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Experience Letter - Drivers Licence - Ontario - Greater Toronto Area - DL

kaps

Star Member
Jan 10, 2010
84
3
I need information regarding Experience Letter for the Ontario Drivers License. I am a new immigrant in Canada and i have brought an International Drivers Permit from RTO of India but i didn't bring any Experience Letter from RTO of India. Can i get the letter from CGI - Indian Embassy in Toronto, Ontario.

Wat can I do now in Canada to get the Experience Letter of my experience of driving in my home country for 10 years. I have my Indian DL (from 1997) and International Drivers Permit (valid till July 2011) from India and I want to get Ontario DL.
 

kaps

Star Member
Jan 10, 2010
84
3
Did anyone get the Driving experience letter from Consulate General of India, Toronto, if yes, then what is the procedure?
 

vtrade

Member
Oct 29, 2010
19
1
Hi Kaps,
This is a thread posted by Qorax, it will help u for ur queries.

How to obtain Ontario Driving License
with our Home Country's D/License

Dear all,

Let me address another query which getting repetitive here. The procedure of obtaining a Canadian driving license is pretty much simple within our 1st few days [max a week]. Remember, this is 'easy' if we are coming from countries which has a similar driving & road management conditions [read 'left-hand drive']. If not, we may have to undertake some training before we apply.
...
Pre-conditions / Which License:
1. If we have over 24 months 'overseas' driving experience -we get the Ontario G2 Driving License.
2. If we have over 12 months [but less than 24] driving experience -we get the Ontario G1 Driving License.
(Details below)

Direct Swap of Licenses:
If our home country doesn't have a *reciprocal licence exchange agreement with Ontario, we cannot Swap our current D/License to get a Toronto-ON D/License.
*Reciprocal License Exchange Agreement exists between Ontario and: US, Japan, Korea, Switzerland, Germany, France, UK, Austria & Belgium.

What is the Procedure then:
But, in that case do we have to START all over Again? No... We can immediately apply & get a Toronto (Ontario) Driving License thru the following procedure:

Step-1 -Before we 'Land':
1. We must obtain a 'Letter of Authentication'* from the country's Roads & Transport Authority, explaining** our D/License.
2. Take also a 'True Translation Copy'* of our D/License from Road & Transport Authority. Both 1 & 2 maybe clubbed in one.
3. Obtain an International Driving License/Permit*** (IDL / IDP).
stating "more than 24 months" driving experience in our country.
*In English or French, the 2 Canadian Official Languages.
**The explanation should include 24 or 12 months driving experience [the Pre-conditions will apply].
***This is nothing but a translated copy of our present D/license. (it can be used in lieu of point-1 & 2 above).

Benefits of the IDL / IDP:
With the foregoing, we can drive a car abroad for three [3] months (2 months, in Ontario). Within that time apply for the Ontario Driving License. This International Driving Licenses [IDL/IDP]are issued against our original D/Licenses by the Automobile Associations or [sometimes] the RTA/RTO of our home country. Check them for more details.

Step-2 -After you 'Land':
In such cases we are called 'Out of Country Drivers' and we can skip the G2 'waiting period' and get the G2 license immediately [with that 24 months letter] or a G1 driving license [if we only have the above 12 months letter].

Now for the Ontario driver's licence are required to;
1. Present a valid foreign Driver's License*,
2. Provide an acceptable Proof of Identity [SIN, PR card etc.]
3. Pay all applicable Fees,
4. Pass a Vision Test
5. Pass the Written Knowledge Test -regarding Ontario's traffic rules.
*If it is not in English or French, it is to be accompanied by a written translation from a qualified translator; [we got that, as the Authentication Letter]

Note: Applicants are required to provide adequate proof of foreign driving experience. However, if it is not there, the ministry will accept applicants' declaration of their foreign driving experience on the driver's licence application for up to a maximum of 12 months experience. In that case we get the G1* license only.

Step-3 -The Tests to take:
Based on the 24 months Authentication Letter the ministry will recognize the applicant's foreign driving experience as certified on the authentication letter AND,

1. After Step-2, we can attempt the G2*Exit Road Tests (mandatory wait times are waived).
2. Upon successfully passing the G2* Exit Road Test, we get the G2* license.
3. After few months of driving under G2* we can apply for a G*Licence.
4. If we 'only' have the 12 months letter & not the 24, we qualify for G1* Road Test & the G1* driving license only.
5. If we don't provide any letter, we must pass the G1* road test and have a 12-month wait period for taking G2* road test.

*The License Grading Explained [G1, G2 & G]:
-G1 License has certain limitations like we have to always drive alongwith a G license holder. It is thus, useless for us, who have good & adequate driving experience under similar driving conditions & system as that of Canada [read 'left-hand drive' experience & similar road/traffic management conditions].
-G2 License is as good as G, except that we cannot drive on the Highway at certain times (Midnight Rush Hrs. when truck movement starts).
-G License is the 'full fledged' driving license.
...
Source:
http://www.drivetest.ca/en/license/OutOfCountryDrivers.aspx

Note:
1. The above procedure is mainly addressed for the Ontario (ON) province.
2. The procedure is pretty much similar with all other provinces as well [BC, NS, NB etc.].
3. If we are not coming from a similar driving condition country, we must take some training before we proceed.
4. Usually we can get the G2 driving license quite easily [with the foregoing steps].
 

entemaria

Hero Member
May 1, 2011
521
27
Ontario
Category........
Visa Office......
Buffalo
NOC Code......
4152 Social Worker
Job Offer........
Pre-Assessed..
App. Filed.......
Aug 9, 2010 received in sydney, NS
Doc's Request.
filed with application... document request for spouse in January 2011
IELTS Request
filed with application
File Transfer...
29 Nov 2010
Med's Request
29 June 2011. CANADA POST took 22 days deliver this mail.
Med's Done....
26 July 2011 - Principal Applicant, 02 Sept 2011 - Spouse and baby
Interview........
waived!!!!
Passport Req..
Received
LANDED..........
lives in the capital city of Canada... Ottawa, Ontario for last 4 years
kaps said:
I need information regarding Experience Letter for the Ontario Drivers License. I am a new immigrant in Canada and i have brought an International Drivers Permit from RTO of India but i didn't bring any Experience Letter from RTO of India. Can i get the letter from CGI - Indian Embassy in Toronto, Ontario.

Wat can I do now in Canada to get the Experience Letter of my experience of driving in my home country for 10 years. I have my Indian DL (from 1997) and International Drivers Permit (valid till July 2011) from India and I want to get Ontario DL.
For newcomers who hold a driver’s licence from one of the following reciprocating jurisdictions: Canadian provinces or territories, Canadian Forces Europe, the United States, Australia, Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Great Britain, Isle of Man, Korea, Japan and Switzerland,

With driving experience of less than two years in the last three years:

You are required to present acceptable identification for proof of legal name, date of birth and signature (please refer to http://www.drivetest.ca/en/license/HowToApply.aspx for identification requirements). The identification must be original and valid.

Please note: If there is any variation in the names on the legal identification you present and the name that appears on your expired licence, you will need to provide acceptable identification.

You will be eligible to do an exchange of your licence equivalent to Ontario’s "G2" licence.
Some reciprocating jurisdiction’s motorcycle licences are eligible for an exchange. Please contact 1-800-489-8450 or write customercomments@drivetest.ca for more information on motorcycle licences.
Controlled class licences from Canadian jurisdictions with the exception of school bus licences are eligible for exchange. Please contact 1-800-489-8450 or write customercomments@drivetest.ca for more information on controlled class licences.
You are required to present your driver’s licence. An expired licence is acceptable as long as it has not expired for over one year at the time of the exchange. If the licence has expired over one year, you will be required to enter the graduated licencing system, however, you may be credited for driving experience gained within the past three years.
If your driver’s licence is in a language other than English or French, it must be translated into English or French by a Ministry approved translator.
You are required to surrender your licence with the exception of Japan.
You may be required to provide a driver’s history or abstract to confirm the status of your licence and length of driving experience. Please refer to the link below for information on jurisdictions requiring a driver’s abstract:

http://www.drivetest.ca/en/license/ExchangeReciprocal.aspx

You must pay the applicable fees. Please refer to http://www.drivetest.ca/en/license/Fee.aspx for fees. Fees are payable by cash, credit card, debit card, travellers cheques, money orders, bank drafts and certified cheque payable to "DriveTest".
You may apply at any of our 56 DriveTest centres province-wide. For information on our DriveTest centres, please refer to http://www.drivetest.ca/en/loc/Dec.aspx
You will be required to complete a vision test.
You will be given a "G2" licence but will serve the remainder of the mandatory wait period before you are eligible to take the "G" road test to get a full Ontario "G" licence.

Note: Probationary licences are not eligible for an exchange, however, the experience may be credited towards the mandatory wait period for the G2 road test.

For more information on licence exchanges, please refer to http://www.drivetest.ca/en/license/ExchangeReciprocal.aspx

For information on Ministry qualified translators, please refer to the link below:
http://www.drivetest.ca/en/license/qualTran.aspx

With driving experience of more than two years in the last three years:

You are required to present acceptable identification for proof of legal name, date of birth and signature (please refer to http://www.drivetest.ca/en/license/HowToApply.aspx for identification requirements). The identification must be original and valid.

Please note: If there is any variation in the names on the legal identification you present and the name that appears on your expired licence, you will need to provide acceptable identification.

You will be eligible to do an exchange of your licence equivalent to Ontario’s "G" licence.
Some reciprocating jurisdiction’s motorcycle licences are eligible for an exchange. Please contact 1-800-489-8450 or write customercomments@drivetest.ca for more information on motorcycle licences.
Controlled class licences from Canadian jurisdictions with the exception of school bus licences are eligible for exchange. Please contact 1-800-489-8450 or write customercomments@drivetest.ca for more information on controlled class licences. For drivers who hold a classifed licence, a medical is required in order for the exchange to be processed. A blank medical form can be obtained from any Drive Test location.
You will be required to present your valid driver’s licence. An expired licence is acceptable as long as it has not expired for over one year at the time of the exchange. If the licence has expired over one year, you will be required to enter the graduated licencing system, however, you may be credited for driving experience gained within the past three years.
If your driver’s licence is in a language other than English or French, it must be translated into English or French by a Ministry approved translator.
You will be required to surrender your licence with the exception of Japan.
You may be required to provide a driver’s history or abstract to confirm the status of your licence and length of driving experience. Please refer to the link below for information on jurisdictions requiring a driver’s abstract:

http://www.drivetest.ca/en/license/ExchangeReciprocal.aspx

You must pay the applicable fees. Please refer to http://www.drivetest.ca/en/license/Fee.aspx for fees. Fees are payable by cash, credit card, debit card, travellers cheques, money orders, bank drafts and certified cheque payable to "DriveTest".You will be required to do a vision test.
You may apply at any of our 56 DriveTest centres province-wide. For information on our DriveTest centres, please refer to http://www.drivetest.ca/en/loc/Dec.aspx
You are not required to take any road test.

Note: Experience gained at probationary or novice levels is not counted towards the required years of experience for the "G" licence.

For more information on licence exchanges, please refer http://www.drivetest.ca/en/license/ExchangeReciprocal.aspx

For information on Ministry qualified translators, please refer to the link below:
http://www.drivetest.ca/en/license/qualTran.aspx
G. For newcomers from a non-reciprocating country,

With less than one year of driving experience:

You are required to present acceptable identification for proof of legal name, date of birth and signature (please refer to http://www.drivetest.ca/en/license/HowToApply.aspx for identification requirements). The identification must be original and valid.

Please note: If there is any variation in the names on the legal identification you present and the name that appears on your expired licence, you will need to provide acceptable identification to link the names,

You are not eligible for a licence exchange, however your driving experience may be credited provided you have declared your experience at the time of your application.
You are required to present your valid driver’s licence. An expired driver’s licence is not acceptable. If your valid driver’s licence is not in English or French, it must be accompanied by an English or French translation from a Ministry recognized translator.
The licence must include an expiry date. If your licence does not include an expiry date, it may still be possible to have experience granted. For more information please inquire at your local Drive Test office or write customercomments@drivetest.ca.
You are not required to surrender your licence.
You must pay the applicable fees. Please refer to http://www.drivetest.ca/en/license/Fee.aspx for fees. Fees are payable by cash, credit card, debit card, travellers cheques, money orders, bank drafts and certified chequest payable to "DriveTest".
You may apply at any of our 56 DriveTest centres province-wide. For information on our DriveTest centres, please refer to http://www.drivetest.ca/en/loc/Dec.aspx
You will be required to do a vision and knowledge test in order to obtain a G1 licence. Once you have obtained the G1 licence, you will no longer be able to drive on your out-of-country licence and will be required to follow the conditions of the G1 licence. You may wish to obtain a copy of the Driver’s Handbook to study for the knowledge test.
An appointment is not required to write the knowledge test, however, it is recommended that you arrive one hour before the office closes to provide sufficient time to conduct and process the test.
The written test is offered in various languages. For written test languages offered by centre, please refer to http://www.drivetest.ca/en/license/DriverTestingTable.aspx.
You will not be able to book for G2 road test until you have served the required mandatory wait period. Your driving experience will be counted towards the mandatory wait period. When you pass the G2 road test, you will be issued a "G2" licence. You have to serve a one year wait period after obtaining your "G2" licence before you can qualify for the G road test.
If you hold a valid motorcycle licence and would like to be credited for your experience, please contact 1-800-489-8450 or write customercomments@drivetest.ca for further information.

For more information on non-reciprocating out-of-country licences, please refer to
http://www.drivetest.ca/en/license/OutOfCountryDrivers.aspx

For more information on ministry recognized translators, please refer to
http://www.drivetest.ca/en/license/qualTran.aspx

With driving experience of more than a year but less than two years in the last three years:

You are required to present acceptable identification for proof of legal name, date of birth and signature (please refer to http://www.drivetest.ca/en/license/HowToApply.aspx for identification requirements). The identification must be original and valid.

Please note: If there is any variation in the names on the legal identification you present and the name that appears on your expired licence, you will need to provide acceptable identification to link the names,

You are not eligible for a licence exchange, however, your driving experience may be credited provided you have declared your experience at the time of application and have presented a "Letter of Authentication" from the Embassy, Consulate or High Commissioner’s Office representing your originating jurisdiction, validating the authenticity of your Driver’s Licence. If the "Letter of Authentication" is not in English or French, it must be translated by a Ministry recognized translator. Without the authenticating letter, you will only be able to obtain 12 months driving experience with your valid driver’s licence and will only be eligible to take the G2 road test in order to get a G2 licence. You will not be able to claim the remainder of your driving experience to count towards the mandatory wait period for the G road test. You will be required to wait for one full year after passing the G2 road test before you are able to take the G road test.
You are required to present your valid driver’s licence. An expired driver’s licence is not acceptable. If your valid driver’s licence is not in English or French, it must be accompanied by an English or French translation from a Ministry recognized translator.
If you presented a valid driver’s licence and declared your experience at the time of your application but did not present a "Letter of Authentication" you may return at a later date with the Letter of Authentication.
If you did not declare your driving experience at the time of application and chose to be processed as a beginner driver, you cannot return at a later date to present your driver’s licence or a "Letter of Authentication" to authenticate your driving experience and obtain credit for your driving experience. You will be required to complete the graduated licensing program and serve the mandatory wait periods at each level.
You are not required to surrender your licence.
You will be required to complete a vision test and pass the knowledge test. You may wish to obtain a copy of the Driver’s Handbook to study for the knowledge test.
An appointment is not required to write the knowledge test, however, it is recommended that you arrive one hour before the office closes to provide sufficient time to conduct and process the test.
The written test is offered in various languages. For written test languages offered by centre, please refer to http://www.drivetest.ca/en/license/DriverTestingTable.aspx.
You must pay the applicable fees. Please refer to http://www.drivetest.ca/en/license/Fee.aspx for fees. Fees are payable by cash, credit card, debit card, travellers cheques, money orders, bank drafts and certified cheque payable to "DriveTest".
You may apply at any of our 56 DriveTest centres province-wide. For information on our DriveTest centres, please refer to http://www.drivetest.ca/en/loc/Dec.aspx
If you hold a valid motorcycle licence and would like to be credited for your experience, please contact 1-800-489-8450 or write customercomments@drivetest.ca for further information.

For more information on non-reciprocating out-of-country licences, please refer
http://www.drivetest.ca/en/license/OutOfCountryDrivers.aspx

For more information on ministry recognized translators, please refer to
http://www.drivetest.ca/en/license/qualTran.aspx

With driving experience of more than two years in the last three years:

You are required to present acceptable identification for proof of legal name, date of birth and signature (please refer to http://www.drivetest.ca/en/license/HowToApply.aspx for identification requirements). The identification must be original and valid.

Please note: If there is any variation in the names on the legal identification you present and the name that appears on your expired licence, you will need to provide acceptable identification to link the names,

You are not eligible for a licence exchange, however, your driving experience may be credited provided you have declared your experience at the time of application and have presented a "Letter of Authentication" from the Embassy, Consulate or High Commissioner’s Office representing your originating jurisdiction, validating the authenticity of your Driver’s Licence. If the "Letter of Authentication" is not in English or French, it must be translated by a Ministry recognized translator. Without the authenticating letter, you will only be able to obtain 12 months driving experience with your valid driver’s licence and will only be eligible to take the G2 road test. You will not be able to claim the remainder of your driving experience to count towards the mandatory wait period for the G road test. You will be required to wait for one full year after passing the G2 road test before you are able to take the G road test.
You are required to present your valid driver’s licence. An expired driver’s licence is not acceptable. If your valid driver’s licence is not in English or French, it must be accompanied by an English or French translation from a Ministry recognized translator.
If you presented a valid driver’s licence and declared your experience at the time of your application but did not present a "Letter of Authentication" you may return at a later date with the "Letter of Authentication".
If you did not declare your driving experience at the time of application and chose to be processed as a beginner driver, you cannot return at a later date to present your drivers licence or a "Letter of Authentication" to authenticate your driving experience and obtain credit for your driving experience. You will be required to complete the graduated licensing program and serve the mandatory waiting periods at each level.
With the "Letter of Authentication", you have the option of either completing the G2 road test or one chance at completing the G road test without serving the mandatory wait periods. If you choose to take the G2 road test and pass, you will earn a "G2" licence. If you fail, you may rebook again after 10 days without serving the mandatory wait period. If you opted for the G road test, you will earn a full "G" licence if you pass. However, if you fail, you will be required to pass the "G2" road test first, before you are allowed to attempt the "G" road test again. There will be no mandatory wait period between road tests, however, you will be required to wait for ten days after an unsuccessful test before you are able to rebook for another test.
You will be required to complete a vision test and pass the knowledge test. You may wish to obtain a copy of the Driver’s Handbook to study for the knowledge test.
An appointment is not required to write the knowledge test, however, it is recommended that you arrive one hour before the office closes to provide sufficient time to conduct and process the test.
The written test is offered in various languages. For written test languages offered by centre, please refer to http://www.drivetest.ca/en/license/DriverTestingTable.aspx.
You are not required to surrender your licence.
You must pay the applicable fees. Please refer to http://www.drivetest.ca/en/license/Fee.aspx for fees. Fees are payable by cash, credit card, debit card, travellers cheques, money orders, bank drafts and certified cheque payable to "DriveTest".
You may apply at any of our 56 DriveTest centres province-wide. For information on our DriveTest centres, please refer to http://www.drivetest.ca/en/loc/Dec.aspx
If you hold a valid motorcycle licence and would like to be credited for your experience, please contact 1-800-489-8450 or write customercomments@drivetest.ca for further information.

For more information on non-reciprocating out-of-country licences, please refer to http://www.drivetest.ca/en/license/OutOfCountryDrivers.aspx

For more information on ministry recognized translators, please refer to the link below:
http://www.drivetest.ca/en/license/qualTran.aspx

For information on Driver Education, please refer to http://www.drivetest.ca/en/edu/Edu.aspx
 

vichuuuuuu

Full Member
Jan 14, 2016
37
1
Category........
NOC Code......
2173
Job Offer........
Pre-Assessed..
App. Filed.......
14-04-2015
Nomination.....
13-01-2016
AOR Received.
11-03-2016
IELTS Request
Upfront
File Transfer...
BG In Progress on 01/08/2016
Med's Request
Upfront
Med's Done....
Upfront
Interview........
Not Needed
Passport Req..
07/09/2016
VISA ISSUED...
Waiting
LANDED..........
Waiting
if my driving extract is accepted I can directly take g test without taking g2, but the issue is the drive test guys are not accepting by driving extract brought from India saying that the extract don't have an license issue date, if I get an affidavit from Indian consulate....can I take the g test directly.?
 

manashdeb

Full Member
Jun 5, 2016
48
5
Category........
Job Offer........
Pre-Assessed..
Does anyone know if the affidavit from Indian embassy, CGI Toronto is accepted for Ontario G2 license?
 

Ricky007

Full Member
Sep 29, 2017
38
6
Does anyone know if the affidavit from Indian embassy, CGI Toronto is accepted for Ontario G2 license?
 

skwan

Star Member
Jun 11, 2014
96
0
My wife is from Uganda and I inquired from MTO and they stated that all my wife needs is her driver's license (from Uganda even if it's expired) along with an additional supporting government (Canada) ID and a letter of authentication (from the country's embassy/consulate in Canada)

Once approved, she can jump straight from her G1 test to the G road test, without the two year waiting period.
I'm not sure whether or not this applies to every country but I know at least for Uganda. Also this process might be different in other provinces.
 

Wolverine17

VIP Member
Mar 28, 2016
3,135
351
If i have my original valid license ,what should be the format of my driving experience look like?should i just get a driving record or what should i ask for?also if am not interested to drive till i obtain my canadian driving license should i get an international driving license or no?thanks
 

nidhii

Member
Aug 18, 2017
18
4
Hi ,
I have US license but with less than 2 years experience . At the same time I have Indian license with more than 2 years experience . Can I convert my US license directly to Ontario G license . Will Indian experience count in that case ??
 

CanVisa1

Star Member
Jul 26, 2017
149
39
I have a UK license with 10+ years of driving experience. I know I can exchange my license for Ontario G license however is it necessary to exchange? Can I not get a G license while keeping the UK one? I need UK license as I will be frequently visiting UK too.
 

heynow

Star Member
Jan 16, 2017
135
61
I have a UK license with 10+ years of driving experience. I know I can exchange my license for Ontario G license however is it necessary to exchange? Can I not get a G license while keeping the UK one? I need UK license as I will be frequently visiting UK too.
Just a workaround - Exchange it here.. and inform UK authority to issue you a duplicate one.. now you have two..
 

Jimoftime

Member
Jan 22, 2019
18
0