FEATURE

DRIVING IN CANADA

INFORMATION TO GET YOU STARTED

By Carter Hammett

One of the most important steps new immigrants can take after settling in Canada is learning how to drive. Here is a primer on the first steps.

When Calvin Adjijil first landed in Canada from his native Philippines, he realized, quickly and nervously, he’d have to learn something many of us take for granted: driving.

Adjijil, 29, a civil engineer by training, envisioned a bumper-tobumper experience similar to the driving experience in his hometown of Cabanatuan.

“When I started my first job here, I was doing fieldwork so I went to different sites every day using public transit,” he says. It was a challenge for me. That’s when I saw the need to learn to drive and own a car eventually.”

He quickly realized that the first thing he needed to do was to learn a set of driving rules before developing his new skills.

“Driving itself is a day-by-day learning process while the rules are the principles of driving,” he says. “You cannot drive without learning or at least being aware of the rules first.”

arrive from their home countries with a firm sense of how things should be only to quickly realize that often the rules are not what they envisioned.

Fortunately, there are a number of driving schools that offer courses specifically for newcomers. You can find a list of government-approved driving schools on your province’s Ministry of Transportation website. You will also need the driver’s handbook to study the rules of the road.

Canada also has reciprocal driving agreements with several countries, including Australia, France, Japan, Korea, Austria, Belgium, Germany, Britain, Switzerland and the United States. This means that if you’re from one of these countries, you’ll be able to swiftly obtain a Canadian licence without having to take either a road or written test. If your home country is not on this list, you will need to go through the graduated licensing process of acquiring a driver’s licence.

You will also find that Canadian driving requirements and protocols tend to vary somewhat from province to province. For example, while most provinces state that the legal age for obtaining a learner’s permit is 16, in Alberta that age drops to 14. You can find more information on the website of your province or territory.

A requirement that all provinces share is the need for both a knowledge and a vision test. The latter will confirm that your ability to see clearly will enable you to be a safe driver, while the knowledge test assesses your comprehension of the driving regulations.

Another commonality shared by all provinces is the use of a graduated licensing system. In Ontario for example, there are two licences, class G1 and G2, which are acquired by successfully passing tests prior to applying for class G, which is the full licence.

Drivers with less than 24 months of experience or who cannot prove driving experience over 12 months will have to begin with the G1 licence before taking the test for G2. Drivers unable to provide any proof of driving experience will have to start at the beginning.

Similar rules apply in British Columbia with variations. Under this system, there are two levels to complete: L (learner) and N (novice).

An L stage driver requires a sign with the letter ‘L’ prominently displayed on the inside car’s back windshield that lets other drivers know the level of experience of that particular driver. This stage lasts a minimum of 12 months and also states that drivers should maintain a blood alcohol level of zero at all times while driving, should not drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and sets the limit on the number of passengers to two, including a licenced driver who is over the age of 25.

Once a road test (called the Class 7 road test) has been successfully completed, drivers receive their N stage licence. This phase lasts two years and requires drivers at this stage to post the letter 'N' in their car’s rear windshield. At the N stage, drivers need to limit the number of passengers to one, unless there’s also a licenced driver 25 or over also in the car and maintain a blood alcohol level of zero at all times.

Be proactive

For immigrants considering a move to Ontario, you can start the process of obtaining a licence prior to arrival in Canada. This can be achieved by bringing a copy of your driver’s licence and a letter from the transportation authority in your home country, translated in either English or French, confirming your licence and providing an international permit that allows you to drive for two months in Ontario. During that time, you must apply for an Ontario licence.

After arriving in Ontario, you can apply for either a G1 or G2 licence depending on your level of experience. Be sure to bring the following: Proof of previous driving experience, proof of identity (for example resident card or passport) and your current driver’s licence issued from your home country.

At the driver licensing office, you’ll need to take and pass both a vision and a written test, have your photo taken and pay all the applicable fees.

It’s worth noting that all Ontario drivers are required to have car insurance. If you have a positive history with car insurance from your home country, this might be able to help you obtain better rates on your insurance policy in Canada. Ask your insurance company for a letter of experience, including the length of in-force policy history and your claims-free status. Produce these documents when asking about insurance quotes in Ontario.

These are just some of the things to consider when thinking about driving in Canada. Be sure to research some of the perks offered by driving schools as well. For instance, in Ontario, taking lessons from driving schools certified by Service Ontario could mean a reduction in waiting time for your G2 to eight months, down from one year.

Other benefits include peace of mind and improved safety on the road, in addition to getting used to driving in your adopted home.

“You will never get lost in Canada,” says Calvin Adjijil. “At first, I was overwhelmed by the number of various directions, arrows, signals and street names everywhere, but learning how to drive has made me realize their existence. They provide a wide range of information, serve as travel guidance and most importantly, keep not just me but everyone safe.”

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