Welcome to Quebec. You've just moved here and you have many questions. What is allowed and what are the prohibitions regarding vehicles? We take stock.

Don't worry, with your foreign driver's license you can drive freely for 6 consecutive months. After this period, you must regularize your driving license. First of all, check the validity of your license and the type of vehicle you can drive. You will find our article on the different types of Quebec licenses here.

The International Driving Permit

This is the translation of the license you got when you left your home country. It describes the types of vehicles you are allowed to drive, according to a recognized international classification. The validity of the International Driving Permit is from 12 months to 3 years. Normally, you have already applied for it before arriving in Quebec.

Please note that the International Driving Permit does not replace the driver's license you hold in your country. It complements it. To be valid, you must have your original driver's licence and the international driver's licence at the time of the roadside check. Always carry these two documents with you wherever you go.

Be vigilant and regularly check the validity date of your driver's license.

From the original license to the Quebec license

If you intend to settle down for a long stay of more than 6 months, you must get a Quebec driver's license. Regularize your license before the 6 months are up. Any presentation of an invalid license is equivalent to a severe sanction, according to Quebec laws.

The vehicle you were driving, whether rented or in your possession, could be seized immediately for 30 days. You will be required to pay towing and storage fees. A person who drives a vehicle without a valid license or while their license is revoked or suspended is subject to a fine of $600 to $3,000 plus costs.

Conditions to follow before and during driving

1.         If you are a non-resident:

You are a student or trainee, you can drive a vehicle for the first 6 months after your arrival. Of course, you must have a valid driver's license and respect the conditions indicated on your license. If you have an international driver's license, you may drive any vehicle authorized by your foreign license during the validity of your international license. Always keep both licenses in your possession.

2. If you are a new resident of Quebec.

You can drive a car or motorcycle with a valid foreign driver's licence during your first 6 months of residence. After that, you must pass a skills test to obtain a Quebec license.

❖ if you have a driver's license, issued in Canada, you can simply exchange it for a Quebec license of the equivalent class. For this, you do not need to take the proficiency test. However, to exchange a professional class licence (class 1 to 4 C) authorizing the driving of a truck, an emergency vehicle, a minibus or a cab, a medical report will be required. In the case of a license issued outside Canada, you must apply for a Quebec license within a maximum of 12 months following your installation on the territory.

❖ If your license was issued in the United States, you can also exchange it for an equivalent license authorizing the driving of a class 5 vehicle or a class 6D moped without having to take the skills tests. The rest will be preceded by a skills test.

❖ you have a driver's license, issued in one of the following countries: France, Germany, Switzerland, England, Netherlands, Scotland, Wales, Austria, Northern Ireland, Belgium, Isle of Man, Japan, Taiwan, Republic of Korea. You can exchange your license for an equivalent license that allows you to drive recreational vehicles without taking a skills test.

❖ Otherwise, the skills test is required to obtain an equivalency on your license that has access to drive a Class 5 vehicle. You would need to be licensed at least one year prior to your migration to Quebec. To add another class to your licence, you must follow the gradual access process associated with the desired class.

Now, get ready to drive!