How to Get Canadian Driving License -for Newcomers

[9jcanada]

If they said so, I am sure they are correct. I did not have a letter myself, only an international drivers license as well as my home country drivers license and in Alberta, that was enough to allow me to take the basic road test to get a GDL license. They said I could not get a full license because they were missing the first date of issue so I could not prove how long I had been driving. A GDL license in Alberta is like the G2 license in Ontario. It will allow you to drive by yourself although it has a couple of restrictions like zero blood alcohol level, loss of license at half the demerit points of a normal license, not able to get a license for bus, truck or taxi etc.

Hi Leon,

Looks like we might be in the same scenario as you here. Heading for Alberta later in the year. How long would we have to hold the GDL before we can transfer to G5? Do we have to sit a test to transfer?

Thanks

9j

 

[jainanshal]

if anyone needs driving lessons before gong for G-test,esp those who are attempting direct G1-G test I had a very good experience with one of the driving school.I had brought LOA from saudi arabia.I did my G1 test last tuesday and went straight for G-test this tuesday and i Passed.
i took 5 hours of lessons from TODAY'S DRIVER number#416-8882318.I found this guy very good in teaching drivers from abroad and he knows wht mistakes we commonly make in the exam.
BEST OF LUCK TO EVERY1

How much did you pay for the driving lesson? Also, where was it, in Toronto?

 

[qorax]

How much did you pay for the driving lesson? Also, where was it, in Toronto?

Usually the charges r $25-30 with most instructors.

 

[jainanshal]

Usually the charges r $25-30 with most instructors.

Thanks!

 

[jainanshal]

I understand that for 2 months after landing, we can drive in Ontario without obtaining a Canadian license, is this correct?
If yes, what documents are required for driving during those 2 months. Is Int'l DL a must for this?

 

[qorax]

I understand that for 2 months after landing, we can drive in Ontario without obtaining a Canadian license, is this correct?
If yes, what documents are required for driving during those 2 months. Is Int'l DL a must for this?

Yes, it's correct, but only if u possess the IDP/IDL.

 

[jaggy999]

Thnx Qorax Sir for the info......+1 for this valuable info

 

[jainanshal]

Yes, it's correct, but only if u possess the IDP/IDL.

That means practically, an IDL is only required if you want to drive in Ontario for these 2 months after landing. Apart from that, home country license (in english) and a letter from RTO authenticating the same is enough in order to obtain a canadian DL (with the type of license depending on the experience the transport dept makes from the authentication letter). Am i right, or am i missing something?

Thanks!

 

[Markon]

Let me add one more country which is Australia, if you have a Australian license you can get the Ontario license straightaway, this is a new agreement recently came out.

Regards
Saki

I ave a ten year old Australian License (Expired) as well as Driving Certificate (Taxi/Hire Car)from the same period, will that be helpful for exchange for a full license ?

 

[qorax]

That means practically, an IDL is only required if you want to drive in Ontario for these 2 months after landing. Apart from that, home country license (in english) and a letter from RTO authenticating the same is enough in order to obtain a canadian DL (with the type of license depending on the experience the transport dept makes from the authentication letter). Am i right, or am i missing something?

Thanks!

That's correct.

 

[jainanshal]

That's correct.

Thanks a ton Qorax
Just got the Verification Letter from RTO today mentioning 6 yrs of experience, hope they will consider a 2 yr exp. from it.

 

[qorax]

Thanks a ton Qorax
Just got the Verification Letter from RTO today mentioning 6 yrs of experience, hope they will consider a 2 yr exp. from it.

Yes, they will. Relax!

 

[datcolin]

Guys,

I'm between a rock and a hard place!

I was issued one year non-renewable licences for 4 years in US based on my Visa Status (J1/J2)

I'm now moving to Toronto, Canada with my wife in June 2012 and my license is expiring on 30th June 2012

My drivers abstracts mentions the date of my last license issuance (June 2011) even though I have been driving in US for 4 years.

On the drivers abstracts I have 2 speeding tickets, one in 2010 and other in 2011.

Now my question are:

1- Can I still exchange my US drivers license which will be expired by the time I will be in Toronto in July?

2- Plus will the speeding ticket create any issues during the exchange process.

3- The drivers abstracts letter from BMV only shows the record for the last issuance of the licence, which was in June 2011. Even though I have been driving for the past 4 years, will that create any issues in proving my 3 years driving record?

4- Finally, how long does it take to exchange the driving license and get the Ontario Driving license?

Cheers!
Colin

 

[adanibaba]

Hi Qorax,

Mate could you please guide me about driving licence authentication letter .
In fact I have a plan to leave Australia on 29th July and same day I will get my letter of authentication from the road and transport authority . However , I will not be able to come to Canada before mid Oct due to visit in other country . Just wondering . Will my letter of authentication remain valid or do I need to get updated one, once I will apply for reciprocal licence.

Regards,

 

[qorax]

Hi Qorax,

Mate could you please guide me about driving licence authentication letter .
In fact I have a plan to leave Australia on 29th July and same day I will get my letter of authentication from the road and transport authority . However , I will not be able to come to Canada before mid Oct due to visit in other country . Just wondering . Will my letter of authentication remain valid or do I need to get updated one, once I will apply for reciprocal licence.

Regards,

"Reciprocal exchange agreement exist between Ontario and: other Canadian provinces, Canadian Forces Europe, U.S.A., Japan, Korea, Switzerland, Germany, France, Great Britain, Austria, Belgium, Australia, Northern Ireland and Isle of Man."
http://www.drivetest.ca/en/license/OutOfCountryDrivers.aspx

Qorax