New Residents
You must exchange your existing driver's licence to a Newfoundland driver's licence within 3 months of taking up residence.
Canada and the United States
People taking up residence from another province or territory in Canada or the United States can exchange their existing licence for a Newfoundland driver's licence without taking a written, vision or road test, provided:
- You are 17 years of age.
- Your existing licence is valid (not suspended, cancelled or revoked).
- Your licence, if expired, is not expired more than 5 years.
- If you are a 16-year-old driver presenting a valid driver's licence from another jurisdiction which has a Graduated Driver Licensing Program, you will be placed in Class 5, Level I. If you have taken an approved driver education course, you will be given a 4-month credit and upon reaching 16 years, 8 months will receive a Class 5, Level II driver's licence. If you have not taken a driver education course you will remain at Level I until your 17th birthday, at which time you will graduate to a Class 5, Level II licence. A road test is not required since you would have already passed a road test in another jurisdiction, which Newfoundland recognizes.
- People taking up residence from the United States must also present the Required Identification Documentation.
Other licensed drivers taking up residence in the province will have their experience rated against the Newfoundland system and will be placed in the appropriate phase. Age, driving experience and class of licence currently held will determine placement.
Reciprocal Agreement Countries
Newfoundland and Labrador have signed Reciprocity Agreements with the following countries for the exchange of the class of licence as indicated: Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Republic of Korea, France, Isle of Man, Northern Ireland, Ireland, Japan and Taiwan. People taking up residence can exchange their existing licence for a Class 5 Newfoundland driver's licence without taking a written, vision or road test provided:
- You are 17 years of age.
- You must present the Required Identification Documentation.
- Your existing licence is valid (not suspended, cancelled or revoked).
- Your licence, if expired, is not expired more than 5 years.
- If you are a 16-year-old driver presenting a valid driver's licence from another jurisdiction which has a Graduated Driver Licensing Program, you will be placed in Class 5, Level I. If you have taken an approved driver education course, you will be given a 4-month credit and upon reaching 16 years, 8 months will receive a Class 5, Level II driver's licence. If you have not taken a driver education course you will remain at Level I until your 17th birthday, at which time you will graduate to a Class 5, Level II licence. A road test is not required since you would have already passed a road test in another jurisdiction, which Newfoundland recognizes.
Countries with No Reciprocity Agreement
- You must be at least 16 years of age.
- You must present the Required Identification Documentation
- You must complete a written, vision and road test.
- You will be placed in the Graduated Driver's Licence Program and may be given credit for the time spent as a licensed driver.
Office Location
An appointment is needed to take a road test or written exam. To schedule a driver’s test in an area not listed, please email driverexaminers@gov.nl.ca and include your name, driver’s licence number or date of birth and a contact phone number.
To find the closest location, please visit: https://www.gov.nl.ca/motorregistration/locations-and-contact-information/
A Few Important Driving Laws
- Canadians drive on the right side of the road.
- Drinking and driving is dangerous and against the law. There are serious penalties if you are caught.
- Right turns are allowed at red lights unless otherwise noted. You must come to a complete stop and ensure the road is clear before making your turn.
- The speed limit is posted on the right side of the road and shows the maximum speed in kilometers. The typical speed for city streets is 50 km, 40 km in school zones and 100 km on highways.
- Wearing of seatbelts is mandatory.
- Do NOT pass a school bus with flashing lights.
- If you see an ambulance, fire truck or police car approaching with their lights flashing, reduce your speed or completely pull off the road to the right and stop.
The "Move Over" Law is designed to protect those who drive emergency and other designated vehicles. It requires drivers to slow down and move over when approaching a designated vehicle that is stopped in a lane or on the edge/shoulder of a roadway and is operating its warning signals.
Children under the age of 9 MUST be seated in a properly fit car seat for the child’s weight and age. While it might have been okay for you to drive with your children on your lap in your home country, Canada has very strict Child Car Seat laws. For details on the requirements for your child please visit: Child Restraints
- The use of all cellular and handheld devices is prohibited while driving. Hands free devices are allowed.
Winter driving can be a challenge for all motorists. Conditions can be icy and slippery. Snow drifts and black ice are common. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when driving in the Winter:
* Check to see if your area requires that your vehicle be equipped with winter tires during the winter months.
* Slow down and always give yourself more time to get where you are going during the winter months.
* Always leave more space between you and the car ahead of you allowing for more room to stop.
* Winter driving courses are available from many local driving instructors and are invaluable to newcomers to Canada.
* Stay on the main roads as it is unlikely that back roads will be well plowed.
* Never pass a snowplow on the right-hand side. It is best to stay well back when you see the blue flashing light of a plow.
* Practice emergency braking to understand how your vehicle will react.
* Skidding occurs when your wheels slide out of control on a slippery surface. To reduce the likelihood of this occurring, slow down well in advance of turns and avoid sudden stops.
* Every vehicle should have a winter survival kit. Suggested items to have are:
- Warm winter gloves, toque and boots - Blanket or extra clothing
- Bag of sand or kitty litter - Small shovel
- Ice scraper and/or snow brush - Booster cables
- Non-perishable food items/water - Duct tape
- Extra windshield washer fluid - First Aid kit
- Road maps (not just a GPS unit) - Flashlight and batteries
- Flares - Waterproof matches
- Battery jumper cables - A fully charged cellphone
- Tools - Fire extinguisher
How to prepare for Winter in Canada
Winter in Canada can be unforgiving, with heavy snowfalls and blizzards, high wind chills, freezing rain and extremely cold temperatures. If you are properly prepared for Winter, you can enjoy all the season has to offer.
Wind Chill
During the Winter months, you will hear two different temperatures from the weather reports. One is the actual temperature and the second one is called "wind chill". The "wind chill" is the actual temperature with the wind chill factor included. It is a calculation that takes into account the effect of the wind to provide a reading of the apparent temperature, as opposed to the actual temperature that shows on a thermometer. It is the effect that the wind has on making the air feel colder than it is. For example, if the actual temperature is –10˚C and the wind chill temperature is –20˚C, your skill will feel the –20˚C. For more details on Wind Chill, please visit: Wind Chill - The chilling facts.
Frostbite
When your skin is exposed to extremely low temperatures you risk the chance of getting frostbite. This is the partial freezing of the exposed parts of your body. Frostbite most commonly affects the hands, feet and face. Expose as little skin as possible in very cold weather as frostbite can happen in a very short time.
Hypothermia
Hypothermia, also referred to as exposure, occurs when the body is producing less heat than it is losing. Hypothermia occurs as your body temperature passes below 35°C (95°F). When your body temperature drops, your heart, nervous system and other organs can't work normally. It is usually caused by prolonged exposure to cold temperatures or immersion in cold water. Dress for the weather and avoid long exposure to the cold.
Clothing
Dress warmly in layers and dress for the activity you are doing. You can always remove a layer if you are too warm. Some suggestions to keep warm are:
Feet
· Keep them dry
· Wear wool or thermal socks
· Wear waterproof or water-resistant boots/shoes
· Shoes/Boots should have a good tread to avoid slipping. Avoid leather shoes as they can be slippery on ice.
Hands
· Wear thick or insulated gloves or mittens as your hands can get cold very easily.
· Change them if they get wet
Head
· Most of your body heat is lost through your head so make sure its covered
· Don't forget to protect your ears
· People in Canada often refer to a winter hat as a "toque" (sounds like "tuke")
Neck
· Wear a scarf which can also be used to cover your face/head if needed.
Outer Clothing
· A good coat is perhaps the most important piece of winter clothing you will need.
· Keeping yourself dry is the best way to stay warm
· Purchase one that has a wind and/or waterproof outer layer.
· Buy your coat large enough to wear a sweater underneath.
