How to drive in Quebec
Once you've settled in Quebec, you might be considering purchasing or renting a car, but do you have a valid driver's license? Discover all the essential information in this article.
If you have a driver's license from another country, you can drive a car, motorcycle, or moped for the first six months after arriving in Quebec. Beyond that period, you'll either need an international driver's license or exchange your national license for a Quebec license.
Certain temporary residents, particularly those under a Working Holiday Program (WHP) in Canada, may need to get a Quebec driver's license after the initial six months, even if their licenses were issued in a country with a reciprocity agreement or administrative arrangement. However, this rule doesn't apply to non-residents like visitors or tourists who can continue driving with an international license, even if they stay in Quebec for more than six months, regardless of any reciprocity agreements or administrative arrangements between Quebec and the country that issued their driver's license.
If your driver's license is in a language other than English or French, you must obtain an international driver's license before arriving in Canada. If your international license is not valid for the duration of your stay in Quebec, you will need to obtain a Quebec license.
The international license is the translation of the national license. It allows you to drive the same type of vehicle as that shown on your national license. You can apply for one in the country where you passed your license – in France: you need to make a
pre-application online on the ANTS website. Your international license must always be presented with your national license.
Good to know:
Foreign students and trainees are allowed to drive with their national license, written in French or English, for the duration of their studies and internship.
Driver's license exchange in Quebec
People who are new residents of Quebec need to switch their national driver's license to a Quebec driver's license within six months. However, this rule doesn't extend to students, trainees, or tourists whose international license remains valid throughout their time in Quebec.
If your country has an agreement with Quebec regarding driver's licenses, you can get a Quebec license by simply presenting your national license without the need for an exam. The eligible countries include Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Great Britain (England, Wales, and Scotland), the Isle of Man, Northern Ireland, Japan, Netherlands (Holland and Netherlands Antilles), South Korea, Switzerland, and Taiwan.
If your country doesn't have a driver's license exchange agreement, you'll need to pass the Société de l'Assurance Automobile du Québec (SAAQ) proficiency tests. Procedures for obtaining a Quebec driver's license vary according to your driving experience.
Good to know:
Quebec's driver's license, which is the size of a credit card, serves as a standalone identification document. It must be renewed every 4 or 8 years, with annual fees in place to cover insurance costs and contributions. Given that the Quebec driver's license operates on a points system, these fees can escalate if you've been involved in offenses and accumulated demerit points.
Keeping a vehicle in Quebec can be challenging due to the climate and the wear and tear caused by road salt and rough road conditions. If you're in Montreal, Quebec City, Gatineau, Sherbrooke, Trois-Rivières, or Victoriaville, you have the option to go for the Communauto system, which is accessible through an online reservation center and enables you to rent a vehicle at a more affordable rate, thanks to a network of available vehicles spread throughout these cities.
Useful links:
Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec - SAAQ
