New Residents
If you are a new resident in Ontario and have a valid driver's licence from another province, state or country, you can use it for up to 60 days after you move to Ontario. If you want to keep driving in Ontario, you must get an Ontario driver's licence. New Ontario residents have 30 days before they must register their vehicles and get Ontario licence plates and a vehicle permit. If you plan to buy a vehicle, you will need proof of insurance. To get insurance, you usually need an Ontario driver's license.
For more information on getting an Ontario Driver's Licence and licensing a vehicle in Ontario visit the Ontario Ministry of Transportation.
For information on permanently importing your vehicle to Canada, visit the Registrar of Imported Vehicles.
Exchanging your licence for an Ontario licence
You may be able to exchange the driver's licence from another country for an Ontario license. The licence you get depends on whether you can provide proof of driving experience from another country, and exact terms of exchange and required documentation vary from country to country.
For some countries, you must show an original letter from the country which issued your driving licence. It is much easier to obtain this before you leave your country of origin.
Eligible countries for licence exchange
Visitors
If you are a visitor to Ontario and want to drive while you are here, you must be at least 16 years old and have a valid driver's licence from your own province, state or country. If you are visiting Ontario for more than three months, you need an International Driver's Permit from your own country or you may have to apply for an Ontario driver's licence, depending on your length of stay. You should also ensure your automobile insurance coverage is sufficient.