International Students: Getting A Canadian Driver's License

International students in Canada may be able to drive, depending on the province and their license status. While some provinces allow international students to drive with a valid foreign license, others require a provincial license. In Alberta, for example, international students are unable to obtain a driver's license due to their non-permanent residency status. However, in British Columbia, full-time international students can drive with a valid foreign license and are only required to obtain a BC license if they become permanent residents. Part-time international students in BC must obtain a provincial license within 90 days of moving to the province. Additionally, international students should be aware of Canada's strict regulations regarding alcohol and drug consumption when operating a motor vehicle, as violations can result in criminal charges and impact immigration applications.

Foreign licenses and International Driving Permits

International students in Canada with a valid driver's license from their home country can use it to drive in Canada for the first 60 days after their arrival. This applies to the provinces of Ontario and Quebec. In Quebec, international students and trainees can use their home country's license for the duration of their program. However, in Alberta, international students are ineligible to obtain a driver's license due to their non-permanent residency status. Full-time international students in British Columbia (BC) do not need a BC license, but they need a valid license from their home country. Part-time international students in BC will need to obtain a local license within 90 days of moving to the province.

If an international student in Canada plans to drive in the long term, they have a few options. One option is to apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP) from their home country before coming to Canada. An IDP is a document that, when accompanied by a valid driver's license, enables individuals to drive for leisure in many foreign countries, including Canada. It serves as an English/French translation of a foreign license. It is important to note that only the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) and the British Columbia Association of Automobiles (BCAA) are authorized to issue IDPs in Canada, and applications can be made in person or by mail. The validity of an IDP is for one year from the date of issue or until the associated provincial driver's license expires, whichever comes first.

Driving in Alberta, BC, and Ontario

International students in Canada can legally drive a car with a valid driver's license from their home country. However, this varies across provinces, with some provinces requiring additional documentation or an International Driving Permit (IDP). Here is a detailed guide for international students regarding driving in Alberta, BC, and Ontario:

Alberta

International students in Alberta cannot obtain a local driver's license due to their non-permanent residency status. However, they can drive using their valid driver's license from their home country, provided it is translated into English. Obtaining insurance as a new resident with a foreign driver's license can be challenging, as some insurance companies may not recognize foreign driving experience. It is recommended to have an IDP for licenses not in English or French.

British Columbia (BC)

In BC, full-time international students can drive using their valid home country driver's license for longer than six months. They must also carry their student ID to show proof of their student status to the police if requested. It is recommended to obtain a BC driver's license as soon as possible after moving to the province, as the validity of foreign licenses is limited to 90 days in BC.

Ontario

New residents in Ontario with valid foreign licenses can drive for 60 days after arriving in the province. After this period, individuals must apply for an Ontario driver's license. Anyone 16 years or older can apply for a driver's license in Ontario. Novice drivers or those without prior driving experience will need to take a driving test and gain experience before receiving a full license. To learn the rules of the road in Ontario, individuals can enrol in a driver-training program or review the province's official road safety book.

General Driving Tips for Canada

• Be aware of speed limits and parking rules.
• Yield to pedestrians and cyclists, and slow down and pull over for emergency vehicles.
• Make decisions about wild animals based on traffic conditions and their size.
• Use cellular devices with hands-free technology while driving.
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious offence and can lead to criminal charges and jeopardise immigration applications.

Driving under the influence

International students in Canada can drive using their home country's driver's license for a limited period, typically 60 days from their arrival, after which they must apply for a local license. However, it is crucial to be aware of Canada's strict laws against driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Drug-impaired driving laws were strengthened in 2016, and penalties for driving under the influence of drugs are now similar to those for DUI. The severity of the offense determines the penalty, which can range from fines to life imprisonment. Factors influencing sentencing include the concentration of substances in the system, prior offenses, and whether bodily harm or death was caused.

To determine impairment, police officers employ Standard Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs) and Drug Recognition Evaluations (DREs) conducted by certified Drug Recognition Experts. These evaluations involve physical examinations and coordination tests. Additionally, officers can request oral fluid samples or breath samples to test for the presence of drugs or alcohol.

In summary, while international students in Canada may be eligible to drive with their home country's driver's license for a short period, it is essential to abide by the country's strict laws against driving under the influence of substances. The consequences of DUI can be severe, and those convicted may face criminal charges and jeopardize their immigration status.

Car rental and insurance

International students in Canada can rent cars from companies such as InternationalStudent.com, which provides low-cost rental options for students around the world. In Vancouver, students can also take advantage of car-sharing services, which are an affordable way to get around the city without taking public transit. These services include Enterprise, which is recommended for being much more affordable than other rental brands and useful for road trips with friends.

When renting a car, it is important to read the fine print of your car hire contract, as there may be hidden clauses. For example, Third-Party Liability Insurance usually does not cover collisions or any damages to the rental vehicle itself. Therefore, it is vital for the driver to ensure that the vehicle is not damaged during the rental, regardless of who is at fault.

Regarding car insurance, international students in Canada are legally required to have car insurance if they plan to drive. Car insurance is mandatory for all drivers in Canada, and the minimum amount of insurance required by law includes third-party liability coverage, accident benefits coverage, and uninsured automobile coverage. Third-party liability coverage protects you if you cause an accident that results in property damage or injury to another person. Accident benefits coverage provides financial support to cover medical expenses and lost wages if you are injured in a car accident. Uninsured automobile coverage helps protect you if you are in an accident with an uninsured driver. Additionally, there are optional types of car insurance, such as collision coverage and comprehensive coverage, which covers damage to your car if you cause a collision, and protects you against theft, vandalism, and other types of damage, respectively.

Finding car insurance as an international student in Canada can be challenging and overwhelming, especially if you are unfamiliar with the Canadian car insurance system and the regulations that apply in your province or territory. It is important to research several providers and discuss your needs and budget with your insurance provider. Car insurance rates for international drivers tend to be high, so it is helpful to know ways to keep rates low, such as maintaining a clean driving record, increasing your deductible, enrolling in an approved driving school, paying auto insurance annually, and installing winter tires on your vehicle.

Winter driving safety

International students in Canada can drive using their home country's driver's license for the first 60 days after arriving in the country. After this, it depends on the province and their residency status. For example, in Ontario, anyone 16 or older can apply for a driver's license, but in Alberta, international students are ineligible due to their non-permanent residency status. In Quebec, international students do not need a local license for the duration of their studies but must have a license from their home country.

Regardless of your license status, driving in wintery conditions can be dangerous. Here are some tips for staying safe on the road in Canada during the winter:

• Get an emergency kit for your car, including essential safety and winter equipment.
• Always drive slowly and carefully on snow- and ice-covered roads. Driving too quickly is the main cause of winter collisions.
• Leave more room than usual between your vehicle and the one in front of you. It takes much longer to stop on snowy and icy roads, so give yourself extra distance to brake safely.
• Avoid passing other vehicles when the weather and road conditions are poor.
• Use winter tires on all wheels for better traction on cold, snowy, or icy roads.
• If your vehicle has Electronic Stability Control (ESC), be aware that it will kick in if your vehicle is at risk of skidding or losing control. Slow down and drive more cautiously when this happens.
• Never use cruise control in snowy, icy, or wet conditions. If your car hydroplanes, it will try to accelerate, and you may lose control.
• Always clear your vehicle of snow and frost before driving, and make sure your windows are clear of fog. This will help you see better and prevent snow from sliding onto your windshield or other cars.
• If you or your passengers remove bulky coats and jackets while in the car, remember that everyone must still wear a seatbelt.

Frequently asked questions