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

Driver's Licence Issued Outside Québec

Learning to drive in Québec

Driving in Québec may be different from what you know. To learn the driving rules and behaviours specific to Québec and improve your chances of passing the knowledge and road tests, visit the following web page: Preparing for the Knowledge and Road Tests.

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. However, you cannot drive a Class 1 vehicle (heavy vehicle) after six months if:

  • you have a home address in Québec;
  • you have the right to stay in Canada for six months or more.

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.

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.

Have your driving experience acquired outside Québec recognized

Answer the following questions to find out whether you can have your driving experience recognized as a new resident in Québec.

    1 Select the answer that applies to your situation

    You are a…

Last update: April 28, 2026