driving in Canada.
 

hey guys, I have a quick question. Im on visiting visa... I was wondering, Is it possible for a non PR of canada to actually apply to take a test for her drivers licence?

I cannot drive at all at the moment, and before I left the uk I thought it was high time I learnt, plus these automatic cars seem a lot easier .although I'm not too keen on the idea of one day driving on all that snow and ice.

smile

Re: driving in Canada.
 

Don't know the answer but don't forget that if you go back to England you would not be allowed to drive a manual car if you take you test in Canada.

Re: driving in Canada.
 

Just for the record, the SAAQ in Quebec are on strike at the moment so if you're heading this direction that might affect the answer. More details on www.saaq.qc.ca

Re: driving in Canada.
 

I was here for 18 months on Work visa (Fast Track) before I was able to apply for PR. I took my test as soon as the test booking centre had a vacancy after arriving and passed. You just need an address and at the time I used the company address. Things to note. With a full UK licence, you get 1 chance to pass, otherwise you have to start again on the graduated system. So don't fail. Get the book from Canadian Tire and read it fully from cover to cover and you should be okay. If you can take the test in an automatic that will make it easier and there is not the standard limitation that applies in UK. This is for Ontario.

Re: driving in Canada.
 

I don't know about being a PR, you're certainly supposed to be a resident (small "R") in the province where you hold a license. Where are you? If you've not held a UK license you'll likely need to go into the graduated program which means you wouldn't be able to take a test to enable you to drive unaccompanied for a long while (9mths in Manitoba, 12mths in Ontario...etc) anyway.

Re: driving in Canada.
 

my wife is here on a working permit and she is taking driving lessons as she hasn't got a license. Here in quebec it's 8months with a registered school or 12months without before you can take the test, after getting your "provisional" license (theory test)

Re: driving in Canada.
 

I'm taking my practical driving test at the end of next month :scared:

Can't wait to start driving though!

Re: driving in Canada.
 

Important you get that book and read it. Pay particular attention to blind spot checking before any maneuvre, even the side of the vehicle against the curb - don't forget this applies to changing lanes too. 2-way and 4-way stops. Correct lanes when turning at junctions and how to park for a emergency stop ie. which way to turn your wheels.

can't think of the other obvious differences - good luck

Re: driving in Canada.
 

lucky you... my wife will have finsihed the 8month course in december!!! here's hoping for a late winter...

Re: driving in Canada.
 

Just to say good luck. :)

Re: driving in Canada.
 

I know this may not help you but may help other(sorry Maple dragon).
I asked when we was over in Alberta about driving over there the answer I got was that i would still need to take the tests but because there is like a probation period if i handed my UK licence in to them I would not need to do the two year probation.

Re: driving in Canada.
 

[thanks everyone and thanks for the Good luck wellsey. I think the 8 to 12 month graduated programme would be just fine with me. I HATE the though of me driving, in fact I'm actually terrified. But I know that its inevitable! I don;t fancy catching buses everywhere come winter time!

Re: driving in Canada.
 

just a quick question are all cars automatic in Ontario and would I, haven driven only manual cars in the UK, have to take a driving test to drive automatics in Canada or can you just come over and drive straight away?

Re: driving in Canada.
 

The Ontario government passed legislation sometime last year I believe that allows you to exchange your UK license for an Ontario license. I think it costs about $50 and you must surrender your UK license completely. But the upside is, no test is required, just a brief form to fill out and a 10 minute eye test.

Hope this helps!

Re: driving in Canada.
 

I don't know when you were there Wellsey, but Alberta have very recently introduced an exchange for UK licences, ie you don't have to take the test now if you hold a UK licence, with some exceptions...eg My Hubby will have to as he passed his test in 1968!! :rolleyes: .... hehe but I won't! :D