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international driver's license

kadjajsd

Star Member
May 3, 2020
144
17
What is the official stance on driving as a tourist using your home country's driver's license. Is it permitted? I read somewhere yeah other places say no.
What if visitor gets valid international license, then can you drive in the country?
 

Raptor33

Hero Member
May 10, 2020
380
141
What is the official stance on driving as a tourist using your home country's driver's license. Is it permitted? I read somewhere yeah other places say no.
What if visitor gets valid international license, then can you drive in the country?
Yes, you can drive in Canada with your home country's driver's license for up to 12 months. If you plan on staying in Canada for longer than 12 months, you will need to obtain a Canadian driver's license.

You can also drive in Canada with an International Driving Permit (IDP) if your home country's driver's license is not in English or French. An IDP is an official translation of your home country's driver's license into English and French. You can get an IDP from your local automobile association or AAA.

Here are the official rules on driving in Canada as a tourist:

  • You must be at least 16 years old to drive in Canada.
  • You must have a valid driver's license from your home country.
  • If your home country's driver's license is not in English or French, you must have an International Driving Permit (IDP).
  • You must have your driver's license and IDP with you when you drive in Canada.
  • You must obey all Canadian traffic laws.
  • You must carry proof of insurance when you drive in Canada.
If you are pulled over by the police in Canada, you must provide them with your driver's license, IDP, and proof of insurance. You may also be asked to take a sobriety test.

If you are involved in an accident while driving in Canada, you must report it to the police. You must also exchange insurance information with the other driver(s) involved in the accident.

I hope this information is helpful.
 

kadjajsd

Star Member
May 3, 2020
144
17
Yes, you can drive in Canada with your home country's driver's license for up to 12 months. If you plan on staying in Canada for longer than 12 months, you will need to obtain a Canadian driver's license.

You can also drive in Canada with an International Driving Permit (IDP) if your home country's driver's license is not in English or French. An IDP is an official translation of your home country's driver's license into English and French. You can get an IDP from your local automobile association or AAA.

Here are the official rules on driving in Canada as a tourist:

  • You must be at least 16 years old to drive in Canada.
  • You must have a valid driver's license from your home country.
  • If your home country's driver's license is not in English or French, you must have an International Driving Permit (IDP).
  • You must have your driver's license and IDP with you when you drive in Canada.
  • You must obey all Canadian traffic laws.
  • You must carry proof of insurance when you drive in Canada.
If you are pulled over by the police in Canada, you must provide them with your driver's license, IDP, and proof of insurance. You may also be asked to take a sobriety test.

If you are involved in an accident while driving in Canada, you must report it to the police. You must also exchange insurance information with the other driver(s) involved in the accident.

I hope this information is helpful.
thank you this is helpful. so visitors can drive by themselves or is it mandatory that someone with Canadian driver's license is with them? if the visitor is driving their Canadian relative/friend's car that is insured, that is ok or do they need insurance specifically for themselves?
 

Canada2020eh

Champion Member
Aug 2, 2019
2,194
887
thank you this is helpful. so visitors can drive by themselves or is it mandatory that someone with Canadian driver's license is with them? if the visitor is driving their Canadian relative/friend's car that is insured, that is ok or do they need insurance specifically for themselves?
Doesn't need a CDN licensed driver with them. If they are an occasional driver they should be covered under the existing insurance policy. You should check with the insurance company to confirm that.
 

Raptor33

Hero Member
May 10, 2020
380
141
thank you this is helpful. so visitors can drive by themselves or is it mandatory that someone with Canadian driver's license is with them? if the visitor is driving their Canadian relative/friend's car that is insured, that is ok or do they need insurance specifically for themselves?
Yes, visitors can drive by themselves in Canada. There is no requirement that someone with a Canadian driver's license be with them.

If a visitor is driving a Canadian relative/friend's car that is insured, they do not need insurance specifically for themselves. They are covered by the car's insurance policy.

However, it is important to note that the car's insurance policy may not cover all of the costs of an accident. For example, the policy may not cover the cost of medical expenses or property damage.

If you are a visitor driving in Canada, it is a good idea to purchase additional insurance to cover these costs. You can purchase this insurance from a private insurance company.

Here are some additional tips for driving in Canada as a tourist:
  • Be aware of the different traffic laws in Canada. Some of the laws may be different from the laws in your home country.
  • Obey the speed limit. Speeding is a major cause of accidents in Canada.
  • Be careful when driving in rural areas. The roads may be narrow and winding.
  • Be prepared for bad weather. The weather in Canada can change quickly.
  • If you are involved in an accident, stay calm and exchange insurance information with the other driver(s).
I hope this information is helpful.
 

kadjajsd

Star Member
May 3, 2020
144
17
Yes, visitors can drive by themselves in Canada. There is no requirement that someone with a Canadian driver's license be with them.

If a visitor is driving a Canadian relative/friend's car that is insured, they do not need insurance specifically for themselves. They are covered by the car's insurance policy.

However, it is important to note that the car's insurance policy may not cover all of the costs of an accident. For example, the policy may not cover the cost of medical expenses or property damage.

If you are a visitor driving in Canada, it is a good idea to purchase additional insurance to cover these costs. You can purchase this insurance from a private insurance company.

Here are some additional tips for driving in Canada as a tourist:
  • Be aware of the different traffic laws in Canada. Some of the laws may be different from the laws in your home country.
  • Obey the speed limit. Speeding is a major cause of accidents in Canada.
  • Be careful when driving in rural areas. The roads may be narrow and winding.
  • Be prepared for bad weather. The weather in Canada can change quickly.
  • If you are involved in an accident, stay calm and exchange insurance information with the other driver(s).
I hope this information is helpful.
thank you so much wow no need for license or insurance thats great . With International Driving Permit (IDP) there is still 12 month limit to drive?