Exchange UK driving licence in Ontario
#1
Exchange UK driving licence in Ontario
I have read up on this, especially the Services Ontario site which is all very clear.
I can see that as long as we bring the right documents to one of the specified SO centres, we should be fine for a straight swap (both driving for over 30 years etc.).
My question is, do they issue you with a new Ontario licence there and then, or is it prepared and mailed in a few days? If it is mailed, I assume they give you some proof that you are licenced to drive in the meantime?
I can see that as long as we bring the right documents to one of the specified SO centres, we should be fine for a straight swap (both driving for over 30 years etc.).
My question is, do they issue you with a new Ontario licence there and then, or is it prepared and mailed in a few days? If it is mailed, I assume they give you some proof that you are licenced to drive in the meantime?
#2
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Nov 2011
Location: Somewhere between Vancouver & St Johns
Posts: 19,840
Re: Exchange UK driving licence in Ontario
I have read up on this, especially the Services Ontario site which is all very clear.
I can see that as long as we bring the right documents to one of the specified SO centres, we should be fine for a straight swap (both driving for over 30 years etc.).
My question is, do they issue you with a new Ontario licence there and then, or is it prepared and mailed in a few days? If it is mailed, I assume they give you some proof that you are licenced to drive in the meantime?
I can see that as long as we bring the right documents to one of the specified SO centres, we should be fine for a straight swap (both driving for over 30 years etc.).
My question is, do they issue you with a new Ontario licence there and then, or is it prepared and mailed in a few days? If it is mailed, I assume they give you some proof that you are licenced to drive in the meantime?
#3
Re: Exchange UK driving licence in Ontario
Planning all of my 'first week' activities and didn't want to get into a 'deadly embrace' with car purchase / rental vs licence exchange!
#4
Re: Exchange UK driving licence in Ontario
I have read up on this, especially the Services Ontario site which is all very clear.
I can see that as long as we bring the right documents to one of the specified SO centres, we should be fine for a straight swap (both driving for over 30 years etc.).
My question is, do they issue you with a new Ontario licence there and then, or is it prepared and mailed in a few days? If it is mailed, I assume they give you some proof that you are licenced to drive in the meantime?
I can see that as long as we bring the right documents to one of the specified SO centres, we should be fine for a straight swap (both driving for over 30 years etc.).
My question is, do they issue you with a new Ontario licence there and then, or is it prepared and mailed in a few days? If it is mailed, I assume they give you some proof that you are licenced to drive in the meantime?
#5
Binned by Muderators
Joined: Jul 2007
Location: White Rock BC
Posts: 11,682
Re: Exchange UK driving licence in Ontario
In BC there is a grace period, 90 days IIRC, before you must exchange your license. It was quite a long time ago but I was able to rent, then buy and insure a car using my UK license. It might be worth finding out if the same applies to Ontario these days. If so, it is one less thing you have to do in your hectic first week.
#6
Banned
Joined: Apr 2009
Location: SW Ontario
Posts: 19,879
Re: Exchange UK driving licence in Ontario
It's 60 days for Ontario.
https://www.drivetest.ca/licences/li..._exchange.html
Don't forget to obtain proof of no claims before you come over. http://britishexpats.com/wiki/Catego...surance-Canada
https://www.drivetest.ca/licences/li..._exchange.html
Don't forget to obtain proof of no claims before you come over. http://britishexpats.com/wiki/Catego...surance-Canada
Last edited by Siouxie; Dec 7th 2016 at 5:22 pm.
#7
Re: Exchange UK driving licence in Ontario
OK great - so maybe that's the driving licences off of the 'week 1' list!
#8
Re: Exchange UK driving licence in Ontario
When do you arrive?
I have just posted elsewhere that I think you will have an issue swapping your UK license unless you have proof of Ontario address.
But in answer - You get licensed to drive there and then and your actual license comes through the mail a few weeks later
Even worse when we first arrived in Manitoba. It took us over a week running around everywhere to get insurance and registration for a car we had bought because we didn't have a Canadian License and couldn't get a licence because we didn't have proof of Canadian address.
Easy when you know how and where you are - But a nightmare for a new comer who had no idea of the geography and dealing with the typical Canadian "Well obviously" comments
Last edited by J-A-UK; Dec 19th 2016 at 3:29 am. Reason: Added a few words
#9
Re: Exchange UK driving licence in Ontario
When do you arrive?
I have just posted elsewhere that I think you will have an issue swapping your UK license unless you have proof of Ontario address.
But in answer - You get licensed to drive there and then and your actual license comes through the mail a few weeks later
Even worse when we first arrived in Manitoba. It took us over a week running around everywhere to get insurance and registration for a car we had bought because we didn't have a Canadian License and couldn't get a licence because we didn't have proof of Canadian address.
Easy when you know how and where you are - But a nightmare for a new comer who had no idea of the geography and dealing with the typical Canadian "Well obviously" comments
I have just posted elsewhere that I think you will have an issue swapping your UK license unless you have proof of Ontario address.
But in answer - You get licensed to drive there and then and your actual license comes through the mail a few weeks later
Even worse when we first arrived in Manitoba. It took us over a week running around everywhere to get insurance and registration for a car we had bought because we didn't have a Canadian License and couldn't get a licence because we didn't have proof of Canadian address.
Easy when you know how and where you are - But a nightmare for a new comer who had no idea of the geography and dealing with the typical Canadian "Well obviously" comments
Thanks JAUK
We hope to arrive June 2017.
Good point about 'proof of address'. We were / are going to stay with my buddy for a few weeks max, so I will download an Ontario rental agreement template and draw up a formal agreement between us and use that as proof of address.
I can 'use it' as a ruse for actually paying him some money, which I know he would refuse to accept otherwise!
The thread elsewhere explained the process a lot better for me, so I now have a pretty good idea.
Thanks all as usual!!
#10
Re: Exchange UK driving licence in Ontario
Also if you need glasses to drive make sure you take your glasses with you. In BC they do an eye test when you exchange.
#11
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Sep 2010
Location: Maryland (via Belfast, Manchester, Toronto and London)
Posts: 4,802
Re: Exchange UK driving licence in Ontario
Really? But it's 2016 - almost 2017! Here in Maryland, you get your license right away - whether you're replacing, exchanging or have just passed your driving test. They take your photo and a machine produces the new licence in a matter of minutes.
#12
Re: Exchange UK driving licence in Ontario
100% - Paper, proof of application then plastic card comes in the mail (Ontario)
#13
Re: Exchange UK driving licence in Ontario
It is a bit odd isn't it! Popped over to Maine a few months back and my gf opened a TD account while there. Rather than the usual "temp access card" I was expecting, they printed a proper access card in the branch.
#14
Just Joined
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 4
Re: Exchange UK driving licence in Ontario
hey there. When you go to the driving Centre they will give you a paper Licence until your new one arrives in post. You don't have to resit a driving test. You will have to have an eye test at the centre. very straightforward. Trouble is your uk licence is gone so when your back home you use your Canadian one. Expect vehicle insurance to be high. They class you as new driver. Bummer.
#15
Forum Regular
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 37
Re: Exchange UK driving licence in Ontario
When you say 'exchange' UK licence for Canadian - do they literally take your UK licence for good?
Sounds like I'd have an issue if I ever wanted to drive in the UK again (as I visited etc?!).
Sounds like I'd have an issue if I ever wanted to drive in the UK again (as I visited etc?!).