If 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.
If you decide to settle in Québec, you must obtain a Québec licence. You can apply for your licence as soon as you arrive.
The following people from outside Canada can apply to exchange their current licence for a Québec licence, or they can begin the process to obtain a Québec licence, as applicable:
If you are a student or trainee from another Canadian province or territory or from abroad, you are allowed to drive for the duration of your studies or traineeship, provided:
You are not required to obtain a Québec licence, except if you decide to take up residence in Québec.
If your licence authorizes you to, you may drive:
We recommend that you get an international driver's permit before coming to Québec. This permit can only be issued in the country where your driver's licence was issued and is valid for one year.
1-800-361-7620
If you are travelling in Québec, you may drive for 6 consecutive months with your licence that has been issued by another Canadian province or territory or another country, provided your licence:
You may drive any type of vehicle, as long as the licence issued by your country of origin authorizes you to and you abide by its conditions.
You must hold a valid international driving permit to be allowed to continue to drive on Québec roads.
You must always drive with both licences – your driver's licence issued by another Canadian province or territory or foreign country, and your international driving permit. You are allowed to drive in Québec for as long as your international driving permit remains valid.
The international driving permit can only be issued in the country in which you obtained your driver's licence, and it is valid for one year. You must apply for your permit before coming to Québec.
We recommend that you get an international driving permit before coming to Québec, regardless of the length of your stay.
If the licence issued in your country of origin so authorizes, you may operate an automobile, motorcycle or moped or scooterA 2- or 3-wheel passenger vehicle equipped with an electric motor or a gasoline-powered engine with a cylinder capacity of no more than 50 cc and an automatic transmission. for a maximum period of 6 consecutive months.
After that time, you are required to hold a Québec licence. You may apply for a Québec licence as soon as you arrive in the province. The process for obtaining such a licence varies depending on which country issued your driver's licence.
Licence Fees for the Current Year
The fees to renew, replace and exchange a driver's licence vary depending on the class(es) sought and the validity period of the licence.
Licence exchange – Documents required at the time of your first appointment to check your eligibility
Your driver’s licence is valid during the first 6 months of your stay in Québec if you drive:
However, make sure that your licence:
Here is the procedure to obtain a Québec licence, according to the road vehicle that you drive. You can begin the application process as soon as you arrive in Québec.
You must exchange your Canadian licenceL'échange permet au titulaire d'un permis délivré dans une province canadienne autre que le Québec, aux États-Unis ou dans un pays ayant signé une entente avec le Québec d'obtenir un permis équivalent du Québec sans avoir à suivre un cours de conduite. Dans certains cas, le titulaire doit réussir des examens de compétence avant de pouvoir échanger son permis. for a Québec licence corresponding to the equivalent class.
Even if your licence authorizes you to, you may not drive:
You must exchange your Canadian licenceL'échange permet au titulaire d'un permis délivré dans une province canadienne autre que le Québec, aux États-Unis ou dans un pays ayant signé une entente avec le Québec d'obtenir un permis équivalent du Québec sans avoir à suivre un cours de conduite. Dans certains cas, le titulaire doit réussir des examens de compétence avant de pouvoir échanger son permis. for a Québec licence corresponding to the appropriate class and undergo a medical examination. You may begin the application process as soon as you arrive in Québec.
You do not have to pass a proficiency examinationLes examens de compétence permettent à la SAAQ de vérifier les connaissances et les habiletés des conducteurs. Ils peuvent être théoriques ou pratiques et diffèrent selon la classe de permis de conduire. Ils sont presque toujours obligatoires dès qu'une personne veut obtenir un permis pour la première fois. to obtain a driver's licence.
You must pass the proficiency examinationsLes examens de compétence permettent à la SAAQ de vérifier les connaissances et les habiletés des conducteurs. Ils peuvent être théoriques ou pratiques et diffèrent selon la classe de permis de conduire. Ils sont presque toujours obligatoires dès qu'une personne veut obtenir un permis pour la première fois. to obtain a new licence of the desired class.
Step 1 – Meet the following conditions:
Step 2 – Call one of the numbers listed below, depending on your region, to make your request and check your eligibility:
As of:
Step 3 – Go to the service outlet that was designated by the officer who scheduled your licence exchange appointment by phone with the required original documents, namely:
In certain situations, other documents may be required. Make sure to check with the officer when scheduling your appointment by telephone.
Step 4 – Pass the proficiency examinations, if required
Depending on your situation, you could take the knowledge tests at the service outlet on the same day as your appointment, or you may have to make another appointment. The fees for the tests are $12.00.
If you pass the knowledge tests, you may make an appointment for the road test, if it is required.
On the day of the road test, you must pay the applicable fees. The amount varies depending on the class of licence sought. If you pass the road test, you will be allowed to exchange your licence.
Step 5 – Pay the fees applicable to the licence
The fees applicable for exchanging your driver's licence vary depending on the licence class, and are higher if you apply for an additional licence class.
At our service outlets, we accept payment:
Payment by credit card is not accepted.
If the SAAQ recognizes that you have fewer than 24 months of experience driving a car, you will obtain a probationary licenceLicence issued to a person driving an automobile or a motorcycle alone for the first time. This licence allows the holder to acquire the driving experience necessary to obtain a driver's licence (24 months). The holder is subject to the zero-alcohol rule and the 4-demerit point bracket. . You will hold this licence until you have accumulated 24 months of driving experience. We determine your experience on the basis of your driver’s licence and driving record.
Class 6 (motorcycle)
Licence Fees for the Current Year
The fees to renew, replace and exchange a driver's licence vary depending on the class(es) sought and the validity period of the licence.
Licence exchange – Documents required at the time of your first appointment to check your eligibility
Your driver’s licence is valid during the first 6 months of your stay in Québec if you drive:
However, make sure that your foreign licence:
Here is the procedure to obtain a Québec licence, according to the road vehicle that you drive. You can begin the application process as soon as you arrive in Québec.
You must exchange your foreign licenceLicence exchange allows holders of a licence issued in a Canadian province or territory other than Québec, in the United States or in a country that has entered into an agreement with Québec to obtain an equivalent Québec licence without having to follow a driving course. In some cases, holders may have to pass proficiency examinations before being eligible to exchange their licence. for a Québec licence corresponding to the equivalent class – either Class 5 for a car or Class 6D for a moped or scooter.
You must exchange your foreign licenceLicence exchange allows holders of a licence issued in a Canadian province or territory other than Québec, in the United States or in a country that has entered into an agreement with Québec to obtain an equivalent Québec licence without having to follow a driving course. In some cases, holders may have to pass proficiency examinations before being eligible to exchange their licence. to operate a motorcycle for a Québec licence after first passing the Class 6 (motorcycle) proficiency examinationsProficiency examinations allow the SAAQ to check the knowledge and skills of drivers. They include both knowledge and road tests and differ based on the class of driver's licence. They are almost always mandatory when an individual wants to obtain a licence for the first time. .
You do not have to pass a proficiency examinationProficiency examinations allow the SAAQ to check the knowledge and skills of drivers. They include both knowledge and road tests and differ based on the class of driver's licence. They are almost always mandatory when an individual wants to obtain a licence for the first time. to obtain a licence to drive a car or operate a moped or scooter.
You must pass proficiency examinationsProficiency examinations allow the SAAQ to check the knowledge and skills of drivers. They include both knowledge and road tests and differ based on the class of driver's licence. They are almost always mandatory when an individual wants to obtain a licence for the first time. before exchanging your foreign licence for a Québec licence to drive a car or operate a moped or scooter.
Even if your licence authorizes you to, you may not drive:
You must exchange your foreign licenceLicence exchange allows holders of a licence issued in a Canadian province or territory other than Québec, in the United States or in a country that has entered into an agreement with Québec to obtain an equivalent Québec licence without having to follow a driving course. In some cases, holders may have to pass proficiency examinations before being eligible to exchange their licence. for a Québec licence corresponding to the equivalent class. To do so, you must:
You may begin the application process as soon as you arrive in Québec.
Step 1 – Meet the following conditions:
Step 2 – Call one of the numbers listed below, depending on your region, to make your request and check your eligibility:
As of:
Step 3 – Go to the service outlet that was designated by the officer who scheduled your licence exchange appointment by phone with the required original documents, namely:
In certain situations, other documents may be required. Make sure to check with the officer when scheduling your appointment by telephone.
Step 4 – Pass the proficiency examinations for Class 6 (motorcycle)
To help you prepare for the tests, we recommend you study the following publications:
Paper versions can also be purchased at bookstores in Québec.
We also recommend:
Depending on your situation, you could take the knowledge test at the service outlet on the same day as your appointment, or you may have to make another appointment. The fees for the test are $12.00.
If you pass the knowledge test, you may make an appointment for the road test.
On the day of the road test, you must pay the applicable fees. If you pass the test, you will be allowed to exchange your licence.
Step 5 – Pay the fees applicable to the licence
The fees applicable for exchanging your driver's licence vary depending on the licence class, and are higher if you apply for an additional licence class.
At our service outlets, we accept payment:
Payment by credit card is not accepted.
If the SAAQ recognizes that you have fewer than 24 months of experience driving a car, you will obtain a probationary licenceLicence issued to a person driving an automobile or a motorcycle alone for the first time. This licence allows the holder to acquire the driving experience necessary to obtain a driver's licence (24 months). The holder is subject to the zero-alcohol rule and the 4-demerit point bracket. . You will hold this licence until you have accumulated 24 months of driving experience. We determine your experience on the basis of your driver’s licence and driving record.
Class 6 (motorcycle)
Licence Fees for the Current Year
The fees to renew, replace and exchange a driver's licence vary depending on the class(es) sought and the validity period of the licence.
Licence exchange – Documents required at the time of your first appointment to check your eligibility
Your driver’s licence is valid during the first 6 months of your stay in Québec if you drive:
However, make sure that your foreign licence:
Here is the procedure to obtain a Québec licence, according to the road vehicle that you drive. You can begin the application process as soon as you arrive in Québec.
You must exchange your foreign licenceLicence exchange allows holders of a licence issued in a Canadian province or territory other than Québec, in the United States or in a country that has entered into an agreement with Québec to obtain an equivalent Québec licence without having to follow a driving course. In some cases, holders may have to pass proficiency examinations before being eligible to exchange their licence. for a Québec licence.
You must exchange your foreign licenceLicence exchange allows holders of a licence issued in a Canadian province or territory other than Québec, in the United States or in a country that has entered into an agreement with Québec to obtain an equivalent Québec licence without having to follow a driving course. In some cases, holders may have to pass proficiency examinations before being eligible to exchange their licence. to operate a motorcycle for a Québec licence after first passing the Class 6 (motorcycle) proficiency examinationsProficiency examinations allow the SAAQ to check the knowledge and skills of drivers. They include both knowledge and road tests and differ based on the class of driver's licence. They are almost always mandatory when an individual wants to obtain a licence for the first time. . You may begin the application process as soon as you arrive in Québec.
In most cases, you must pass proficiency examinationsProficiency examinations allow the SAAQ to check the knowledge and skills of drivers. They include both knowledge and road tests and differ based on the class of driver's licence. They are almost always mandatory when an individual wants to obtain a licence for the first time. to obtain a licence to drive a car or operate a moped or scooter.
Even if your foreign licence authorizes you to, you may not drive:
You must obtain a Québec driver's licence corresponding to the appropriate class. To do so, you must meet the conditions set forth for each licence class and follow thegraduated licensing process. You must also already hold a Québec Class 5 driver's licence.
Step 1 – Meet the following conditions:
Step 2 – Call one of the numbers listed below, depending on your region, to make your request and check your eligibility:
Montréal area: 514-954-7771
Elsewhere Québec: 1-888-356-6616
As of:
Step 3 – Go to the service outlet that was designated by the officer who scheduled your licence exchange appointment by phone with the required original documents, namely:
In certain situations, other documents may be required. Make sure to check with the officer when scheduling your appointment by telephone.
You must have your licence translated by a translator who is a member of:
If you hold a driver’s licence from Japan, you must obtain a certificate from the Consulate of Japan. This certificate serves as a translation.
Step 4 – Pass the proficiency examinations for Class 6 (motorcycle)
To help you prepare for the tests, we recommend you study the following publications:
Paper versions can also be purchased at bookstores in Québec.
We also recommend:
Depending on your situation, you could take the knowledge test at the service outlet on the same day as your appointment, or you may have to make another appointment. The fees for the test are $12.00.
Once you have passed the knowledge test, you can schedule an appointment by telephone for the road test.
On the day of the road test, you must pay the applicable fees. If you pass the test, you will be allowed to exchange your licence.
Step 5 – Pay the fees applicable to a licence exchange
The fees applicable for exchanging your driver's licence vary depending on the licence class, and are higher if you apply for an additional licence class.
At our service outlets, we accept payment:
Payment by credit card is not accepted.
If the SAAQ recognizes that you have fewer than 24 months of experience driving a car, you will obtain a probationary licenceLicence issued to a person driving an automobile or a motorcycle alone for the first time. This licence allows the holder to acquire the driving experience necessary to obtain a driver's licence (24 months). The holder is subject to the zero-alcohol rule and the 4-demerit point bracket. . You will hold this licence until you have accumulated 24 months of driving experience. We determine your experience on the basis of your driver’s licence and driving record.
Knowledge tests
$12.00
Road test
Class 5 (car): $30.00
Licence Fees for the Current Year
The fees to renew, replace and exchange a driver's licence vary depending on the class(es) sought and the validity period of the licence.
The original documents that were requested when you made your appointment
Your driver’s licence is valid during the first 6 months of your stay in Québec if you drive:
However, make sure that your foreign licence:
Here is the procedure to obtain a Québec licence, according to the road vehicle that you drive. You can begin the application process as soon as you arrive in Québec.
You must have held a driver’s licence authorizing you to drive a car for at least one year before settling in Québec and pass the Class 5 (car) proficiency examinationsProficiency examinations allow the SAAQ to check the knowledge and skills of drivers. They include both knowledge and road tests and differ based on the class of driver's licence. They are almost always mandatory when an individual wants to obtain a licence for the first time. before being eligible to obtain a Québec driver’s licence.
You must follow a driving course and follow the graduated licensing process to obtain a learner’s licence.
You must follow a driving course and follow the graduated licensing process.
Even if your foreign licence authorizes you to, you may not drive:
You must obtain a Québec driver’s licence corresponding to the appropriate class. To do so, you must first:
Step 1 – Meet the following conditions:
Step 2 – Call one of the numbers listed below, depending on your region, to make your request and check your eligibility:
Montréal area: 514-954-7771
Elsewhere Québec: 1-888-356-6616
As of:
Step 3 – Go to the service outlet that was designated by the officer who scheduled your licence exchange appointment by phone with the required original documents, namely:
In certain situations, other documents may be required. Make sure to check with the officer when scheduling your appointment by telephone.
You must have your licence translated by a translator who is a member of:
Step 4 – Pass the proficiency examinations
To help you prepare for the tests, we recommend you study the following publications:
Paper versions can also be purchased at bookstores in Québec.
We also recommend:
Depending on your situation, you could take the knowledge tests at the service outlet on the same day as your appointment, or you may have to make another appointment. The fees for the tests are $12.00.
Once you have passed the knowledge tests, you can schedule an appointment for the road test and pay the fees that apply to that test. If you pass the road test, you will be authorized to obtain a licence.
Step 5 – Pay the applicable fees to obtain your licence
The fees applicable for exchanging your driver's licence vary depending on the licence class, and are higher if you apply for an additional licence class.
At our service outlets, we accept payment:
Payment by credit card is not accepted.
If the SAAQ recognizes that you have fewer than 24 months of experience driving a car, you will obtain a probationary licenceLicence issued to a person driving an automobile or a motorcycle alone for the first time. This licence allows the holder to acquire the driving experience necessary to obtain a driver's licence (24 months). The holder is subject to the zero-alcohol rule and the 4-demerit point bracket. . You will hold this licence until you have accumulated 24 months of driving experience. We determine your experience on the basis of your driver’s licence and driving record.
Last update: February 2, 2022
