International Students Driving In Canada: What's The Deal?

International students in Canada may be eligible to drive, depending on their province and their driving history in their previous country of residence. Driving in Canada is regulated at the provincial level, meaning each province has its own rules and policies. Generally, international students with a valid driver's license from their home country will be allowed to drive in Canada for a limited time, typically the duration of their studies. However, some provinces, like Alberta, require international students to apply for a provincial license due to their non-permanent residency status. Driving laws in Canada are strictly enforced, and international students should be aware of the regulations, such as speed limits, parking rules, and the requirement to yield to pedestrians and cyclists.

Driving laws and penalties

Impaired Driving

Impaired driving is defined as having care or control of a motor vehicle while your ability is impaired by alcohol or drugs. Canada has a zero-tolerance policy for driving under the influence of illegal drugs, and the penalties for impaired driving can be severe. The federal Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) limit is .08%, and any driver exceeding this limit can face criminal charges, including mandatory minimum fines and the possibility of imprisonment. The penalties for impaired driving involving drugs or a combination of alcohol and drugs can also vary depending on the concentration, the type of substance, and the presence of any aggravating factors, such as causing bodily harm or death.

Provincial Variations

While the federal BAC limit is .08%, provinces can set their own warn ranges, typically starting at .05% and ending at .079%. Being within the warn range can trigger provincial-level penalties. Additionally, some provinces, like Alberta, have their own impaired driving penalties, which may include licence suspensions, vehicle seizures, and participation in educational programs.

International Driving Permits

If you are an international student in Canada, you may be able to drive with a foreign driver's licence, depending on the province. However, it is often recommended to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) before arriving in Canada. The IDP provides an English or French translation of your foreign driver's licence and is valid for a limited period, depending on the province.

Other Driving Laws

Canada has strict regulations regarding the consumption of alcohol and drugs, including cannabis, and the operation of motor vehicles. It is illegal to drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and doing so can result in criminal charges and jeopardise your immigration status. Additionally, driving laws in Canada give pedestrians the right of way, and drivers must adhere to speed limits and watch out for animals, children, and students. When parking, especially in city centres, pay attention to 'No Parking' signs and be mindful of any overnight parking restrictions during certain seasons.

Driving under the influence

International students in Canada are generally permitted to drive, but the rules vary depending on the province where they are studying and their driving history in their previous country of residence. In some provinces, international students can drive with a foreign license for a limited time, while other provinces require international students to apply for a provincial license.

Regardless of the province, international students in Canada must follow the country's strict driving laws. Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is illegal in Canada, and those who do so may face criminal charges for Driving Under the Influence (DUI). This can have serious consequences for immigration applications, potentially resulting in an individual being deemed criminally inadmissible to Canada. Therefore, international students in Canada should exercise extreme caution regarding alcohol, drugs, and driving.

Impaired driving is the leading criminal cause of death and injury in Canada. In 2017, there were over 69,000 impaired driving incidents reported by the police, including almost 3,500 drug-impaired driving incidents. The Criminal Code prohibits driving while impaired to any degree by drugs, alcohol, or a combination of both.

Police officers can demand that any lawfully stopped driver provide a preliminary breath sample to test for alcohol, even without reasonable suspicion that the driver has been drinking. Oral fluid drug screeners can detect the presence of certain drugs in a driver's system, including THC. If an officer has reasonable suspicion that a driver is under the influence of drugs, they can demand an oral fluid sample. Reasonable suspicion can be based on objective facts, such as the driver's behaviour or appearance. If a driver tests positive, this, combined with other signs of impairment or drug use, may provide grounds for further investigation, including a demand for a blood sample.

In addition to breath and oral fluid samples, police can also require drivers to submit to a Standard Field Sobriety Test (SFST) or a Drug Recognition Expert Evaluation (DRE). These tests help officers determine if a driver is impaired and under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Driving in winter

International students can generally drive in Canada, provided they have a valid licence from their home country. This will usually be accepted for a limited time, and some provinces require an International Driving Permit (IDP) as well. However, in Alberta, international students are not eligible for a driver's licence due to their non-permanent residency status.

If you are an international student driving in Canada during the winter, there are some important things to keep in mind. Firstly, plan ahead and check the weather and road conditions before setting out. Allow yourself extra travel time or wait for conditions to improve. It is important to dress warmly and have gloves, boots, warm socks, and a hat. Check the level of windshield washer fluid and make sure the tank is full of winter windshield washer fluid to prevent it from freezing. You should also check that your car lights work and that your fuel tank is full.

Once you are on the road, be alert, drive slowly, and stay in control of your vehicle. Look far ahead to recognize hazards and give yourself time to react. Be particularly careful on highway overpasses, which tend to freeze more quickly. Keep an eye out for "black ice", shiny black patches on the roadway. If you do encounter problems, remain inside your vehicle and use your hazard lights to attract attention. If you need to make a call, pull off the road and stop the vehicle. It is illegal in Canada to talk on the phone while driving.

In addition, winter tires are compulsory in some parts of Canada during certain months, and all provinces recommend switching to winter tires when the temperature falls below 7°C. Regular tires become hard and inflexible in cold weather and are less able to grip the road. Winter tires have a bigger tread and offer more control to drivers. However, they should be removed once the weather improves in the spring, as their softer rubber can be damaged more easily when the roads become warm.

Obtaining a Canadian license

Driving laws are strictly enforced in Canada, and there are penalties for breaking them. It is illegal to operate a vehicle without a valid license and registration. If you are an international student in Canada, you can drive with a foreign license for a limited time, typically the first 60 days, after arriving in the country. After this period, you will need to obtain a Canadian driver's license, which varies by province. For instance, in Ontario, you must apply for an Ontario driver's license if you don't have an International Driving Permit (IDP). In British Columbia, new residents have 90 days to obtain a BC driver's license. In Alberta, international students are ineligible to obtain a driver's license due to their non-permanent residency status. On the other hand, international students in Quebec can drive with a foreign license for the duration of their studies and do not need a Quebec license.

To obtain a Canadian driver's license, you must meet the requirements, which may include:

• Age: In Ontario, anyone 16 years and older can apply for a driver's license.
• Driving experience: Novice drivers or those without prior driving experience will need to take a driving test and gain experience before receiving a full license.
• Training: Enrolling in a driver-training program or reviewing the official road safety book of the province is necessary to learn the rules of the road.
• Language: If your license is not in English or French, it is recommended to obtain an IDP, which provides an authorized translation.

When driving in Canada, it is important to be aware of the strict regulations regarding alcohol and drug consumption. Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs is a serious offense and can result in criminal charges, jeopardizing immigration applications and leading to deportation for international students. Additionally, it is essential to familiarize yourself with Canadian road rules, speed limits, parking regulations, and road signs, as they may differ from those in your home country.

International Driving Permit

International students in Canada are generally allowed to drive, but the rules vary depending on the province and your driving history in your previous country of residence. In some provinces, international students can drive with a foreign licence for the duration of their studies, while other provinces require international students to apply for a local licence.

If you plan to drive in Canada, it is recommended that you obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) before your arrival. The IDP is a document that authorises individuals to drive in many foreign countries. It provides an English or French translation of your foreign driver's licence, which is essential if your licence is not in one of these languages.

To obtain an IDP, you must be 18 years or older and have a valid driver's licence. Only the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) is authorised to issue IDPs in Canada, and you can obtain one by visiting a store location in person or mailing the required documents to the store. The process typically takes less than an hour in person or about two working days by mail. As of December 1, 2023, the fee for an IDP is $31.00 CDN.

It is important to note that an IDP is only valid for one year from the date of issue or until the associated provincial driver's licence expires, whichever comes first. Additionally, some countries may have restrictions on the length of time you can drive with an IDP. Therefore, it is essential to check the driving rules and regulations of the province or territory you plan to visit before your trip.

Furthermore, driving laws in Canada are strictly enforced, and penalties for breaking the law can be severe. It is crucial to familiarise yourself with these laws, especially those related to winter driving, as snow and ice are significant hazards in most parts of the country. Canada also has strict regulations regarding the consumption of alcohol and marijuana before operating a motor vehicle, with criminal charges for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) that can impact immigration applications.

Frequently asked questions