You may drive in PEI with a valid driver's licence from your home jurisdiction and/or an International Driver's permit for a period of four months from the time you become a resident. You may also need an International Driver’s Permit if your foreign licence is not in English or French.
Out of Province Driver’s Licence
In order to receive a PEI Driver’s License you must pass a vision test, pay the appropriate fees and provide the required documents in person at any Access PEI location.
If your original Driver's Licence is from Canada, United States, Austria, Australia, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom (including Norther Ireland and the Isle of Man) you will not need to pass a written knowledge exam and driving test. You must pass a vision test, pay the appropriate fees and provide all required documents in person at any Access PEI location.
If your original driver's licence is not from one of the countries listed above, then you will be required to:
- Pass a vision test
- Complete a written knowledge test on the rules of the road
- Complete the Novice Driver Course for Newcomers (NDCN)
- Successfully complete a driving test.
Required Documents
In order to obtain a PEI Licence, you will need to provide:
- A valid photo driver's licence from your home jurisdiction.
- Two documents that show your current address in Prince Edward Island such as a phone bill, electric bill, personal cheque, mail from federal or provincial government, rental agreement, mortgage papers, letter from your employer or any other address-related document that maybe approved.
- If required, a certified translation of your driver's licence or a translation provided by PEI Association of Newcomers to Canada Interpretation and Translation Services
- Immigration documents that show your legal status and length of stay in Canada.
Driver’s Licence Registration Procedure
Please take your current licence along with required documentation to any one of the Access PEI offices.
PEI Driver’s Handbook
Click on this link for the PEI Driver’s Handbook
Contact Information
For more information, please contact Access PEI at 902-368-5271 or
902-368-5100 or visit any of the Access PEI offices:
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.
It is the law in Prince Edward Island that children travelling in vehicles are safely secured in a car seat or booster seat that is appropriate for their age, weight and height and used according to the manufacturer’s instructions. While it might have been okay for you to have your child on your lap in your home country, Canada has very strict Child Car Seat laws.
- 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.
