For newcomers

Getting an Ontario driver’s licence as a newcomer

When you move to Ontario, you can drive on a valid licence from another province, state or country for 60 days. After that you need an Ontario licence. Whether you can swap yours, or need to pass tests, depends on where it’s from and how long you’ve been driving.

Updated October 29, 2026 · By the G2 Test team

What happens to your licence

Your licence is from	What happens
Another Canadian province or territory, or the Canadian Armed Forces	Exchange it. With less than two years’ driving experience you may get a G2 instead of a full G.
A U.S. state (not a territory)	Exchange it. DriveTest runs a record search, so bring a driving record dated in the last 6 months to avoid delays.
Australia, Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Denmark, France, Germany, Great Britain, Hungary, the Isle of Man, Japan, Kosovo, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan and Ukraine	Exchange it, with the documents DriveTest lists for your country: often an abstract or authentication letter dated in the last 6 months.
Any other country	Pass the vision test, knowledge test and G2 road test, then wait at least 12 months before the G road test. Since July 1, 2026, an authentication letter can get you credit for up to one year of driving experience.

From ontario.ca’s licence exchange page and DriveTest’s car licence exchange page, checked October 29, 2026. Learner’s permits can’t be exchanged from anywhere.

What to bring

Your original, valid licence from your old province, state or country
Original ID showing your legal name and full date of birth
Original proof of your driving experience, in English or French (an abstract or authentication letter where DriveTest asks for one)
A translation from an approved translator if your licence isn’t in English or French, dated within six months
The fee: $90.00 for the five-year licence on an exchange

You’ll take a vision test there. Since May 11, 2026, Class G and M applicants also declare that Ontario is their primary residence and that they’re in Canada legally. DriveTest keeps your original documents, so photocopy them first.

Where to go

Apply in person at any DriveTest centre or the ServiceOntario location at Bay and College in downtown Toronto. Any DriveTest centre takes exchanges as a walk-in; some centres also take exchange appointments, which DriveTest says guarantee service.

If you have to take the tests

The knowledge test is offered in 32 languages. Practise with our free G1 practice test.
The G2 road test is a city test: see what the examiner checks. Ontario’s rules may differ from what you’re used to, so a lesson before the test is worth considering.
How the three levels fit together: G1 vs G2 vs G.

What can’t be exchanged

Learner’s permits, from anywhere
Commercial classes issued outside Canada (you may qualify for a Class G instead)
Motorcycle classes from most of the countries above: check ontario.ca’s list
Licences cancelled for alcohol, demerit points or Criminal Code offences

Sources, checked October 29, 2026: ontario.ca licence exchange, DriveTest car licence exchanges, DriveTest fees.

More comparisons

G1 vs G2 vs G licence: The three Ontario licence levels: how you get each one, what you can do on it, and what it costs.
G2 vs G road test: What each road test covers, how long it is, the highway declaration and the fees.
Best G1 practice test: The free G1 practice tests worth your time, what each is good at, and the catch.
All comparisons: Every comparison and alternative on one page.
G2 Test home: every DriveTest centre, the road test guides and the practice tests.

Driving lessons

Want a lesson or two before your road test?

Tell us where you are and what you need: a road test refresher, practice on the test routes, or a beginner driver education (BDE) course that lets you take your G2 road test after 8 months instead of 12.

Find a driving school

Questions people ask

+How long can I drive in Ontario on a foreign licence?

As a new resident, 60 days. After that you need an Ontario licence.

+My country isn’t on the exchange list. Do I start from zero?

You take the vision, knowledge and G2 road tests, then wait at least 12 months before the G road test. Since July 1, 2026, a valid original licence and an official authentication letter in English or French can get you credit for up to one year of experience.

+Will I get a full G licence on an exchange?

From a jurisdiction with an exchange agreement, yes if you have at least two years of driving experience. With less, you may get a G2.

+Can I take the G1 knowledge test in my language?

It’s offered in 32 languages, including French, Punjabi, Hindi, Urdu, Tamil, Arabic, Chinese (Cantonese), Farsi, Spanish, Portuguese, Korean and Russian.