Since an IDP is valid only as long as it accompanies a valid national driver's licence, an IDP becomes invalid at this point. When the relevant province's deadline for a newly arrived resident arrives, that resident's UK driver's licence no longer is valid. newly arrived temporary work permit holders (please understand that, if you have a temporary work permit, you are not a visitor).In most Canadian provinces, the following newly arrived residents may drive on their UK licences (without IDPs) for 60 - 180 days (depending on the province): If you move from one province to another in Canada, after a set number of days, you must change both your licence and your car licence plate!. This means that there is no such thing as a 'Canadian' driving licence per se, there are 'Canadian Provincial' driving licences. Unlike the United Kingdom, in Canada, all driver licensing is the responsibility of the individual provinces. You should do this before you emigrate (but it can also be done after). You can also get a printed copy from the DVLA of your driving experience. Provinces will accept this date ( do point it out to them as not all staff may be familiar with UK cards). BUT the date that you passed your test (which is what the Canadian provinces are after) is shown on the back of the UK photocard. If you have a UK 'photo driving licence card', it is only valid for 10 years.
Most Canadian provinces need proof that you have held a full UK licence for at least 2 years before they will exchange for a full and unrestricted Canadian provincial licence. You cannot convert an expired UK licence for a Canadian provincial licence and it is illegal to apply to the UK DVLA to renew an out of date licence if you are no longer resident in the UK. If it is, you MUST renew it while you are still living in the UK.
You must check to ensure that your UK licence is in date and not expired or about to expire. This sounds obvious, but UK driving licences have an expiry date for the photocard licences (10 years). Note that if you are a Temporary Work Permit holder, you are not classified as a visitor.Įnsure your British licence has not expired or is about to expire In BC, visitors may drive for 6 months with a valid international licence, and no IDP is required.
For example, the rules for Ontario state that a visitor may use their UK drivers licence for up to 3 months, but if visiting for more than 3 months, they must also have an IDP (official source here: Ontario: Visitors Driving Licences). The precise rules may vary by Canadian province. Most Canadian provinces allow only visitors and students to drive on IDPs accompanied by UK licences. You must also carry your UK licence with the IDP (official source here: Gov.UK: Driving Abroad). It can be obtained from the AA, the RAC or a Post Office. It can be requested for a nominal fee up to 3 months before your trip and is valid for one year only. An IDP MUST be obtained in the UK before you travel to Canada. The 'official' website for the UK (gov.uk) explains what an 'International Driving Permit (IDP)' is and that you may need one if you plan to drive while visiting Canada for 3 months or more. All Drivers Licenses are issued by the Province you are residing in and each province will have different rules and requirements. There is no such thing as a 'Canadian' Drivers Licence (License) per se. 2.3 UK licence held for less than 2 years.2.2 UK licence held for at least 2 years.1.7 Key driving rule differences in Canada.1.6 Convert back if you return to the UK permanently.1.5 Illegal to have a current Canadian and UK licence at the same time.1.4 New permanent residents / TWP holders.1.3 Proof of British driving experience.1.2 Ensure your British licence has not expired or is about to expire.