As a newcomer one of the very first things you should consider doing when you come to Canada is getting your driving licence. There are many public modes of transport such as buses, streetcars, subway, trains… however they are not as convenient and reliable as an own car.
The requirements for getting a driving licence are different depending on where you’re from. You can check them here.
Unfortunately Poland has no agreement with Ontario that would enable experienced drivers to just exchange their licence. Fortunately though we don’t have to go through the regular process for obtaining the licence and can skip a one-year waiting period between passing a written exam and taking a driving test.
So what do you actually have to do to get your licence?…
Before taking a drive test
Before coming to Canada:
- A letter of authentication from the original licensing agency that includes:
- The licence first issue and expiry date
- Category of licence
- Length of driving experience
In Canada
- Translation of a letter of authentication prepared by a translator certified by Service Ontation – cost: CAD40-CAD50
- Prepare for a written test – handbook and some online tests
G1 Written Test – at Service Ontario
When speaking with the officer
- Have all documents with you:
- Current driving licence
- Letter of authentication + translation
- Passport
- You will have a photo taken
- You will have your eyes checked (visual acuity and horizontal visual field)
- You will be asked if you require glasses or contact lenses for driving
- Processing fee: CAD 97
When taking the written test
- You can take it anytime even the same day in one of the rooms at Service Ontario, there is no need to book it ahead
- There will be 20 road signs questions and 20 road rules questions
- You need to get at least 16 questions in each section right in order to pass
- The test will be checked on the spot
- If you pass you will immediately get a temporary G1 licence and the real plastic document will be sent to you within 6 weeks (in our case in 2 weeks)
- If you fail you can retake the test the next day after paying CAD15
G Test
Before the test
- As driving in North America is a bit different than in Europe it’s strongly advised that you take some driving lessons before the road test. If you’re really an experienced driver, even a 1-2h practice should pay off
- Schedule an appointment at one of the DriveTest Centers. Usually driving schools can do it for you too. When picking the time and date for your test try to avoid rush hours (when everyone drives to work or drops off kids to school). The wait times can vary from 2 to 5 weeks, depending on location. Also remember that in Canada you must bring a vehicle of the appropriate class to the DriveTest Centre. The car can be owned, borrowed or rented. Many driving schools have a road test package for newcomers that includes: booking an appointment, 90min driving preparation with an instructor, pick up and drop-off and a car for the test. Total cost: CAD220 for the package + CAD$87.75 for the test
When taking the road test
- The examiner will introduce him/herself, check your id, go around the car and ask you to switch the turn signals, push the brakes to check the stop lights and honk. This procedure is to make sure your car is safe and equipped in accordance with the law
- You will have to declare how many times in the last three months you have driven on a 400-series highway and a highway with a speed limit of at least 80 km/hr and also declare the average length of these trips. Make sure you have sufficient experience, otherwise your test can be cancelled
- On the road the examiner will check the following driving skills:
- parallel parking, 3-point-turn and roadside (emergency) stop
- mirror use / blind spot checks / observation skills
- proper lane use and lane change
- how well you manage space between vehicles
- approach to an intersection, start, stop, safe left and right turns
- freeway entering, driving and exiting at proper speed
This is the example route in Brantford – remember to study road signs and rules and practice your driving skills with a qualified instructor before your exam.
Tips
- Check the mirrors all the time – move your head around, not just eyes as the examiner has to see it. We had a neck ache afterwards 🙂
- ALWAYS look over your shoulder on every left or right turn (watch for pedestrians)
- ALWAYS look over your shoulder when you change lines (blind spot)
- Speed up to 100 kmph BEFORE entering a highway
- When exiting a highway don’t slow down until you enter the exit lane
- Use turn signals and look over your shoulder when parking
- Stop and count to 3 on every stop sign and when turning right on red
Good luck!
