Non-resident of Québec (visitor, tourist or other)
If you are travelling in Québec, you may drive for six consecutive months with your licence issued outside Québec, provided your licence:
- is valid
- authorizes you to drive the type of vehicle that you are using
Vehicles that you may drive
You may drive any type of vehicle, as long as your licence issued outside Québec authorizes you to and you abide by its conditions.
If you stay in Québec for longer than six months
You must hold a valid international driving permit to be allowed to continue to drive on Québec roads.
You must always drive with both licences – your driver's licence issued outside Québec and your international driving permit. You are allowed to drive in Québec for as long as both these licences are valid.
The international driving permit can only be issued in the country in which you obtained your driver's licence , and may be valid for one to three years. You must apply for your permit before coming to Québec.
If your licence is written in a language other than French or English
We recommend that you get an international driving permit before coming to Québec, regardless of the length of your stay.
If you take up residence in Québec
If your licence issued outside Québec authorizes you to, you may operate a passenger vehicle, motorcycle or A 2- or 3-wheel passenger vehicle equipped with an electric motor or a gasoline-powered engine with a cylinder capacity of no more than 50 cc and an automatic transmission. during the first six months after setting in Québec.
After that time, you are required to hold a Québec licence. You may apply for a Québec licence as soon as you settle in the province. The process for obtaining such a licence varies depending on which jurisdiction issued your driver's licence.
Last update: December 12, 2025