A newcomer to Ontario who holds a driver’s licence from another province or country is required to apply for an Ontario driver's licence within 60 days of taking up residence in the province.
Minimum Requirements for Drivers’ Licence
The minimum requirements for obtaining a driver’s licence in Ontario are:
- You must be 16 years of age to be eligible
- You must present acceptable ID at the time of your application.
- You must meet medical requirements
- You must pay the applicable fees. (Fees are subject to change without notice.)
- You must pass a vision test
- You may have to pass a knowledge test, and a road test(s)
License Classes
There are 15 different licence classes in Ontario. Each one qualifies you to drive a certain type of vehicle. The standard licence is called a Class G which allows you to drive any car, van or small truck. For further explanation of the classes, please visit: Licence Types
Proof of Driving Experience
To expedite the process, we suggest that you obtain a copy of your driver's abstract/Letter of Experience. This is very important for those who are coming from a Country that does not have a reciprocal agreement with Ontario. Please see Foreign Licence Experience Credits for more information.
Exchanging a Licence for Out-of-Province/Country Driver
The application process for newcomers to Ontario varies depending on:
- Your place of origin
- The type of licence you currently have
- The documentation and/or identification you have
- The number of years of experience you have driving
Please click on the appropriate link below for the detailed steps on how to exchange your current licence:
Licence Exchanges for Drivers of Cars, Vans, and Small Trucks
Licence Exchanges for Drivers of Motorcycles
New Drivers
If you do not currently have a drivers licence, as a new driver in Ontario, you will need to complete the Graduated Licensing program. This can take approximately 20 to 24 months complete. For detailed information on the graduated licensing program and the steps you will need to take, please visit: Class G Licenses
Fees
For information on all the fees that will apply, please visit: Fees
Location
You must visit a DriveTest Driver Examination Centre in order to exchange your out-of-province licence. To determine the most convenient location for you, please visit: DriveTest Examination Centres
Please note: You can now book an appointment for your driver's licence exchange.
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.
- Children under the age of 8 MUST be seated in a properly fit car seat for the child’s weight and age. While it might have been okay to have your child sit 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 Choose the right child car seat
- The use of all cellular and handheld devices is prohibited while driving. Hands free devices are allowed.
Vehicle Registration in Ontario
Most motor vehicles on Ontario roads must be registered, insured and maintained to meet certain basic safety standards. If you own a vehicle, you are responsible for making sure it meets the requirements.
Vehicle registration includes licence plates and a vehicle permit. Ontario does not issue titles to vehicles. Our registration system is a plate-to-owner system; vehicle plates stay with the plate owner, not with the vehicle. When you sell or change vehicles, you must keep your plates. New Ontario residents have 30 days to register their vehicles. Vehicle permits and Ontario licence plates are obtained at a Service Ontario office.
Insurance
Ontario has compulsory automobile insurance. Before you can attach plates to a vehicle, the vehicle must be insured. In Ontario, private companies provide insurance coverage. You must show proof that you have insurance coverage before you can register a vehicle. All vehicles must be insured for third party liability for at least $200,000 however, it is recommended that you carry at least $1million in coverage. This covers you in the event that you injure or kill someone or damage someone’s property. Collision insurance to cover damage to your own vehicle is a good idea, but not required by law.
Location of Vehicle Registration Office
For general inquiries and locations of Driver and Vehicle Licence Issuing offices, you can contact Service Ontario, Driver and Vehicle 24 hour Information Service at 1-800-267-8097 or 416-326-1234 or you may visit the following website for a location that is the most convenient for you: Service Ontario
Fees
The costs are:
· Vehicle permit (all vehicles): $32
· Licence plate (new & replacement), with permit: $59
You will be required to register for your licence plate stickers . There is no charge but they must be renewed yearly.
For detailed steps on registration, please follow this link: Vehicle Registration.
