Foreign licence: Ontario Driver License Exchange

Are you new to Ontario? Excellence Driving School helps you understand how to exchange your out-of-province driver's license. Our comprehensive guide walks you through the entire process, ensuring a smooth transition to getting your Ontario driver's license.

Quick Facts for New Residents

• You can use your valid out-of-province license for 60 days after moving to Ontario
• After 60 days, you must obtain an Ontario driver's license
• The exchange process varies based on your driving experience and previous licensing jurisdiction

Exchange a Driver’s license: Eligible Countries for Direct License Exchange

Drivetest centre can help you exchange your license if you're from:

• Any Canadian province or territory
• Australia, Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Great Britain, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Hungary, Denmark, Isle of Man, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, Switzerland, Taiwan
• United States of America

When You Can’t Exchange Your Foreign License

You cannot exchange:

• a driver’s licence from a country that does not have an exchange agreement in place with Ontario (it is not listed in the section above)
• a learner’s permit or novice-class driver’s licence from another province, state or country
  
  You might still be able to fast-track and get credit for previous driving experience.

Proof of Driving Experience

• You can obtain up to one year of driving experience, by showing a valid, original foreign driver’s licence
• If you want to earn credit for more than one year of driving experience, you will also need to provide an “Authentication Document”, which is an official letter from the foreign government or agency that issued the driver’s licence, confirming that the licence is authentic. This letter needs to be written in English or French. You do not need a letter if you are exchanging a novice licence from another province.

What You Need for Your License Exchange

Visit a DriveTest centre in person with:

• Your original, valid out-of-province/foreign driver's license
• Original identity documents showing legal name and date of birth
• Proof of driving experience (in English or French). Any other language documents must be translated
• Take a vision test
• Payment for applicable fees

Understanding the Testing Requirements

For Drivers with 2+ Years Experience (With Exchange Agreement)

• Only requires a vision test
• Receive full Ontario license upon passing

For Drivers with Less Than 2 Years Experience (With Exchange Agreement)

• Vision test required
• G road test required after completing total 2 years of driving experience
• Temporary G2 license issued while waiting

For Drivers with 2+ Years Experience (No Exchange Agreement)

• Knowledge test on road rules and traffic signs
• Vision test
• After you pass the knowledge and vision tests, you need to take one road test (G road test). You can book the G road test right away.

After you pass the G road test, you get a full licence. If you do not pass the G road test, you will be required to take both the G2 and G road tests.