Canada has large expanses of land, picturesque drives and good motorways and therefore they like driving. The question you may ask if you are on a temporary visa and planning on visiting Canada is, can I get a driver’s license? This article looks at areas such as whether one on a temporary visa can get a driver’s license in Canada, the available options and how the whole process is done.
Can I Drive in Canada with an International License?
Having an overview of the possibility of getting a Canadian driver’s license in your visitation to Canada as a visitor, it is important to know that most visitors are allowed to drive in Canadian territory as long as they possess a valid driver’s license from their home country.
International Driving Permit (IDP)
Depending on your home country, an IDP may be required in which case you can apply for the IDP at your home country before traveling. The IDP is an official translation of your home license in intent language, in English and French which are the official language of Canada. By so doing, a visitor with an IDP is legally allowed to drive in Canada for such a period, and in some cases covering from three months to a year depending on the province or territory. However, the IDP is not a license though you are required to use it together with a legal license from the country of origin.
Time to Drive on a Foreign License
Every province allover Canada has its own regulations touching on issues to do with the time a visitor will be allowed to drive using an alien license or an IDP. For example, in the province of Ontario you are allowed to drive for up to 90 days provided you still have your foreign license with you and in the province of British Columbia, you will be allowed to drive for up to six months. You should also consider the local laws of the province you are visiting most of the times.
Can one get a Driver’s License while in Canada as a Visitor?
Although one is permitted to drive on a foreign license for some time, some people may wish to get a Canadian license if they have intend to stay for longer time. Nonetheless, getting a Canadian driver license as a visitor is not an easy thing to do.
Who is Legislated to Apply for a Driver’s Licence in Canada?
In most provinces, having a visitor visa does not qualify you for a Canadian driver’s license. Here’s why:
- Residency Status: Again, majority of the provinces have set the legal requirement of the applicant to be a permanent resident of Canada. This usually implies that one has to have a ‘resident’ visa as implied by the terms of either study visa, work visa or that of a permanent resident. A visitor visa is generally a temporary visa, it does not offer the right to also apply for a local driving license as well.
- Proof of Residency: That means the documents you submit when you apply for a driver’s license include a proof of having an address within the province of application. This is not easier as visitors do not have permanent residential premises in Canada as a rule.
- Health Card or Social Insurance Number (SIN): Some provinces require a health card or SIN, and these two lot are normally inaccessible to most temporary visitors.
Exceptions and Special Cases
Though it is uncommon, there are a few exceptions and special cases where visitors might be able to apply for a Canadian driver’s license:
Temporary Work Permits and Study Permits
According to the Government Regulations of canada, a Temporary Work Permits can be provided to skilled or unskilled worker any organization or company willing to offer job opportunity to any individual under the provisions of this category from their home country, subjected to abide all the Canadian LMDAs Laws & Regulation Temporary Study Permits can also be issued to anyone willing to undertake some courses in Canada. In case you move from a visitor visa to working visa or study visa, you may be allowed to apply for a driver’s license in the country of visit. In such circumstances, it depends on provinces and the applicant’s record of traffic violations.
- Ontario: Foreign workers legal residents of Ontario holding a valid work or study permit are eligible to apply for G1, G2 or even the full G license. For instance, if you have had prior any other driving experience then you may qualify for an especially fast process.
- British Columbia: In British Columbia you can get a license if you are here for more than 6 months and on a temporary basis but on working or studying.
Transiting from a Mere Visitor to a Permanent Resident
Another condition is the duration of your stay; when in Canada, if you apply and get permanent residency, you are free to apply for a Canadian driver’s licence. Applicants who are permanent residents of Canada may also desire to take a drivers license by going through the same procedures as those applying for those of a Canadian citizen.
How to Get a Canadian Driver’s License
If you’re eligible to apply for a Canadian driver’s license (through a work permit, study permit, or permanent residency), here are the general steps involved:
- Gather Necessary Documents:
Passport, status, and may be the driving record from your home province or country will be necessary. Remember to have your valid foreign driver license and if available International Driving Permit. - Take the Written Test:
In most provinces of the country, new drivers or those from non-reciprocal countries will be required to take a written test on the signs, regulations, road laws and safety. - Take the Road Test:
If your track record shows poor driving skills, certain states require a passing road test before issuing a license. The graduated licensing program can be reduced for foreign drivers with experience in some provinces as well. - Pay the Fees:
Provincial fees differ but you will have to pay for the written test, the road test and the actual driver’s license.
Other Distinctions of a Canadian Driver’s License
If you are a transient person and can’t get a Canadian drivers license, you can still rent a car or drive your own car using your valid foreign license and an International driving permit. Or you can depend on the great network of the public transport system in Canada opts for bus services, trains, and ride-hailing services.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the foreign visitors are without any ways legally allowed to get the Canadian driver’s license. However, they can do so if they possess valid foreign license and IDP for some days or period of time. If you are coming as a foreign worker with work or study visa and planning to live in Canada for many years or become a permanent resident, you can apply for Canadian license by fulfilling the particular province’s conditions. Please refer to the rules of the particular province or territory you intend to drive in and happy driving in the scenic roads of Canada.
