How to Get Canadian Driving License -for Newcomers

[Cur-Rozen]

Hi. I have landed this February in Toronto and went through the process easy and smooth thanks to this forum and personally to Qorax and his thread!!! Thank you!!!

We came from Moldova and have done all the letters in advance with translations. I can update you on some important issue!

1. MTO (Ministry of Transportation of Ontario) doesn’t accept anymore translations from your home country – only certified translation from Canadian certified translator. So don’t spend money on translations!

2. Before giving an exam I strongly suggest you to take at least 1-2 driving lessons!!! There are small issues special only for Canada that can cost several trials. Instructor will guide you through them easily. For example: how you turn your head on intersections (experienced drivers were failing time after time only because they were not turning their head 3 times on every intersection); when you park back side you MUST look through your shoulder and not in mirrors etc.

3. Spend some extra money and take the Certified Driving Courses. It takes 4 days theory and some practical (in car) lessons, but it gives you discount on your car insurance. As they (insurance companies) take in consideration only your driving experience in Canada (and US sometimes) this certificate can reduce your insurance on 15%!!! Believe me – that’s a lot!

4. Car insurance is very expensive, especially for newcomers. We got the cheapest possible one and it cost us 440$ a month for the new Toyota Corolla. Call as many insurance companies as you can to find the cheapest quote. And use Certificate I told you before. Declare the shortest distance you are going to drive (the less you kind of drive the smaller quote you gonna receive). Availability of garage or parking spot will also reduce your insurance cost.

5. Calling companies consider TD Bank (best quotes, but very-very long consideration period 1-2 months). We took ours in Desjardin (2 days and the best price after TD). But all insurance companies have their promotions and changes so be sure to check all possible options. If you take car insurance with house insurance – can be cheaper (local issue)!

6. About driving school in Toronto – there are plenty advertising online, but we took A&L Sprint Driving School. We were very happy! Their instructor – Arie Daich. He speaks English, Russian and Hebrew and he is very calm, patient and gives you tips on everything! We also took their car for the Drive Test. Here driver examiners feels more relaxed when you giving test on instructor’s car because it has second pare of brakes and they have more control in critical situation.

7. Be sure to prepare for the Written Test in advance (in home country), because here you will have a lot of things to settle down and worry. Take at least one away! You can download the Driver’s Handbook for Ontario on MTO web site or practice there online.

8. You have 60 days that you can drive with your foreign license, but the insurance will cost you huge amount of money! Driving without insurance is illegal and can get you in a very serious trouble, even refuse of citizenship in the long run.

9. Usefull links:
Driving School – www.alsprintdriving.com
Driver’s Handbook - http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/dandv/driver/handbook/index.shtml

 

[chintu]

Hi Friends,

Today I have completed the Rules + Signs test for driving licence in Ontario. I also got credit of previous driving experience so would now be eligible to go for G2 road test.

I visited the Drivetest center @ Metro East in Toronto. The staff was really cooperative and fast.

Will now plan for a road test some time in July

Rgds,
Chintu

 

[Cur-Rozen]

Good luck, chintu!

 

[Chazza]

Hi Guys,

Can anyone post the format of an IDL verification letter from the RTO.

Or is it something which the RTO has a set format for ?

many thanks in advance

Chazza

 

[Chazza]

Thanks a ton Qorax
Just got the Verification Letter from RTO today mentioning 6 yrs of experience, hope they will consider a 2 yr exp. from it.

jainanshal

Is it possible for you to please post the contents of the verification letter ?

Any help will be highly appreciated

Thanks in advance

Chazza

 

[abhihappy]

Guys i need Urgent Help regarding Driving License,
I had my driving license issued from Dubai, In dubai the name of license they put included my Fathers Name between my First name and Surname, infact they did not put my surname at all, now the name on the driving license does not match with Passport, The drive test now wants me to get a letter to certify that my name on driving license and passport are of the same person, Should i get letter from Indian Consulate or from UAE embassy in Ottawa, Please guys urgent help required if anybody faced this and found the solution>>

 

[princeroi22]

Seniors (Qorax) pls help regarding the Wording of driving license.....


i got the letter of authentication too, the wording in it states that....

CERTIFIED THAT DRIVING LICENSE NO. __________ DATED ______ HAS BEEN ISSUED IN TH E NAME OF Mr. _ _ _ _ _ _ S/D/W OF Mr. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Resi of CHANDIGARH (INDIA) FOR LMV AND MCWG WHICH IS VALID UP TO 22/09/2025. HIS DATE OF BIRTH AS PER OFFICE RECORD IS _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _...


warm rgds

 

[Aycan1998]

Hi Friends,

Today I have completed the Rules + Signs test for driving licence in Ontario. I also got credit of previous driving experience so would now be eligible to go for G2 road test.

I visited the Drivetest center @ Metro East in Toronto. The staff was really cooperative and fast.

Will now plan for a road test some time in July

Rgds,
Chintu

Passed my vision and written test with "flying colors" now I will take a few driver's lessons to get my G or G2 haven't quite decided but I like having the option Welcome to Canada and yes motor insurance is expensive. One company's quote was more than the value of the car.....are you kidding me.... :

 

[Harri]

Very useful information.

 

[chintu]

Thanks Cur Rozen.

Chintu

Good luck, chintu!

 

[chintu]

Hi Friends,

Glad to let you all know that I cleared my G Road test and now have a full G Licence.

Qorax : Thanks for the guidance.

Chintu

Hi Friends,

Today I have completed the Rules + Signs test for driving licence in Ontario. I also got credit of previous driving experience so would now be eligible to go for G2 road test.

I visited the Drivetest center @ Metro East in Toronto. The staff was really cooperative and fast.

Will now plan for a road test some time in July

Rgds,
Chintu

 

[Aycan1998]

Congrats!!!! that is encouragement for me...maybe I will attempt my G2 exit test ;D

 

[jainanshal]

Hi,

I have the G1 license and now planning to take some driving lessons to appear for my road test. I want to know how beneficial is the MTO certified driving course (Defensive Driving Course) in lowering the Insurance cost?

Although @Cur-Rozen has mentioned above that it can reduce the premium by about 15% but i would like to have some info on this like is 15% standard or it depends on the Insurance company and do all insurance companies honor the certificate?

Plz share your experience. Thanks!

 

[humsafar]

Hi Friends,

Glad to let you all know that I cleared my G Road test and now have a full G Licence.

Qorax : Thanks for the guidance.

Chintu

So after clearing the eye test and signs test you directly applied for G license, id it right ? can we skip G2 ? you guidance will be helpful

 

[qorax]

So after clearing the eye test and signs test you directly applied for G license, id it right ? can we skip G2 ? you guidance will be helpful

Yes.
U've one chance at it [for 24-months' LOA cases]... if u fail that - no worries - u could take G2 the very next day* & again G within a day or two*.

Qorax
*Provided u get the online appointment.