Newcomers: the essentials on driver's licenses and road characteristics in Quebec

To the point A valid driver's license is required to drive on Quebec roads. Here are our tips for hassle-free driving, as well as our tricks for saving money on fuel.

Canadian or foreign license For non-Quebec residents For Quebec residents For students and trainees

Exchanging a foreign or Canadian license for a Quebec license Obtaining a Quebec driver's licence The particularities of driving in Quebec Rent a car in Quebec Car insurance and civil liability Save with points and cash back Frequently Asked Questions

As a newcomer to Quebec, you’ll need to contact the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) for information and administrative procedures.

This organization has several mandates, including enforcing the Highway Safety Code and issuing driver’s licenses.

There are 12 classes of driver’s license in Quebec. We’ll be looking at class 5, which allows you to drive a car.

Canadian or foreign license

For non-Quebec residents

If you’re visiting Quebec and don’t have a principal residence in the province, you can drive with your driver’s license (issued in Canada or abroad) for six consecutive months.

If you want to stay longer in Quebec, you’ll need an international driver’s license. To be valid, it must always be accompanied by your original licence. If you are stopped at a roadside checkpoint, you will need to present these two documents.

The International Driving Permit is only issued in the country where you obtained your license. The SAAQ specifies that if your driver’s license is not in English or French, you must have an international license in hand as soon as you arrive in Quebec.

For Quebec residents

If you settle in Quebec, you will be entitled to drive a car for six consecutive months with your valid license (foreign or Canadian). After that, you’ll need a Quebec driver’s licence, and therefore a licence exchange.

Here are two special cases to consider:

If your original licence was issued in both Canada and the United States, all you need to do is exchange your licence;
If your original license was issued in another country, and there is an agreement with Quebec, license exchange will also be possible. If not, you’ll have to pass theoretical and practical exams.

For students and trainees

You’ll be able to drive for the duration of your studies or internship if you have a valid driver’s license, issued in Canada or abroad.

The SAAQ points out that it is recommended to have an international license if your original license is not in English or French.

Exchanging a foreign or Canadian license for a Quebec license

To exchange your driver’s licence, you will need to request an appointment with the SAAQ.

Simply fill in this form Appointment to have driving experience acquired outside Québec recognized online, then send it in.

Once your appointment has been scheduled, you’ll need to gather a number of documents for the big day, including your original driver’s license and proof of residency in Quebec. Then pay the fee required to exchange the permit.

The SAAQ states that you must have your documents translated if they are not in English or French.

Une illustration d'un permis de conduire du Québec

Obtaining a Quebec driver's licence

As in most countries, you’ll need to book courses with a driving school recognized by the SAAQ.

Before you can obtain a driving licence, you must :

Obtaining a learner’s permit;
Take a driving course;
Pass the SAAQ theory and practical exams.

Here’s a checklist for your Class 5 (car) driver’s license. You will be subject to a demerit point system.

The particularities of driving in Quebec

When you drive in Quebec, make sure you :

A valid driver’s license ;
Vehicle registration certificate ;
Vehicle insurance certificate.

Before getting behind the wheel, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the Highway Safety Code.

Here are some examples:

The traffic lights are on the other side of the intersection: you don’t stop at the lights, but before the intersection;
As for turning right at a red light, this is permitted in Quebec, but not on the island of Montreal. A stop is mandatory before turning;
For the left-hand turn, you must turn in front of the car on the opposite side;
For winter driving, all vehicles are equipped with four winter tires from December¹ to March 15;
Finally, if you encounter a school bus, a stop is mandatory when the intermittent red lights are flashing.

Rent a car in Quebec

If you’d like to get around as you please, whether to discover your city, find a job or go on a getaway, don’t hesitate to rent a vehicle.

There’s no shortage of big-name car rental companies in Quebec, but they often charge high rates that vary according to pick-up location and vehicle type.

Skyscanner, a search engine for flights, hotels and cars, will find the best deals for you in the blink of an eye. It’s easy to compare rates using their interactive map.

Une carte de Skyscanner avec des disponibilités de véhicules à la location

To save on car rental, go car-sharing! If you live in Montreal, Laval, Gatineau, Trois-Rivières, Quebec City, Sherbrooke, Boisbriand, Terrebonne or Victoriaville, try Communauto. By subscribing to this service, you’ll have access to a wide range of vehicles that can be rented for a few minutes, a day or even longer.

Une carte du service de Communauto qui permet

For other cities in Quebec, turn to Turo, which offers a wide choice of vehicles, shared by local hosts. The option of delivery directly to your home or destination is really practical.

Deux véhicules en location chez Turo, ainsi qu'une carte de localisation de véhicules

Car insurance and civil liability

Choosing the right car insurance cover can be a real headache. In Quebec, there are two different insurance plans, as explained in our guide How does car insurance work in Quebec? You’ll also discover our tips for saving on your insurance premiums.

YouSet also offers car insurance services. This platform will help you find the best insurance cover for your needs.

As for third-party liability coverage, this protects you against any damage caused to another car or to the driver of that car. Our guide What is third-party liability in car insurance? will answer all your questions on this subject.

Save with points and cash back

Do you intend to do a lot of driving? Credit cards that offer reward points or cash back will help you lighten your gas bill. Here are a few card suggestions:

5 points per dollar (approximately 3.35%) with the BMO eclipse Visa Infinite* Card
3% cash back per dollar with the BMO CashBack^® World Elite^®* Mastercard^®*
2% cash back per dollar with The Scotia Momentum^® Visa Infinite* Card

Our How to save on gas prices in Canada guide contains all our tips. Concrete examples will show you how easy it is to put strategies in place.

If you take the wheel of an electric car, we invite you to consult our guide How to save even more with an electric vehicle.

Finally, our page on the Best credit cards for gas and transport details the advantages of each card.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I renew my driver's licence in 2024?

Each year, before your birthday, you will receive a payment review by mail, according to the SAAQ. This document will tell you the total amount of annual fees to be paid.

How much will a driver's license cost in 2024?

For Class 5, the cost of a driver’s license is $25.50, when there are no demerit points on the driver’s record, according to the SAAQ.

How do I obtain an international driver's license?

Do you have a Quebec driver’s licence and are going abroad? Check whether your destination requires an international driver’s license, says the SAAQ. CAA is the only organization authorized to issue this type of permit in Canada.

What do SAAQ's online services offer?

SAAQclic offers citizens a number of online services relating to driver’s licenses, vehicle registration, vehicles and driving records.

What is the Quebec public automobile insurance plan?

Quebec’s public automobile insurance plan protects Quebecers who are the victims of a road accident in Quebec or elsewhere in the world, says the SAAQ, adding that the plan also assists tourists in Quebec, depending on their degree of responsibility in the accident.

How do I get a class 5 (car) driver's licence?

Before you can obtain a Class 5 license, you’ll need to follow a number of steps: obtain a learner’s permit, take and pass a driving course, and pass the SAAQ theory and road tests.

How do I check the validity of a driver's license?

You can consult the SAAQclic website, or call or e-mail the SAAQ to check the validity of a permit.

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Newcomers: the essentials on driver’s licenses and road characteristics in Quebec