Moving to Quebec, out-of-province licences and renewals

By the end of this topic you can

• You can say how long a new resident may drive on an outside licence.
• You can describe how a licence from another Canadian province is exchanged.
• You can explain what happens if a newcomer fails the SAAQ road test.
• You can keep your Quebec licence renewed and avoid driving on an expired one.

What you need to know and understand

• New residents may drive a passenger vehicle for up to six consecutive months on a valid licence from outside Quebec.
• You can apply for a Quebec licence as soon as you arrive.
• A licence from another Canadian province or territory that is valid, or expired less than three years ago, is exchanged without tests for most classes.
• If the SAAQ recognizes less than 24 months of driving experience, you receive a probationary licence until you reach 24 months.
• For licences from other countries, the steps depend on the country and your experience; the SAAQ confirms whether tests are needed.
• Licence fees are paid yearly by your birthday; driving on an expired licence brings a $300 to $600 fine and possible vehicle seizure.
• If you do not pay for three consecutive years or more, you must pass the knowledge and road tests again.

Coming from another province or territory

If your licence expired three or more years ago, you must take a driving course and go through graduated licensing again. Heavy vehicle, bus and emergency vehicle classes have extra rules.

1. Check you qualify: 16 or older, a licence from another Canadian jurisdiction, your main home in Quebec and the right to stay in Canada for more than six months.
2. Request an appointment through the SAAQ's online form to have your driving experience recognized. The SAAQ says it replies within 20 business days.
3. Bring originals: your current licence, proof of citizenship or status, proof of Quebec residence, proof you lived where your licence was issued if you have held it under three years, and ideally your driving record.
4. Pay the exchange fee. Your new licence class matches the one you held.

Coming from another country

Quebec has exchange arrangements with some jurisdictions, and others require the SAAQ knowledge and road tests. The knowledge test is offered in French and English, and newcomers can ask for some other languages. Be careful: if you fail the SAAQ road test, you can no longer drive on your foreign licence. You are issued a learner's licence with full learner conditions instead, so bring a licensed driver to the test. Our guide to exchanging a foreign licence in Quebec explains the agreements in detail.

Keeping your Quebec licence valid

Every year before your birthday, the SAAQ mails a payment notice covering the licence fee, an insurance contribution based on your record and administrative fees. The deadline is your birthday. You can pay through SAAQclic, your bank, or pre-authorized debit. When the photo licence card itself expires, the SAAQ generally reuses your most recent photo. Late payment adds a fee, and driving on an expired licence can lead to a 30-day vehicle seizure.

• Visitors whose main home is outside Quebec may drive for six consecutive months on a valid licence.
• Tell the SAAQ before the deadline if you choose not to renew, to avoid owing part of the fees.

Common mistakes

• Waiting until month six to start. Appointments can take weeks, so apply as soon as you arrive.
• Turning up at a road test without a licensed driver. If you fail, you can no longer drive on your foreign licence.
• Letting the yearly payment notice slide. Your licence stops being valid after the deadline.
• Assuming a long-expired licence can be swapped. Three years or more expired means starting over.

Test yourself: Moving to Quebec, out-of-province licences and renewals

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Exchanging a foreign licence in Quebec
• Learning to drive in Quebec
• Quebec demerit points table