Obtaining a Driver's Licence

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 conditions your licence comes with.

Non-residents visiting Québec

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

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

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

If you wish to continuing driving in Québec once the six months are over, you must have your driving experience acquired outside Québec recognized in order to obtain a Québec driver's licence. To do so, we recommend that you make an appointment as soon as you arrive in Québec, using the form available on our website: Appointment to Have Driving Experience Acquired Outside Québec Recognized. We will analyze your file and contact you to explain the next steps within 20 business days (approximately 30 calendar days) of receiving your request. 

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 follow a training course and pass proficiency tests.

If your licence was issued in Canada

You may exchange your licence for a Québec driver's licence of an equivalent class without having to take the proficiency tests.

However, to exchange a professional class of licence (licence that authorizes its holder to drive a truck, an emergency vehicle, a bus or a minibus—equivalent to Classes 1 to 4B in Québec), a medical report may be required.

If your licence was issued in the United States 

You may exchange your licence for an equivalent licence authorizing you to drive a passenger vehicle (Class 5) or a moped or 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 (Class 6A, 6B or 6C), a truck, an emergency vehicle, a bus or a minibus (Classes 1 to 4B).

If your licence was issued in any of the following countries or jurisdictions:

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 a passenger vehicle (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 (Class 6A, 6B or 6C).

If your licence was issued in a country or jurisdiction other than the ones listed above 

You may obtain an equivalent licence authorizing you to drive a passenger vehicle (Class 5) after passing the proficiency (knowledge and road) tests.

You must, however, have held your licence for at least one year before settling in Québec. 

To prepare for the tests, visit the Preparing for the Knowledge and Road Tests page.