European Driving Licence valid in canada?

[masterchief]

Hello,
i dont know if this is the right place for this question, but it's about labour so i dont know eheheh

well, i got a portuguese driving licence, and i can drive bus also.
But because from what i read Canada much things are different, i bet this also must be different.
Can someone explain me, what should i do to make my driving licence valid, and expand my work oportunities?

Regards

[steaky]

You need a Canadian driver license in order to drive permanently in Canada.

Here is a post on how to get a driver license in Ontario:

http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/-t39566.0.html

[masterchief]

thank you

[Pummelchen]

You can drive legally for 12 month in Alberta with a International Driver Licence.
But if you become a resident instead of tourist its 3 months only.
If you marry a Canadian you can change to an Alberta Licence straight away.

[Canooknic]

Alberta has Reciprocal Licensing Agreements with the following countries in addition to all Canadian jurisdictions and territories:

Austria
Belgium
England
France
Germany
Japan
Republic of Korea
Scotland
Switzerland
United States
Wales
 
Therefore you would need to take your test in Alberta to obtain an Alberta Class 5 licence, regarding a licence to drive a bus (class 4 I think) you would need further testing

[Pummelchen]

These is no need for a test in AB to get a Class 5 if you have that class already in the EU. The registry I go to in Spruce Grove just take my EU licence and give me an AB licence due to marriage with a Canadian. Cost 85$ and is simple as that. Same to AHS and Great West Life cover, both for free as a spouse while still just being on a tourist visa .. 

[Canooknic]

That's strange because I'm in Stony and I have my test on Wednesday, all they did was waive the 12 month GDL probation period so I could take my Class 5 basic test immediately

[Pummelchen]

Check Drayden Registries in Spruce Grove, they seem to be very professional and helpful:

http://drayden.com/contact-us/locations/#spruce-grove

[Canooknic]

What country is your EU licence from?

[Pummelchen]

Germany, I have the chip card (looks like credit card) and the International Drivers Licence. I will loose all my truck licences as they give me only Class 5 for the exchange. All I wait for is the marriage certificate to swap over.

[Canooknic]

That's why you got a straight exchange then, Germany has the reciprocal agreement with Canada, Masterchief is from Portugal who don't so would have to take the test.

I have to do my test because I didn't have 2 full years of driving experience in England

[Pummelchen]

Interesting ! Good luck with your test, see you on the road soon 

[Canooknic]

Thanks!!  I'm just hoping the snow stays away until the middle of November like they're predicting!