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Can an international student get a driving license in Canada?

I’m moving to Canada in September for four years of schooling, and I want to get my driver’s license. I am originally from Brazil. Can I get a Canadian driver’s license if I’m an international student?

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Andrea Barrett · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
What an exciting adventure! International students can get a driving license in Canada as long as they meet the province’s requirements.
For example, international students applying for an Ontario driver’s license can do a simple exchange if relocating from:
  • Another Canadian province or territory
  • Canadian Armed Forces
  • The United States
  • Australia, Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Great Britain, the Isle of Man, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Switzerland, or Taiwan
You cannot exchange an out-of-province license if:
  • Your license is from a country that does not have an exchange agreement with Ontario
  • You hold a learner’s permit or novice-class driver’s license from another province, state, or country
  • You have an M-class (motorcycle) license from Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Great Britain, Isle of Man, Japan, the Republic of Ireland, or South Korea
That said, you still may be able to fast-track your application and get credit for previous driving experience, provided you submit the correct documents when you apply.
Regardless of where your license was issued, you’ll have to have insurance that meets the minimum provincial or federal requirements. Car insurance guru
Jerry
can answer all your insurance-related questions. Just text one of our friendly agents straight through the app.
MORE: How to save on car insurance with a good student discount
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