Foreign Driver's License Exchange Tool
Find out if your home country license qualifies for a direct Canadian license swap — and get step-by-step guidance for Ontario, BC, Alberta, and Quebec.
Your Driving Profile
Exchange Eligibility Report
Check Your Eligibility
Select your country, province, and experience level — then click Check Exchange Rules.
Provincial License Exchange Comparison
A quick reference across Canada's four largest provinces for newcomer driver licensing.
| Province | Agency | Grace Period | Direct Swap? | Non-Reciprocal Process | Typical Fee (Reciprocal) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario | DriveTest (MTO) | 60 days | Yes (if country on MTO list) | G2 then G road tests | ~$158.25 CAD (includes license + 5-year fee for new applicants) |
| British Columbia | ICBC | 90 days | Yes (if country on ICBC list) | Class 7N then Class 5 road tests | ~$31 CAD (knowledge test) + ~$35 CAD per road test attempt + $75 license fee |
| Alberta | Registry Agents | 90 days | Yes (expanded list in 2025) | Class 5 road test after GDL period | ~$19 CAD (Class 5 exchange, reciprocal countries) or ~$28 per knowledge test at a Registry Agent |
| Quebec | SAAQ | 6 months | Yes (SAAQ list — includes France, Belgium, USA) | Class 5 road test after probationary period | ~$27 CAD (exchange fee) + knowledge test fees + optional road test re-take fees |
Graduated Licensing Systems Explained
Grace period: 60 days from becoming an Ontario resident
Graduated License Stages:- G1 — Written knowledge test; supervised driving only (licensed G driver required in front passenger seat)
- G2 — First road test passed; most solo driving permitted; 0.00 BAC for 3 years
- G — Full license; second road test on 400-series highway required
Approximate Fees: ~$158.25 CAD (includes license + 5-year fee for new applicants)
Grace period: 90 days from becoming a BC resident
Graduated License Stages:- Class 7L (Learner) — Accompanied driving only (supervisor must be licensed 25+ with Class 5)
- Class 7N (Novice) — Solo driving permitted; 0.00 BAC; no high-risk passengers at night
- Class 5 — Full BC license; unrestricted driving
Approximate Fees: ~$31 CAD (knowledge test) + ~$35 CAD per road test attempt + $75 license fee
Grace period: 90 days from becoming an Alberta resident
Graduated License Stages:- Class 7 (GDL Learner) — Accompanied driving; 0.00 BAC; supervisor must be Class 5+ (18+)
- Class 5 GDL (Intermediate) — Solo driving; 0.00 BAC; no more than 1 passenger for first 6 months (under 18s)
- Class 5 Non-GDL — Full Alberta license; unrestricted
Approximate Fees: ~$19 CAD (Class 5 exchange, reciprocal countries) or ~$28 per knowledge test at a Registry Agent
Grace period: 6 months from establishing residence in Quebec
Graduated License Stages:- Learner's permit (permis d'apprenti) — Must pass theoretical test; supervised driving only
- Probationary license (permis probatoire) — Solo driving; 0.00 BAC; 4 demerits max before suspension
- Class 5 — Full Quebec license; unrestricted
Approximate Fees: ~$27 CAD (exchange fee) + knowledge test fees + optional road test re-take fees