Your driver's licence was issued in the United States
Vehicles that you may drive during the first six months
During the first six months after settling in Québec you may drive:
- a passenger vehicle
- a motorcycle
- a 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.
However, make sure that your foreign licence:
- is valid
- authorizes you to drive the type of road vehicle that you are using
Québec driver’s licence required after the first six months
Here is the procedure to obtain a Québec licence, according to the road vehicle that you drive. You can begin the application process as soon as you settle in Québec.
For a passenger vehicle, moped or scooter, or a farm tractor
You must Licence exchange allows holders of a licence issued in a Canadian province or territory other than Québec, in the United States or in a country that has entered into an agreement with Québec to obtain an equivalent Québec licence without having to follow a driving course. In some cases, holders may have to pass proficiency examinations before being eligible to exchange their licence. for a Québec licence corresponding to the equivalent class.
If your licence is valid or expired less than three years ago
You do not have to pass a Proficiency examinations allow the SAAQ to check the knowledge and skills of drivers. They include both knowledge and road tests and differ based on the class of driver's licence. They are almost always mandatory when an individual wants to obtain a licence for the first time. to obtain a passenger vehicle, farm tractor, moped or scooter licence.
If your licence expired three or more years ago
You must pass Proficiency examinations allow the SAAQ to check the knowledge and skills of drivers. They include both knowledge and road tests and differ based on the class of driver's licence. They are almost always mandatory when an individual wants to obtain a licence for the first time. before exchanging your American licence for a Québec passenger vehicle, farm tractor, moped or scooter licence.
For a motorcycle
You must Licence exchange allows holders of a licence issued in a Canadian province or territory other than Québec, in the United States or in a country that has entered into an agreement with Québec to obtain an equivalent Québec licence without having to follow a driving course. In some cases, holders may have to pass proficiency examinations before being eligible to exchange their licence. to operate a motorcycle for a Québec licence after first passing the motorcycle (Classes 6A, 6B and 6C) Proficiency examinations allow the SAAQ to check the knowledge and skills of drivers. They include both knowledge and road tests and differ based on the class of driver's licence. They are almost always mandatory when an individual wants to obtain a licence for the first time. .
For a truck, emergency vehicle, bus or minibus
You must Licence exchange allows holders of a licence issued in a Canadian province or territory other than Québec, in the United States or in a country that has entered into an agreement with Québec to obtain an equivalent Québec licence without having to follow a driving course. In some cases, holders may have to pass proficiency examinations before being eligible to exchange their licence. for a Québec licence corresponding to the equivalent class. To do so, you must:
- undergo a medical examination
- pass the Proficiency examinations allow the SAAQ to check the knowledge and skills of drivers. They include both knowledge and road tests and differ based on the class of driver's licence. They are almost always mandatory when an individual wants to obtain a licence for the first time. (knowledge test and road tests) to obtain the desired licence class
For heavy vehicle combinations (Class 1)
- If you have 24 or more months of experience driving a New requirements for exchanging a Class 1 licence come into effect on December 15, 2025. (or equivalent) vehicle:
- You must undergo a medical examination
- You must pass the Class 1 knowledge and road tests
- If you have between 12 and 24 months of experience driving a New requirements for exchanging a Class 1 licence come into effect on December 15, 2025. (or equivalent) vehicle AND
- your driver’s licence is valid or expired less than three years ago:
- You must undergo a medical examination
- You must pass the Class 1 knowledge and road tests
- If you fail the Class 1 tests twice, you will be required to complete mandatory training
- your driver’s licence expired three or more years ago:
- You must complete mandatory training
- your driver’s licence is valid or expired less than three years ago:
- If you have less than 12 months of experience driving a New requirements for exchanging a Class 1 licence come into effect on December 15, 2025. (or equivalent) vehicle:
- You must complete mandatory training
- You must complete mandatory training
Exceptional measures have been put into place for individuals who, prior to December 15, 2025, were declared eligible to exchange their licence authorizing them to drive heavy vehicle combinations (Class 1).
If this is your situation, the SAAQ will contact you before the end of the year.You will have until June 14, 2026 to obtain a Class 1 licence with the conditions in effect prior to December 15:
- you must undergo a medical examination;
- you must pass the Class 1 knowledge and road tests.
Procedure to exchange your licence
Step 1 – Meet the following conditions:
- be aged 16 or older (or 14 for a Class 6D licence for a moped or scooter with an engine displacement of 50 cc or less)
- hold an American licence
- have your principal residence in Québec
- have Canadian citizenship or the right to stay in Canada for more than six months
Step 2 – Request an appointment
Online
Request an appointment to have your driving experience acquired outside Québec recognized by completing the form.
If you need help completing the form, please call 1 833 762-1502.
We will contact you by phone or email within 20 business days after receiving your completed form.
Step 3 – Go to your service centre where you have your appointment with the following original documents:
- your American driver's licence
- proof of Canadian citizenship or the right to stay in Canada
- proof of residency in Québec
- proof that you resided in the American jurisdiction that issued your licence if you have held your licence for less than three years
- your driving record (recommended)
In certain situations, other documents may be required. When one of our representatives contacts you to schedule an appointment, be sure to ask which documents you must bring with you.
Step 4 (optional) – Pass the motorcycle proficiency tests (Classes 6A, 6B and 6C)
To help you prepare for the tests, we recommend you study the following publications, as applicable:
- Driver's Handbook (PDF, 22.9 MB) (electronic version available free of charge)
- Driving a Passenger Vehicle (PDF, 19.0 MB) (electronic version available free of charge)
- Operating a Motorcycle (PDF, 7.3 MB) (electronic version available free of charge)
Paper versions can also be purchased at bookstores in Québec.
You can also read:
- the Road Access Binder, available in both French and English at driving schools recognized by the SAAQ
Knowledge test
Depending on your situation, you may be able to take the knowledge test at the service centre on the same day as your appointment, or you may have to make another appointment. The fees for the test are $13.50.
Road tests
Once you pass the knowledge test, you may make an appointment for the road tests:
Online
You can make an appointment via SAAQclic .
By phone
If you wish to make an appointment for a knowledge or road test, but you do not have a Health Insurance Card because you have not been living in Québec for very long, call 1-800-361-7620, then press 2 and 2 again to speak to one of our representatives.
On the day of your road test(s), you must pay the applicable fees . Once you pass the applicable road test(s), you will be allowed to exchange your licence.
On the day of the road test, you must pay the applicable fees. If you pass the test, you will be allowed to exchange your licence.
Step 5 – Pay the licence exchange fees
The licence exchange fees vary depending on the licence class, and are higher if you apply for an additional licence class.
Payment options
At our service outlets, we accept payment:
- in cash
- by debit card (not available at some service outlets)
- by one or more pre-authorized debits (a cheque specimen must be provided)
- by cheque or money order
Payment by credit card is not accepted.
Driving experience
If the SAAQ considers that you have less than 24 months of experience driving a passenger vehicle, you will obtain a Licence issued to a person driving an automobile or a motorcycle alone for the first time. This licence allows the holder to acquire the driving experience necessary to obtain a driver's licence (24 months). The holder is subject to the zero-alcohol rule and the 4-demerit point bracket. . You will hold this licence until 24 months of driving experience have been recognized. We base ourselves on your American driver’s licence and driving record when recognizing your months of driving experience.
Last update: December 15, 2025