Document - Processing Canada

A driver’s license, driving licence, or driving permit is a legal authorization, or the official document confirming such an authorization, for a specific individual to operate one or more types of motorized vehicles—such as motorcycles, cars, trucks, or buses—on a public road. To legally drive a car in Canada, you’ll need a driver’s licence issued by the government of your province or territory. You must have it with you whenever you’re driving. With it, you can drive anywhere in Canada.

The process to get a driver’s licence in Canada depends on the province or territory where you live and on your driving background. It may include:

• a written exam on the rules of the road (you can get a study guide to help with this)
• one or two driving tests

In Canada, driver’s licences are issued by the government of the province or territory in which the driver is residing. Thus, specific regulations relating to driver’s licences vary province to province, though overall they are quite similar. All provinces have provisions allowing non-residents to use licences issued by other provinces and territories, out-of-country licences, and International Driving Permits. Many provinces also allow non-residents to use regular licences issued by other nations and countries. Canadian driver’s licences are also valid in many other countries due to various international agreements and treaties. 

Canada’s driving age is determined on a province-by-province basis. The age to begin driving varies by province, with the earliest being Alberta at 14 years of age. The provinces use a graduated driver licensing (GDL) system for a standard car and light-truck licence to ensure the proficiency of drivers.

Once you have a licence, you will have to renew it every so often. The expiry date will be printed on your licence.