How to drive in Quebec is one of the most frequently asked questions for those who are immigrating, or just traveling, to the province. Did you know that you don’t need to have a Brazilian National Driver’s License (CNH) to obtain a driver’s license in Canada?
In today’s article you’ll find the answers to these and other questions about driving in Quebec. Check it out!
Driving in Quebec as a foreigner
Let’s start by clarifying that, unlike some countries, such as Brazil, a driver’s license in Canada is only valid throughout the country for travel between provinces.
This means that if you live in one province and want to move to another, you will have to go through the process of issuing the document again. The explanation is simple: each region has its own traffic rules, so the requirements for driving a vehicle are different.
Specifically in Quebec, if you have just moved, are just passing through – whether as a tourist or a student – you can use the International Driving Permit (IDP) for a maximum of six months.
The following people from outside Canada can apply to exchange their current license for a Quebec license, or can start the process to obtain one:
- Foreign workers authorized to work temporarily in Canada for more than 6 months.
- Spouses and children of temporary foreign workers, provided they are authorized to stay in Canada for more than 6 months.
- Foreign students authorized to study in Canada for more than 6 months.
Next, we’ll look at how new residents in Quebec should go about obtaining a driver’s license.
For new residents holding a foreign driving license
In Quebec, the body responsible for issuing a driver’s license or changing it if it was issued by another country is the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ). For new residents with a driver’s license issued by a country other than Canada or the United States. The requirements for exchanging a driving license vary according to the country that originally issued it.
For immigrants from Latin American countries, it is possible to obtain a license authorizing you to drive a car (Class 5) after passing the required tests, provided you had a license for at least one year before settling in Quebec.
To obtain a license class other than Class 5, you will have to follow the corresponding regular licensing procedure. Check out the necessary steps:
- Make an appointment to visit a service station in Quebec
- Come with your proof of right to stay in Canada, proof of residence in Quebec, your valid foreign driver’s license and a document proving your residence in Quebec for the last three years.
- Take the knowledge test and pay $12.00 CAD.
- Take a road test and pay the test fees: $30.00 CAD.
Finally, if you pass the road test, you will receive a Quebec driver’s license. It is worth noting that in order to exchange a professional driver’s license authorizing you to drive a truck, emergency vehicle, bus, minibus or cab (Classes 1 to 4C), you may need a medical report.
For new residents NOT holding a foreign driving license
You can get your driver’s license in Quebec as long as you are at least 16 years old and have the consent of your parents or guardians – for those over 18, consent is waived.
Have you met these requirements? Then follow these steps:
- Enroll in a Class 5 driving course at a school recognized by the Association québécoise des transports (AQTr).
- Complete the first stage of the driving course.
- Take the knowledge test given by the driving school, which costs $12.00 CAD and lasts 30 minutes.
- Once approved, apply for a student license (L).
- Have your eyes tested and fill in a Declaration of Illness or Disability form.
- Pay the $74.30 CAD fee for a license valid for 18 months.
When you have completed these steps, you will receive your L license and be considered a learner driver. However, you must continue with the course at the selected driving school. After 12 months you can apply for a probationary license. Finally, your definitive Class 5 license will be issued if you maintain a good driving record for two years.
Renewing your driver’s license to drive in Quebec
Driving licenses are renewed every four years, but are paid for every year on the anniversary date. The annual fee includes insurance and taxes, paid to the Ministry of Finance, plus administrative fees.
It’s important to know that in Quebec, when you take out car insurance, it covers property damage. This is the insurance paid for by the driver’s license that covers bodily injury. Note that the amount to be paid annually also takes into account the number of demerit points. For more information, see the SAAQ website.
The points system
In its ongoing efforts to improve road safety in Quebec, the SAAQ has applied a demerit point system since 1973. This system considers the relative seriousness of various violations of the Road Safety Code in order to penalize guilty drivers.
As a general rule, in Quebec, you leave with a points balance of 0 (for children under 25, special regulations apply, see below). For every verbal infraction, in addition to the fine, you earn demerit points. These points are kept in your file for two years and automatically disappear on the second anniversary of the offense.
That’s it! You now have the main information you need to obtain a driver’s license in Quebec as a foreigner. When you get that right, remember to drive responsibly!
Note: the figures shown refer to 2022 and may change.
Did you like these tips? Here on the École Québec blogyou can find more information on how to start a new phase of your life in Canada. Explore!
