Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec
Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec

Driver's Licence Issued Outside Québec

As of December 15, 2025, new eligibility requirements for a Class 1 driver’s licence will be in effect.

Exceptions will be made to allow anyone who began the process of obtaining a Class 1 licence before December 15, 2025 to continue following the steps required under the regulations in effect at that time, provided certain conditions are met. The SAAQ will contact all those covered by this measure between now and the end of the year.

To find out what is required in your particular situation, please fill out the form at the bottom of the page.

Non-resident of Québec

If your principal residence is not in the province of Québec and you hold a valid driver’s licence issued by another Canadian province or territory or another country, you can drive in Québec for six consecutive months. After that time, you must hold an international driving permit.

  • If you are a temporary foreign worker, you are considered a non-resident if you are in one of the following situations:
    • Your principal residence is not in Québec.
    • You have the right to stay in Canada for six months or less.

New resident in Québec

If your principal residence is in the province of Québec, you must obtain a Québec licence if you:

  • have Canadian citizenship
  • are a permanent resident
  • have another type of immigration status

You can apply for your licence as soon as you arrive.

If you are a temporary foreign worker, you are considered a new resident if you meet the following two criteria:

  • Your principal residence is in Québec.
  • You have the right to stay in Canada for longer than six months.

Driving with a driver’s licence issued outside Québec

As a new resident, you can drive the following vehicles for up to six consecutive months:

  • a passenger vehicle
  • a motorcycle
  • a moped or scooter

However, your driver’s licence issued outside Québec must be valid and authorize you to drive these categories of vehicles.

Even if your current licence authorizes you to, you may not drive:

  • a truck or heavy vehicle combination
  • an emergency vehicle
  • a bus
  • a minibus
  • a taxi or a vehicle comparable to a taxi

To drive these vehicles, you must obtain a Québec licence of the appropriate class. Depending on the category of vehicle you wish to drive, you may have to take a training course and pass proficiency tests.

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Last update: December 18, 2025