of point-1 & 2 above).

Benefits of the IDL / IDP:
With the foregoing, we can drive a car abroad for three [3] months (2 months, in Ontario). Within that time apply for the Ontario Driving License. This International Driving Licenses [IDL/IDP]are issued against our original D/Licenses by the Automobile Associations or [sometimes] the RTA/RTO of our home country. Check them for more details.

Step-2 -After you 'Land':
In such cases we are called 'Out of Country Drivers' and we can skip the G2 'waiting period' and get the G2 license immediately [with that 24 months letter] or a G1 driving license [if we only have the above 12 months letter].

Now for the Ontario driver's licence are required to;
1. Present a valid foreign Driver's License*,
2. Provide an acceptable Proof of Identity [SIN, PR card etc.]
3. Pay all applicable Fees,
4. Pass a Vision Test
5. Pass the Written Knowledge Test -regarding Ontario's traffic rules.
*If it is not in English or French, it is to be accompanied by a written translation from a qualified translator; [we got that, as the Authentication Letter]

Note: Applicants are required to provide adequate proof of foreign driving experience. However, if it is not there, the ministry will accept applicants' declaration of their foreign driving experience on the driver's licence application for up to a maximum of 12 months experience. In that case we get the G1* license only.

Step-3 -The Tests to take:
Based on the 24 months Authentication Letter the ministry will recognize the applicant's foreign driving experience as certified on the authentication letter AND,

1. After Step-2, we can attempt the G2*Exit Road Tests (mandatory wait times are waived).
2. Upon successfully passing the G2* Exit Road Test, we get the G2* license.
3. After few months of driving under G2* we can apply for a G*Licence.
4. If we 'only' have the 12 months letter & not the 24, we qualify for G1* Road Test & the G1* driving license only.
5. If we don't provide any letter, we must pass the G1* road test and have a 12-month wait period for taking G2* road test.

*The License Grading Explained [G1, G2 & G]:
-G1 License has certain limitations like we have to always drive alongwith a G license holder. It is thus, useless for us, who have good & adequate driving experience under similar driving conditions & system as that of Canada [read 'left-hand drive' experience & similar road/traffic management conditions].
-G2 License is as good as G, except that we cannot drive on the Highway at certain times (Midnight Rush Hrs. when truck movement starts).
-G License is the 'full fledged' driving license.
...
Source:
http://www.drivetest.ca/en/license/OutOfCountryDrivers.aspx

Note:
1. The above procedure is mainly addressed for the Ontario (ON) province.
2. The procedure is pretty much similar with all other provinces as well [BC, NS, NB etc.].
3. If we are not coming from a similar driving condition country, we must take some training before we proceed.
4. Usually we can get the G2 driving license quite easily [with the foregoing steps].

Hope that helped...
Qorax

good summary....thanks for the help

 

[Kanamen]

Steps to get your Graduated Driver’s license (Class 5) in Alberta

Alberta has a Graduated Driver Licensing program (or “GDL” for short), which has 2 Stages:
Stage 1 – Class 7 – Learner’s license
Stage 2 – Class 5 – Probationary license
Stage 3 – Class 5 – Non Probationary license
Stage 1
To obtain a Learner’s license (Class 7) you must:
• be 14 years of age or older
• pass a vision screening and a knowledge test on the rules of the road
• have parental consent if you are under 18 years of age
• present valid identification
Class 5 license drivers have the following limitations:
• Must be accompanied by a fully licensed (non-GDL probationary) driver who is 18 years of age or older and is seated next to the driver.
• Not permitted to drive from midnight to 5 a.m.
• Not permitted to have more passengers than seat belts.
• They will be suspended at 8 demerit points (fully licensed drivers – at 15).
• Have a zero alcohol level.
• *If learning to drive a motorcycle, you must be 16 years of age and are not permitted to drive during nighttime hours. You must be accompanied by a fully licensed (non-GDL probationary) driver who is 18 years of age or older and is either seated on the motorcycle with you or is following you in or on another motor vehicle.
Note: Operators of a moped with a Class 7 license are subject to the zero alcohol level restrictions and are not permitted to drive during nighttime hours.
Stage 2
GDL probationary (Class 5)

To become a probationary driver you must:
• Be 16 years of age or older.
• Have held a Class 7 license at least one year.
• Pass the basic Alberta Class 5 road test.
Probationary conditions and limitations for Alberta Class 5 Drivers:
• Must spend a minimum of two years as a probationary driver.
• No more passengers than seat belts.
• They will be suspended at 8 demerit points (fully licensed drivers – at 15).
• Have a zero alcohol level.
• No upgrading to a commercial license (Classes 1, 2, 3 or 4).
• Cannot serve as an accompanying driver to a learner.
Stage 3
Non-probationary license (Class 5)

To become a fully licensed driver you must:
• Have been suspension free for the last year of the two-year probationary stage.
• Pass an advanced road test.
What to bring to the test center
• When applying for an Alberta driver license you must have proof of identification. For information on the identification requirements, please contact a registry agent or visit the Alberta Government Services web site at: http://www.gov.ab.ca/gs/services/mv/operator.cfm
• An Alberta drivers license may only be issued to residents of Alberta. A resident is a person lawfully entitled to be in Alberta, who makes their home in Alberta and is ordinarily present in Alberta. Applicants originating from outside Canada or the United States must produce suitable immigration documents to be considered as residents. Persons on student or employment visas can apply as residents only for the time period specified on their visas.
• You are required to bring your vehicle to take the road test. The vehicle for your road test must be in acceptable working condition. Prior to the road test, the vehicle will be checked by the Examiner. The road test will not be conducted if the vehicle is not in satisfactory mechanical condition. Your vehicle must have a valid license plate and insurance.
Requirements for getting the license
Click here to see the full list of Alberta Driver’s License Requirements.
• A person 14 years of age or older, may apply for a Learners Operators License.
• A parent or guardian must give consent on the application if the person applying is under 18 years of age.
• The minimum learning age is 14 years and the minimum licensing age is 16 years.
• A vision screening is required before you can get your Alberta driver’s license. If you do not meet the minimum vision standards, you will be referred to a vision specialist. If you have corrective glasses or contact lenses, bring them with you for your vision screening
• It is your responsibility and legal obligation to report any disease or disability that may interfere with the safe operation of a motor vehicle. This report must be made to Alberta Registries. The registry agent will forward the medical report to Alberta Transportation (Driver Fitness and Monitoring Branch). Medical forms may be obtained from a registry agent or your doctor. Your doctor must complete this form.
• To obtain your license, you will need to pass a knowledge test. The test is based on questions taken from the Alberta Driver’s Handbook. They may also be taken from the other handbooks if applicable. You will be asked about safe driving practices, driving laws and road signs.
• You are required to take the road test. The vehicle for your road test must be in acceptable working condition.
• When upgrading your license (other than Class 7 to 5) you must present proof that you have completed a knowledge and vision screening through a registry agent office.
• People who have recently moved into Alberta may use a valid operators license from outside of Alberta for the first 90 days of their residency. You must apply for your Alberta operators license and surrender your old license within that three-month period. It is illegal to hold more than one valid operators license.
• An operators license from another jurisdiction within Canada is accepted as the same Class without testing. Applicants for Class 1, 2 or 4 licenses must provide a medical report and undergo a vision screening. United States license holders other than those in Class 5, 6 and 7 must complete all requirements.
• Upon application, you may be required to provide documents to prove residency. For details, inquire at your local registry agent’s office.

 

[Kanamen]

What to bring to the driving test center:

• When applying for an Ontario driver's license for the first time you must present proof of identity. If you are under 19 years of age you will need to provide a signed parental consent (proof of legal guardianship must be provided if a guardian signs), unless you are married and have proof.
• All new Ontario license applicants must provide at least one original-primary identification document showing your legal name and birth date.

Bring the following items to the test:

• 2 pieces of identification
• Money for test fees – cash, debit or credit card
• Glasses or contact lenses (if you need to wear them to drive)
• Vehicle in good working order
• Money for test fees (if applicable)
• Glasses or contact lenses (if you need to wear them to drive)
• Beginner Driver Education Student Record (if licensed between 8 and 12 months)
Primary identification document
Photocopies are not acceptable
• Passport (Canadian or foreign)
• Canadian Citizenship Card with photo
• Permanent immigration documents
• Permanent Resident Card (PRC) or
• Record of Landing (Form 1000) or
• Confirmation of Permanent Residence (Form IMM 5292)
• Temporary immigration documents
• Student Authorization (IMM 1442)
• Employment Authorization(IMM 1442)
• Visitor Record (IMM 1442)
• Temporary Resident's Permit (IMM 1442)
• Refugee Status Claim (IMM 1434)
• Acknowledgement of Intent to Claim Refugee Status (IMM 7703 with photo)
• Report Pursuant to the Immigration Act (IMM 1442 with photo)
Secondary identification document
Photocopies are not acceptable
The following documents are acceptable as proof of date of birth and legal name
• Canadian or U.S. Birth Certificate
The following documents are acceptable as proof of signature:
• Driver's License (Canadian and U.S. only)
• Identity Card with signature(issued by Canadian province/territory or U.S. state authority)
• Canadian Certificate of Indian Status
• Ontario Student Card with signature
• Ontario Health Card with applicant's signature (Clients may choose to produce their Ontario Health Card for proof of signature. The Health Card and Health Number will not be recorded or photocopied.)
The following additional documents are acceptable as proof of legal name:
• Marriage Certificate (Canadian or Foreign, government issued)
• Change of Name Certificate
• Court Order for adoption, change of name or divorce (must bear legal name, date of birth and court seal)

 

[penpal]

Hi Captain,

My wife has an indian license which is 2 months old.She has got the translation along with it.Should she start applying for the license right away.Will she get the one year waiting period waiver or not.Pls throw some light on this case.How should we go about this.

Thanks

 

[qorax]

Hi Captain,

My wife has an indian license which is 2 months old.She has got the translation along with it.Should she start applying for the license right away.Will she get the one year waiting period waiver or not.Pls throw some light on this case.How should we go about this.

Thanks

a) For the G wait waiver - one should have@least 2yrs. driving experience.
b) For the G2 wait waiver - u require 1yr. experience.

Qorax

 

[mailvdutt]

I landed in Vancouver last year in June and gave all the test and got my Class 5 license (equal to G license of Ontario).
Now i have moved to Toronto, yesterday i went to Ontario drive test to get G license, but according to them i will get G2 license in place of my BC license .
Also according to them my Authentication letter for Indian License is now one year old, so i can't go for G license test.

Please advice the options