Can I drive in Canada as an international student?

Yes, international students can drive in Canada, but the rules vary by province.

Using your home country licence:
- Most provinces allow visitors and new residents to drive on their home country licence for 60–90 days after arriving
- Beyond that period, you generally must obtain a provincial driver's licence

International Driver's Permit (IDP):
- Recommended if your licence is not in English or French
- Obtain one from your home country before leaving — it is not available in Canada
- Valid alongside your home country licence, not as a standalone document

Getting a Canadian licence:
- Each province has its own graduated licensing system
- Most provinces require you to pass a written knowledge test and a road test
- Some provinces have reciprocal agreements that allow partial or full credit for foreign driving experience:
- UK, US, Australia, France, Japan, South Korea, Germany, and others have agreements with most provinces
- Check your specific province's exchange agreements

Province-by-province variations:
- Ontario: Must get Ontario licence within 60 days; reciprocal agreements with many countries
- BC: Foreign licence valid for 90 days; then BC licence required
- Alberta: 90 days on foreign licence; exchange agreements available

Costs: Written test, road test, and licence issuance fees vary — typically CAD 100–300 total.

Car insurance: Mandatory in all provinces. Rates are high for new drivers and newcomers — budget CAD 150–400/month initially.