For newcomers to Canada
A licence from home, and roads that are new to you.
You may have driven for years, but Ontario has its own habits: full stops at stop signs, right turns on a red light, four-way stops, roundabouts and winter roads. We help you learn them before the road test, and we explain the licence steps in plain words.
Converting a licence, in plain steps
Check for an exchange
Ontario has licence exchange agreements with some countries and provinces. Drivers from those places may swap their licence without road tests.
Visit a DriveTest centre
Bring your licence, your ID, and an approved translation if the licence isn't in English or French. You'll take an eye test and a written knowledge test.
Show your experience
A letter from the licensing office back home can prove how long you've driven. With 12 months or more, you may be able to book a G2 road test without the usual wait.
Book your road test
With 24 months or more of proven experience, you may be allowed to try the G road test first. The licensing office tells you which test you can book.
We explain; the licensing office decides. We can walk you through how this usually works, but we can't tell you which rule applies to you. Only the licensing office can, based on your documents. Rules change, so check with them before you book anything.
Which lessons help before your test
Before a G2 road test
- Full stops at stop signs and taking turns at four-way stops
- Right turns on a red light, and when not to make one
- Parallel parking and the roadside stop
- Mirror and shoulder checks the examiner can actually see
Often three to five lessons, or the road test refresher.
Before a G road test
- Entering and leaving the Conestoga Parkway
- Lane changes and merging at highway speed
- Multi-lane roundabouts and busy arterial roads
- Planning ahead in heavier traffic
Often two to four 90-minute lessons, then the G test-day car.
Questions to take to the licensing office
Write the answers down. We'll plan your lessons around them.
- Does Ontario have an exchange agreement with the country that issued my licence?
- Which documents do you accept as proof of my driving experience?
- Is my translation accepted, or do I need a specific translator?
- Which road test can I book: G2, G, or none at all?
- How long can I keep driving on my licence from home?
Lessons in three languages
With Claire, Mariana or Omar
Every instructor teaches in English, with plain words and no rush.
Clases tranquilas con Mariana.
Mariana explains in Spanish and practises the English words the examiner will use.
دروس قيادة هادئة مع عمر.
Omar explains in Arabic and practises the English words you'll hear on test day.
Bring your questions, and your licence from home.
Tell us how long you've driven and which test you're aiming for. We'll call or text to plan your first lesson in the language you prefer.
EnglishEspañolالعربية