Photo: Elias Touil, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
If you move to Quebec with a licence from another country, you can drive on it for 6 consecutive months, then you need a Quebec licence. Whether you can simply exchange it, or must take the SAAQ tests, depends on where it was issued. This page covers newcomers from outside Canada; for licences from other provinces and a Canada-wide comparison, see exchanging a foreign or out-of-province licence in Canada.
Key facts
- Driving on a valid foreign licence: up to 6 consecutive months after you settle in Quebec (passenger vehicle, motorcycle, moped or scooter).
- Agreement countries: exchange for a Class 5 licence without the proficiency tests.
- Non-agreement countries: pass the SAAQ tests within the 6 months, and you need at least 1 year of experience to use this route.
- Fail the road test and your foreign licence stops being valid in Quebec; you get a learner’s licence instead.
Which countries have a licence exchange agreement with Quebec?
The SAAQ lists these jurisdictions for exchanging to a Class 5 (passenger vehicle) licence without proficiency tests:
| Region | Jurisdictions |
|---|---|
| Europe | Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Great Britain, Isle of Man, Netherlands, Northern Ireland, Switzerland |
| Asia | Japan, Republic of Korea, Taiwan |
| North America | United States (Class 5 and Class 6D moped or scooter) |
For agreement countries, the SAAQ says you must apply within 12 months of settling. The list changes over time, so confirm your country on the SAAQ’s “Canadian or Foreign Driver’s Licence” page before your appointment.
What a few agreements say
- Republic of Korea: a Korean Class 2 licence exchanges for Quebec Class 5 with no proficiency or eye test. You get a regular licence if you are 25 or older or have 24 months of valid driving history; otherwise a probationary one.
- Switzerland: category B exchanges within 12 months of settling, without a proficiency exam or eye test.
- Northern Ireland: category B exchanges within 12 months of settling, without proficiency, knowledge or eye tests.
Exchanging a licence from a country without an agreement
- Check you qualify. For a passenger vehicle, you must have held a passenger vehicle licence for at least 1 year before settling in Quebec.
- Book with the SAAQ early. You must pass the tests within your 6 months.
- Take the knowledge test. Depending on your situation, you may sit it at the service centre the same day as your appointment, or need a second appointment. See the SAAQ knowledge test guide and taking the SAAQ tests in English.
- Take the road test. Same test as Quebec learners: see the SAAQ road test guide.
- Get your licence. The SAAQ issues a probationary or regular licence depending on the years of experience it recognizes.
What happens if you fail the SAAQ road test?
- You can no longer drive in Quebec on your foreign licence.
- You get a learner’s licence with conditions, including driving with an accompanying rider who holds a valid Quebec Class 5 licence and has at least 2 years of experience. See Quebec learner’s licence rules.
- You must wait at least 28 days and book a new appointment to retake the road test.
Probationary or regular licence?
If the SAAQ does not recognize enough experience, you start on a probationary licence: a 4 demerit point limit and zero alcohol. If your licence does not show how long you have held it, ask the SAAQ what proof of experience it accepts before your appointment.
Checklist for your SAAQ appointment
- Your valid foreign licence (the original)
- The other documents the SAAQ lists for your situation (check its newcomer pages when you book)
- Proof of driving experience, if your licence does not show it
- Payment for the fees (check the current figures with the SAAQ)
Common questions
How long can I drive in Quebec with a foreign licence?
Up to 6 consecutive months after settling, if the licence is valid.
Can I exchange a UK licence in Quebec?
Great Britain, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man are on the SAAQ agreement list, so a Class 5 exchange is possible without proficiency tests, within 12 months of settling.
Can I exchange a US licence in Quebec?
Yes, for Class 5 and Class 6D, without the proficiency tests.
My country has no agreement. Do I start from zero?
No, if you have at least 1 year of experience: you take the knowledge and road tests instead of the full learner process.
What if I fail the road test?
Your foreign licence stops being valid in Quebec, you get a learner’s licence, and you wait at least 28 days to retry.
I have a work permit. Can I exchange my licence?
The Government of Quebec says holders of a work permit of 12 months or more are eligible for the licence exchange process.
Is there still a grace period extension?
No. A 2023 SAAQ extension covered only people who settled before late August 2023 and ended on 30 November 2023.
Sources
- SAAQ, “Canadian or Foreign Driver’s Licence” (saaq.gouv.qc.ca)
- SAAQ, “Obtaining a Driver’s Licence” (tourists and newcomers) (saaq.gouv.qc.ca)
- SAAQ, “Your driver’s licence was issued in a jurisdiction that is not covered by an agreement” (saaq.gouv.qc.ca)
- SAAQ, “Grace period for driving with a licence issued outside Québec” (saaq.gouv.qc.ca)
- Government of Quebec, “After obtaining your authorizations to work temporarily in Québec” (quebec.ca)
- Regulations under the Highway Safety Code giving effect to licence exchange agreements with the Republic of Korea, Switzerland and Northern Ireland (legisquebec.gouv.qc.ca)