Yes, the Indian drivers license is valid in Canada for a certain period depending on the province you are studying and you can drive in Canada but under certain conditions International students. Each province of Canada has different policies on time of validity of foreign license and the time when it is required to be exchanged with the Canadian license.

Driving with an Indian License

Indian students after their arrival in Canada can legally drive their car using Indian license for some time. This is usually between 60 and 90 days, depending with the province in question. During this time, the Indian license remains valid so students get a certain amount of time to practice driving while they familiarize themselves with the Canadian rules and regulations. Here’s a breakdown of the regulations by province:

  • Ontario: For instance, in Ontario, students are allowed to drive using their Indian driver’s license for 60 days. After this they will need an Ontario driver license as one has to write a test and maybe a road test.
  • British Columbia and Quebec: These provinces provide the softer conditions. According to the rules and regulation of driving permit issued to the international students, the full time international students can drive Indian car with Indian driving license without converting it into local license till the period of their education. But if the Indian license is not in English or French language then it is better to have International Driving Permit (IDP) along with the original license to get over any language problems with the foreign authorities.
  • Alberta: Alberta permits Indian students to drive with their Indian license for up to one year. They are then expected to switch over to an Alberta driver’s license after this period has been completed. More so, if the students have adequate experience in driving, they can avoid some of the licensing stages.

International Driving Permit

Since the Indian license is in regional languages, an IDP is useful as it comes with a translation of the license in English and French. While it is not mandatory to hold an IDP in all provinces it is rather useful for avoiding issues connected with the attempt to communicate with the local police force. But they must consider that the IDP is a legal paper only if it is supported by a genuine Indian license and the original paper is still needed.

The IDP cannot be issued in Canada and therefore the Indian students should ensure they get the IDP before traveling to Canada. The permit is usually valid for up to one year and can be renewed where necessary.

Moving to a New Driver’s License in Canada

After the first year of driving with an Indian license, students are required to change to a Canadian license. It depends with the province and the level of experience of the student in driving.

  • Knowledge Test: Many provinces demand that the applicant sit for a written test in Canadian road rules.
  • Road Test: You also have to take a road test, although, based on province and previous traffic violations, it may vary.
  • Document Submission: These will comprised of identification documents, driving record and your residence with an Indian driving license. In provinces that allow license exchange for drivers from some countries such as Ontario, Indian students are not allowed to exchange their license directly and have to write the test.

Car Insurance

Insurance is mandatory for cars in operation in Canada and since the student will be using a car, they should get the right insurance. The insurance costs have to do with factors such as the age of the student, the record any of them may have in driving and even the city they intend using their car in. For car insurance, students are able to opt for an insurance from the rental agencies or if they own a car, directly. Another factor is also being included in a current insurance policy if a person frequently uses a relative or friend’s car.

Safety and Driving Laws

Canada has stringent laws in as much as driving is concerned especially on matters touching on impaired driving. Alcohol and substance such as marijuana when taken while driving can attract serious consequences such as cancellation of the student’s visa. Canadian provinces also require the use of seat belts and also prohibit the use of mobile phones while driving. Indian students should make sure that they have sufficient information on road laws in the country so that they avoid getting into any more legal trouble.

Also importance of weather in Canada is different because in winter such conditions can be met – slippery roads and streets can be covered by snow. Students should buy winter tires and should be careful when driving during harsh weather.

Conclusion

The Indian students can use their Indian driver license to drive in Canada but the period for which they can legally do this varies with the provinces. Quebec and British Columbia are relatively liberal on the issue, while Ontario, for example, allows students to get a Canadian license only for a certain period. Language is always a problem when in other countries, but having an International Driving Permit will be of great assistance, while insurance must be proper. Therefore, students need to inform themselves of the driving laws of the provinces to perform driving legally in Canada.