In order to be authorized to drive in Québec, you must hold a valid driver's licence that bears the appropriate class for the type of vehicle you are driving and abide by any attached conditions.
You can drive a road vehicle for 6 consecutive months without exchanging your driver's licence for a Québec driver's licence.
If you are a student, cooperant or trainee, you may drive an automobile, a motorcycle or a moped/motorized scooter for the duration of your studies or traineeship in Québec without having to exchange your driver's licence for a Québec driver's licence.
You must, however, meet the following conditions:
If you hold an international driver's permit, you may drive road vehicles authorized by your foreign driver's licence for the entire validity period of your international driver's permit.
You must have both of these licences with you whenever you drive.
During the 6 months that follow your settlement in Québec, you may drive an automobile, a motorcycle or a moped/motorized scooter if you hold a valid driver's licence issued outside of Québec authorizing you to drive the corresponding category of vehicle.
After 6 months, you must obtain a Québec driver's licence to be allowed to continue driving. You can apply for your licence as soon as you arrive in Québec.
You may exchange your licence for a Québec driver's licence of an equivalent class without having to take the proficiency tests.
To exchange a professional class of licence (licence that authorizes its holder to drive an emergency vehicle, a bus, a minibus or a taxi—equivalent to Classes 1 to 4C in Québec), a medical report may be required.
To obtain a Québec driver's licence under the conditions listed below, you must apply for the licence within 12 months of settling in Canada.
You may exchange your licence for an equivalent licence authorizing you to drive an automobile (Class 5) or a moped/motorized scooter (Class 6D) without having to take the proficiency tests.
You will, however, have to pass the proficiency tests to obtain a licence to drive a motorcycle (Classes 6A, 6B or 6C), a truck, an emergency vehicle, a bus, a minibus or a taxi (Classes 1 to 4C).
Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Great Britain, Isle of Man, Japan, the Netherlands, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan.
You may exchange your licence for an equivalent licence authorizing you to drive an automobile (Class 5) without having to take the proficiency tests.
You will, however, have to pass the proficiency tests to obtain a licence to drive a motorcycle (Classes 6A, 6B or 6C).
You may obtain an equivalent licence authorizing you to drive an automobile (Class 5) after passing the proficiency tests.
You must, however, have held your licence for at least one year before settling in Québec.
If the SAAQ considers that you have fewer than 24 months of experience driving an automobile or a motorcycle, you will be issued a probationary licence.
You will hold this licence until you have accumulated 24 months of driving experience.
If you do not meet the requirements listed above, but wish to obtain a Québec driver's licence, you will have to meet the graduated licensing requirements, which include:
During the learning phase (learner's licence) and probationary phase (probationary licence), you will be subject to the following restrictions:
For more information, visit the page on Canadian or foreign driver's licences
To speak with an information officer or to make an appointment to check whether you qualify for a driver's licence, call one of the following telephone numbers:
Montréal area: 514-954-7771
Elsewhere in Québec: 1-888-356-6616
Last update: January 27, 2022
