When you can’t exchange
You cannot exchange:
• a driver’s licence from a country that does not have an exchange agreement in place with Ontario (it is not listed in the section above)
• a learner’s permit or novice-class driver’s licence from another province, state or country
• a motorcycle class driver’s licence from Japan, Korea, Germany, France, Great Britain, Austria, Belgium, Isle of Man, or Republic of Ireland for a Class M Motorcycle licence, because the exchange agreements mentioned above do not include motorcycle class driver’s licences.
You might still be able to fast-track and get credit for previous driving experience.
You need to provide the right documents, when you apply for an Ontario driver’s licence.
Proof of driving experience
You can self-declare one year of driving experience, by showing a valid, original foreign driver’s licence.
If you want to earn credit for more than one year of driving experience, you will also need an official letter from the foreign government or agency that issued the driver’s licence, confirming that the licence is authentic. This letter needs to be written in English or French.
You do not need a letter if you are exchanging a novice licence from another province.
How to apply
To switch your licence for an Ontario driver’s licence, you need to apply in-person at a DriveTest centre or the ServiceOntario College Park location in downtown Toronto.
You need to:
• take an eye test
• bring original identification showing your legal name, date of birth and signature
• bring your original, valid out-of-province/foreign driver’s licence*
• bring any original supporting documents that show proof of your driving experience
• pay the applicable fees
• fill out an application form (where you will state how long you have been driving)
You might also need to take a written test or road tests, before you get a full licence. It depends on your circumstances.
