Could anyone clarify the requirements for someone with a UK driving licence to drive in Canada (or specifically Ontario if it's different)?

I think it is just a theory test that has to be taken within the first 60 days but am not sure.

Also does anyone have any tips on buying a vehicle and also vehicle insurance? Is the insurance more expensive before taking the theory test, or is a certain numbers of years of driving, age etc, taken into account? When I looked at an insurance website it mentioned different levels of driving licence - a G certificate etc. I understand that insurance premiums are much higher than in the UK and assume that it would also be more expensive to insure something like a Nissan Titan over a smaller car.

Thanks for any advice.

In Ontario you just swap the license. No test.

Someone else will tell you all about insurance I'm sure

We needed an eye test so make sure to take your specs if you need them

We get ours in a combined package with our home insurance etc. from the Cooperators.

For our 2008 Mazda 3 Sport we pay around $400 a month; although I'm a new driver (learned here) and my wife didn't bring any no claims from UK, so don't be too alarmed by this figure.

Quaintly, we get to deal with an individual human for our insurance needs rather than a call centre. Not sure if this adds to the cost, but it definitely reduces the stress.

I was told the other day by a colleague that if you change car insurers much, they will perceive you to be dodgy. I've no idea at all if this is true. Others might though.

Is a Nissan Titan another name for Godzilla?

In Nova Scotia with full no claims my wife and I pay just over $ 560 a year!

Sobbing now

Hi

We are moving to Ottawa in 30 days and have already been looking into insurance and changing licences etc.

Ontario licence types are explained here:

http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/dan.../classes.shtml

Basically a UK driver with more than 2 years experience will get a class "G" licence. If you have less than 2 years experience then you will have to take a road test.

Canada and the UK have a reciprocal agreement on the exchange of driving licence, the following webpage explains the agreement and shows that with 2 year or more driving experience you only have to take an eye test:

http://www.drivetest.ca/en/license/E...eciprocal.aspx

As for insurance, yes it is more expensive then in the UK but you can get UK no-claims discount recognised in Canada. You need to get a non-standard UK no claims letter. As it is non-standard you have to tell the insurance company what to put in the letter, best PM me and i'll send you an example I have been given by a friend who went through this 12 months ago when they emigrated.

During my recce trip to Ottawa last week one of the people we meet up with said to get an online quote for insurance, putting down a G licence with 0 years experience and see what they quote. I did this with Desjarins (see below). The most noticable thing here is you just specify make and model of car instead of registration number as we do here. Whilst the price is not what you are going to pay it does give an idea.

http://www.desjardinsgeneralinsuranc...pagne=D7000001

Hope this helps

Cheers

JB

There are exceptions. Each Province has their own rules (everyone takes a test in BC I believe), and a Northern Ireland licence cannot be exchanged in some Provinces (I don't know why).

Not any more, thank The Flying Spaghetti Monster

Hi JB,
I am new here and unable to PM yet. Would you kindly send me a copy of the non standard proof of no claims letter? I have many years of no claim driving and would appreciate if this is transferable to Ontario.
thanks!

My OH only had to take a very quick sight desk (through what looked like a set of binoculars on the desk where they issue the licence) for an Ontario licence.

The insurance company said they wouldn't recognise any type of no claims letter from a foreign insurance company.

@ Captainhook

You did have to take a road test in BC but the rules have now been changed.....you dont have to take the road test......my mate in Van was very annoyed when he heard this (having sat the road test)!

JB

this may be true, but JB has had a different experience, so no harm in trying :-)

@JB i assume you have sent me the PM, but am unable to yet read this due to the my low post count on this forum. Hopefully, this being my 3rd post, I should be able to view it! Please stand by if not!!