International Drivers License Information on www.idlicense.com

Every province and territory in Canada has its own rules regarding obtaining a driving licence. Some allow certain countries to exchange licences without having to retake driving tests or having medicals etc. We take a look at each province to see who can swap and who cannot. In most provinces you can drive on your existing licence for a maximum of 90 days, after which you are required to hold a provincial driving licence. There are exceptions to this rule, so please check with the relevant province.

Alberta

In Alberta, a valid licence from the United States can be exchanged for an equivalent Class 5, 6, or 7. All other classes require testing and must provide applicable medical and vision screening.

A valid licence from Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Switzerland and the United Kingdom (excluding Northern Ireland) can be exchanged for a Class 5 when the applicant is presenting a valid licence of equivalent class.

A valid licence from a country that has a reciprocal agreement with Alberta, includes Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Switzerland and the United Kingdom of Great Britain (excluding Northern Ireland), can be exchanged for a Class 5 when the applicant is presenting a valid licence of equivalent class. A Class 6 operator's licence shall be issued to valid Swiss Class A, A1 licence and a Japanese International driver's licence which permits the holder to operate a motorcycle. All other classes requested would require testing and must provide applicable medical and vision screening. All applicants must present immigration and residency documentation.

Please note that it is a criminal offence to provide false information on a driver’s licence or identification card application.

Alberta can cancel a driver’s licence or identification card if it is determined that the application contained misrepresentation, false information or inaccuracies:

• If you are a new resident in Alberta, you must obtain an Alberta driver’s licence within 90 days of moving to the province, regardless of whether you travel outside Alberta during those 90 days
  
  
• If you are working in Alberta but have your residence outside the province, you may continue to use the valid licence from your home jurisdiction
  
  
• If you are visiting Alberta, you may use your valid licence from your home jurisdiction as long as you have a legitimate residence there and do not take up residency in Alberta
  
  
• If you are visiting Alberta from outside Canada and using an International Driving Permit (IDP), you may drive in Alberta for up to 12 months using the IDP in conjunction with your valid home jurisdiction licence
  
  
• If you are staying in Alberta as a full time student or you are working here as part of a co-op program of study, you may use your valid driver’s licence from your home jurisdiction

 British Columbia

British Columbia has a driver licence exchange agreement with the United States, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Japan and South Korea. You must have held your existing licence for at least two years

Exchanges apply to American passenger car or motorcycle operator’s licence, Austrian, German or Swiss Category B or German Class 3 driver’s licence for passenger cars, or a Japanese Ordinary driver’s licence or a South Korean Class 2 Ordinary driver’s licence for passenger cars.

If you are from a country not listed above you will need to qualify for a B.C. licence. This includes passing a road signs test, a knowledge test, vision screening and a road test. You will also need to meet the medical and application requirements.

Manitoba

If you hold a valid driver’s licence from anywhere in the U.S., you can surrender your valid driver’s licence and obtain a Manitoba licence.

If you hold a driver’s licence from any other country you will need to take and pass Manitoba’s knowledge, road, and vision tests.

New Brunswick

If you are from Australia, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands (Holland), New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Scotland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland or Wales you may exchange a valid drivers licence for a class 5 New Brunswick licence. Licences for commercial vehicles will require you to retake your tests.

If you are from any other country, not listed, then you will have to take a full driver licence examination, including written, vision and road tests paying all applicable fees.

Newfoundland & Labrador

Newcomers from the United States, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and the United Kingdom (excluding Northern Ireland) can exchange their existing licence for a Class 5 Newfoundland driver’s licence without taking a written, vision or road test.

Commercial driver’s licence may also require a medical report.

If you hold a driver’s licence from any other country, you will need to take and pass Newfoundland’s knowledge, road, and vision tests.

Nova Scotia

Anyone relocating from the United States can exchange their existing licence for a Class 5 licence.

People who have a valid driver’s licence from other foreign countries will be required to take a vision test, written test on safety rules, a written road sign test and a road test.

Ontario

Drivers from Canadian Forces-Europe, U.S.A., Japan, Korea, Switzerland, Germany, France, Great Britain, Austria and Belgium, Australia and Isle of Man can exchange their licences for a full G licence. Certain restrictions may apply.

Anyone arriving from any other country must undergo complete testing for all classes of licence requested and must provide applicable medical and vision screening as required.

Prince Edward Island

Licences from the United States can be exchanged for equivalent PEI licences.

For individuals coming from other countries and have never been licensed in the United Sates or Canada, complete testing (written, vision and driving) is required.

Quebec

U.S. licences can be exchanged for a Québec licence for a passenger car or a moped without taking a test. For vehicles other than passenger cars and mopeds, tests are required.

Anyone from the following countries: Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Japan, Netherlands, Republic of Korea (South Korea), Switzerland, Great Britain (excluding Northern Ireland), Taiwan or Turkey can exchange their licence for an equivalent Quebec licence.

Anyone arriving from any other country must undergo complete testing for all classes of licence requested and must provide applicable medical and vision screening as required.

Saskatchewan

If you are moving from the United States, United Kingdom, Gibraltar, Northern Ireland, Switzerland, South Korea, Germany or Austria you will be able to exchange your licence for an equivalent Saskatchewan licence.

If you are moving from a jurisdiction outside of these countries, you will have to complete written, vision and road examinations prior to being issued a Saskatchewan driver’s licence.

Notes

Most of the exchange agreements require you to surrender your existing home country driving licence. You may also be required to take a vision test and disclose any medical conditions that may affect your ability to drive. Some provinces require a medical to be taken for certain types of licence, particularly commercial licences.

You will be required to provide proof of residency documentation such as your immigration papers as well as identification documents such as a passport.

Most of the provinces exchange programs are subject to minimum driving experience in your home country. Therefore you will also need to provide proof of driving experience if not contained within your existing licence documentation.

It is a legal requirement in Canada to always have your licence on you when driving and you must present it to official bodies if required to do so.

A driving licence can be used to obtain other forms of identification and so should be kept securely to avoid theft and misuse.

Driving licences in Canada are renewable after a certain period of time such as five years. It is your responsibility to make sure your licence is always kept up to date.

Travel by air or sea between Mexico, Canada or USA requred to present travel passport. If you are planning business travel, a ski trip, Spring Break, family vacation or warm weather excursion, be prepared to carry a federally recognized identification to enter the US, even if you are a US citizen. The same rules will apply to roads and land border crossings in 2008.

Beginning January 8, 2007 anyone traveling by air or sea to or from the United States and Canada or Mexico must carry a passport or other federally recognized identification to return to the United States.

These new rules also apply to U.S. citizens entering from Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda.

On January 1, 2008 the rules will be extended to all border crossings, including those on land. This new requirement will also affect certain foreign nationals who currently are not required to present a passport to travel to the United States. Most Canadian citizens, citizens of British Overseas Territory of Bermuda and Mexican citizens will be affected by the implementation of this requirement.

Check your passport and make sure that it is current, or get one if you do not have it already. Getting a passport takes time. The Passport Services Office provides information and services to American citizens about how to obtain, replace or change a passport. A passport is an internationally recognized travel document that verifies the identity and nationality of the bearer. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue or verify United States passports.

To obtain a passport for the first time, you need to go in person to one of 9,000 passport acceptance facilities located throughout the United States with two photographs of yourself, proof of U.S. citizenship, and a valid form of photo identification such as a drivers license. This also applies if your passport has expired and is not in your possession, if it was issued more than 15 years ago, if it was issued when you were under 16 years of age, or if your passport is being replaced because it was lost or stolen.

Plan ahead and allow at least eight to ten weeks to process your request for a new Passport. All the more reason to make sure that you have a current Passport now. You may have the opportunity or need to travel, and may not have more than two months to wait for a Passport. Acceptance facilities include many Federal, state and probate courts, post offices, some public libraries and a number of county and municipal offices. There are also 13 regional passport agencies, and 1 Gateway City Agency, which serve customers who are traveling within 2 weeks (14 days), or who need foreign visas for travel. Appointments are required to request expedited processing.

Passports can also be used as identification for domestic travel within the US. Tired of pulling out your wallet and Drivers License every time that you approach a ticket counter, security or gate check? You can keep your wallet, credit cards and cash in your pocket or purse and present your Passport instead. Many business travelers have learned the convenience of keeping their Passport in a convenient pouch with carry-on luggage to expedite the security identification verification process.

For a convenient list of Carry-On Restrictions:

Sharp Objects
Column1	Column2	Column3
Item	Carry-on	Checked
Box Cutters	No	Yes
Ice Axes/Ice Picks	No	Yes
Knives - except for plastic or round bladed butter knives	No	Yes
Meat Cleavers	No	Yes
Razor-Type Blades - such as box cutters, utility knives, razor blades not in a cartridge, but excluding safety razors.	No	Yes
Sabers	No	Yes
Scissors - metal with pointed tips and blades shorter than four inches	Yes	Yes
Swords	No	Yes
NOTE: Any sharp objects in checked baggage should be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and inspectors.
Sporting Goods
Column1	Column2	Column3
Item	Carry-on	Checked
Baseball Bats	No	Yes
Bows and Arrows	No	Yes
Cricket Bats	No	Yes
Golf Clubs	No	Yes
Hockey Sticks	No	Yes
Lacrosse Sticks	No	Yes
Pool Cues	No	Yes
Ski Poles	No	Yes
Spear Guns	No	Yes
For more information, please read our Traveling with Special Items section.
Guns & Firearms
Item	Carry-on	Checked
Ammunition - Check with your airline or travel agent to see if ammunition is permitted in checked baggage on the airline you are flying. If ammunition is permitted, it must be declared to the airline at check-in. Small arms ammunitions for personal use must be securely packed in fiber, wood or metal boxes or other packaging specifically designed to carry small amounts of ammunition. Ask about limitations or fees, if any, that apply. Read our Firearms & Ammunition section.	No	Yes
BB guns	No	Yes
Compressed Air Guns (to include paintball markers) - Carried in checked luggage without compressed air cylinder attached.	No	Yes
Firearms - firearms carried as checked baggage MUST be unloaded, packed in a locked hard-sided container, and declared to the airline at check-in. Read our Firearms & Ammunition section.	No	Yes
Flare Guns - May be carried as checked baggage MUST be unloaded, packed in a locked hard-sided container, and declared to the airline at check-in. Read our section on Camping.	No	Yes
Flares	No	No
Gun Lighters	No	Yes
Gun Powder including black powder and percussion caps	No	No
Parts of Guns and Firearms	No	Yes
Pellet Guns	No	Yes
Realistic Replicas of Firearms	No	Yes
Starter Pistols	No	Yes
NOTE: Check with your airline or travel agent to see if firearms are permitted in checked baggage on the airline you are flying. Ask about limitations or fees, if any, that apply.
Tools
Column1	Column2	Column3
Item	Carry-on	Checked
Axes and Hatchets	No	Yes
Cattle Prods	No	Yes
Crowbars	No	Yes
Hammers	No	Yes
Drills and drill bits (including cordless portable power drills)	No	Yes
Saws (including cordless portable power saws)	No	Yes
Tools (greater than seven inches in length)	No	Yes
Tools (seven inches or less in length)	Yes	Yes
Screwdrivers (seven inches or less in length)	Yes	Yes
Wrenches and Pliers (seven inches or less in length)	Yes	Yes
NOTE: Any sharp objects in checked baggage should be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and Security Officers.
Martial Arts & Self Defense Items
Column1	Column2	Column3
Item	Carry-on	Checked
Billy Clubs	No	Yes
Black Jacks	No	Yes
Brass Knuckles	No	Yes
Kubatons	No	Yes
Mace/Pepper Spray - One 118 ml or 4 Fl. oz. container of mace or pepper spray is permitted in checked baggage provided it is equipped with a safety mechanism to prevent accidental discharge. For more information visit www.faa.gov., click on Passengers, then Preparing to Fly.	No	Yes
Martial Arts Weapons	No	Yes
Night Sticks	No	Yes
Nunchakus	No	Yes
Stun Guns/Shocking Devices	No	Yes
Throwing Stars	No	Yes
NOTE: Any sharp objects in checked baggage should be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and Security Officers.
Explosive & Flammable Materials, Disabling Chemicals & Other Dangerous Items
Column1	Column2	Column3
Explosive Materials	Carry-on	Checked
Blasting Caps	No	No
Dynamite	No	No
Fireworks	No	No
Flares (in any form)	No	No
Hand Grenades	No	No
Plastic Explosives	No	No
Realistic Replicas of Explosives	No	No
Column1	Column2	Column3
Flammable Items	Carry-on	Checked
Aerosol (any except for personal care or toiletries in limited quantities)	No	No
Fuels (including cooking fuels and any flammable liquid fuel)	No	No
Gasoline	No	No
Gas Torches	No	No
Lighter Fluid	No	No
Common Lighters - Lighters without fuel are permitted in checked baggage. Lighters with fuel are prohibited in checked baggage, unless they adhere to the Department of Transportation (DOT) exemption, which allows up to two fueled lighters if properly enclosed in a DOT approved case. If you are uncertain as to whether your lighter is prohibited, please leave it at home.	Yes	No
Torch Lighters - Torch lighters create a thin, needle-like flame that is hotter (reaching 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit) and more intense than those from common lighters. Torch lighters are often used for pipes and cigars, and maintain a consistent stream of air-propelled fire regardless of the angle at which it is held. Torch lighters continue to be banned.	No	No
Strike-anywhere Matches - One book of safety (non-strike anywhere) matches are permitted as carry-on items, but all matches are prohibited in checked baggage.	No	No
Flammable Paints (See Other Items below for non-flammable paints)	No	No
Turpentine and Paint Thinner	No	No
Realistic Replicas of Incendiaries	No	No
NOTE: There are other hazardous materials that are regulated by the FAA. This information is summarized at www.faa.gov, click on Passengers, then Preparing to Fly.
Disabling Chemicals & Other Dangerous Items	Carry-on	Checked
Chlorine for Pools and Spas	No	No
Small compressed gas cartridges	Yes	Yes
(Up to 2 in life vests and 2 spares)
Fire extinguishers and other compressed gas cylinders	No	No
Liquid Bleach	No	No
Spillable Batteries - except those in wheelchairs	No	No
Spray Paint	No	No
Tear Gas	No	No
NOTE: There are other hazardous materials that are regulated by the FAA. This information is summarized at www.faa.gov.
Other Items
Column1	Column2	Column3
Item	Carry-on	Checked
Gel-type candles	No	Yes
Gel shoe inserts - Gel shoe inserts are not permitted, but shoes constructed with gel heels are allowed and must be removed and screened. Read more on our shoe screening policy.	No	Yes
Non-flammable liquid, gel, or aerosol paint	Yes - 3 oz. or smaller container	Yes
Flammable liquid, gel, or aerosol paint	No	No
Snow globes and like decorations regardless of size or amount of liquid inside, even with documentation.	No	Yes

Traveling to Canada and Mexico in an American based rental car because travelers prefer having their own transportation, and in many areas it is necessary to rent a car to get from place to place. The insurance that comes with the rental car does not cover you once the car has left the country. If you are not sure about your coverage, always be sure to check your rental agreement. While this is important in Canada, it is vital in Mexico. While it is possible to buy special Mexican car insurance when traveling there, it is generally not recommended that casual visitors drive into Mexico. It is generally better to park in one of the border lots and take the shuttle bus to the border.

To drive abroad, either in Canada, Mexico, Europe or anywhere else outside of your country, it is a good idea to obtain an international drivers license . While an international drivers license or order international translation of driving licence  is not required everywhere, it is a good idea to get one. The International Driver's License is a document with which the Original Driver's License give you the right to drive a motor vehicle in more than 200 countries worldwide. The International Driving License does not substitute the Original Driver's License and must only be used as an additional document, when you travel abroad. The International Drivers Licence that is issued by the International Automobile Alliance the information in a few languages, that helps you explain to the police officer the designation of The International Driver's License and your rights to drive motor vehicles in the designated country, which is based on the verdict of the United Nations.

Also, an International Driver’s License can be used as identification. If you need to rent a car, it can be valuable as well. In fact, in more than 200 countries you can not rent a car unless you have an International Driver's License. In Europe, travel officials say that "the International Driving Document is more necessary in some countries than others, but it's advised for most." Whether you travel on BUSINESS, VACATION or on your HONEYMOON, the International Driver's License is recommended by most countries and mandated by many for driving.

 

It is also important to check with the company that provides your auto insurance to see if you are covered for international driving. If your normal policy does not cover you, inquire about purchasing a special policy for your trip. Also check with your credit card company to see if the rental car collision coverage they offer is good outside the country.

When arranging for a rental car, it is usually less costly to do so before you leave the United States. It can also be considerably more trouble to wait until you arrive to rent a car, and you always run the risk that the type of car you want is not available.

When renting cars in Europe, it is generally best to choose a compact or subcompact car, as many of the streets in European cities are quite narrow, and parking is often very limited. It is best to rent the smallest car you feel comfortable with.

There are a number of thing to remember to make renting a car internationally less costly and less of a hassle.

One of the most important things to remember involves traveling to Canada and Mexico in an American based rental car. In most cases, the insurance that comes with the rental car does not cover you once the car has left the country.  If you are not sure about your coverage, always be sure to check your rental agreement. While this is important in Canada, it is vital in Mexico.

While it is possible to buy special Mexican car insurance when traveling there, it is generally not recommended that casual visitors drive into Mexico. It is generally better to park in one of the border lots and take the shuttle bus to the border.

If you plan to drive abroad, either in Canada, Mexico, Europe or anywhere else outside the United States, it is a good idea to obtain an international drivers permit or international translation of drivers license .

While an international drivers permit is not required everywhere, it is a good idea to get one. The fee to obtain an international drivers permit is low, and the literature that comes along with it is quite valuable. An international drivers permit can be obtained through an AAA office.

It is also important to check with the company that provides your auto insurance to see if you are covered for international driving. If your normal policy does not cover you, inquire about purchasing a special policy for your trip. Also check with your credit card company to see if the rental car collision coverage they offer is good outside the country.

When arranging for a rental car, it is usually less costly to do so before you leave the United States. It can also be considerably more trouble to wait until you arrive to rent a car, and you always run the risk that the type of car you want is not available.

When renting cars in Europe, it is generally best to choose a compact or subcompact car, as many of the streets in European cities are quite narrow, and parking is often very limited. It is best to rent the smallest car you feel comfortable with.

If you plan to combine a car rental with a rail pass, there may be discounts available. Always be sure to check with your travel agent and take advantage of any discounts to which you are entitled. Some hotels and airlines also have special deals on rental cars for their customers.

If you will be dropping off your rental car in a different location that where you picked it up, which is common in European rentals, be sure to choose a rental agency that offers a low drop off fee.

When planning your trip, always keep in mind that prices for gas and diesel fuel are generally much higher than those in the United States, often as much as three times as expensive. Be sure to factor fuel costs into your travel budget. This is yet another reason to rent the smallest car you can find.

Another reason a small car is important is the frequent lack of available parking in many resort areas and near many major tourist attractions. Even if you have a car, you may want to leave it at the hotel and take public transportation to these types of destinations.

When you pick up your car, be sure that you get the terms you agreed to before you left home. If the terms are not agreeable when you get there, be prepared to cancel the deal and make alternate arrangements.

It is also important to take a company representative with you and carefully examine the car’s exterior for dings and scratches. Be sure to note any pre existing damage to avoid being charged for it when the car is returned.

 

And IDL is an International Driver’s License for people who want to drive in another country.  An IDL is sometimes called an IDP, or International Driver’s Permit.  A valid IDL can be used to drive in Canada temporarily.

Validity

IDLs are valid for driving in Canada for up to one year if you are a tourist.  However, If you are a resident of Ontario, even a temporary resident, an IDL is only valid for 90 days.  If you wish to continue driving in Ontario you must apply for an Ontario Driver’s Licence before your IDL expires. The Ontario Government requires you to apply for your Ontario Driver’s License within 60 days if you are a resident and you wish to continue driving.

  

How to get an IDL

If you wish to get an IDL, you must apply for it in your home country.  Most Driver Licensing authorities should be able to provide you with information on how to apply for an IDL in your home country.

Generally, to apply for an IDL you must meet the following requirements:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Have a full, valid driver’s licence from your home country
• Submit two passport style photographs
• Submit your application to your local driving authority

If you have an IDL issued in Canada, it is not valid on any road in Canada, the United States or Mexico. If you have an IDL, you must still carry your original driver’s licence with you for it to be valid.  An IDL cannot be used as proof of your driving experience