How do I exchange my foreign driver's licence for a Québec licence?

When your principal residence is in Québec, you can drive a passenger vehicle, a motorcycle or a moped with your valid foreign licence for the first 6 months after you settle. After that, you must hold a Québec licence. If your licence was issued in a place that has an agreement with Québec (Germany, France, Switzerland, etc.), you exchange it for a Québec licence; for a motorcycle, you must first pass the proficiency exams. If your licence was issued elsewhere, you must pass the theory exam ($13.50) and the Class 5 road test ($33.75). You request an appointment with the SAAQ form, and the SAAQ contacts you within 20 business days.

Key facts

Driving with your foreign licence

For a maximum of 6 consecutive months after you settle in Québec (passenger vehicle, motorcycle, moped), if your licence is valid and authorizes it. Truck, emergency vehicle, bus, minibus and taxi: no.

Places with an agreement

Germany, Austria, Belgium, France, Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland), Isle of Man, Northern Ireland, Japan, Netherlands (Holland and Dutch Antilles), Republic of Korea (South Korea), Switzerland and Taiwan.

Exams with an agreement (motorcycle)

Theory: $13.50. Closed-circuit: $33.75. On-road: $119.00 (classes 6A, 6B and 6C).

Exams without an agreement (passenger vehicle)

Theory: $13.50. Class 5 road test: $33.75. You must have held a passenger-vehicle licence for at least one year before settling; otherwise, a driving course and graduated licensing apply.

If you fail the road test (no agreement)

You are no longer authorized to drive with your foreign licence and you receive a learner's licence. You can retake the test after a minimum of 28 days.

Exchange fees and payment

Fees differ by licence class and are higher for an additional class (amount not given on the page). No credit card.

Steps

1. Check the conditions: be 16 or older (14 for a moped or scooter of less than 50 cc, Class 6D), have a foreign driver's licence, have your principal residence in Québec, and have Canadian citizenship or the right to stay in Canada for more than 6 months.
2. See whether your licence was issued in a place that has an agreement with Québec. This changes which exams you must take.
3. Request an appointment by completing the form "Appointment to have your driving experience recognized" on the SAAQ website. The SAAQ contacts you by phone or email within 20 business days of receiving the form.
4. Go to your appointment with the original documents: your foreign licence, proof of Canadian citizenship or of the right to stay in Canada, proof of residence in Québec, and proof that you lived in the country that issued your licence if you obtained it less than 3 years ago.
5. Bring a translation of any document written in a language other than French or English. The international driving permit is not an official translation. The translation must be done by a member of the OTTIAQ, the ATIJ or an organization of the CTTIC.
6. Pass the proficiency exams if your case requires them (motorcycle with an agreement; passenger vehicle without an agreement: theory exam, then Class 5 road test).
7. Pay the exchange fees, which vary by licence class. Credit cards are not accepted.

General information drawn from official sources. It does not replace legal, medical or financial advice. For your situation, contact the organization concerned or a professional.