Quebec driver’s licence exchange for newcomers
Deadline: A new Quebec resident can drive a passenger vehicle, motorcycle, moped or scooter on a valid outside licence for up to six consecutive months. After that, a Quebec licence is required to keep driving.
Can you keep driving on your foreign licence?
A new Quebec resident can drive a passenger vehicle, motorcycle, moped or scooter on a valid outside licence for up to six consecutive months. After that, a Quebec licence is required to keep driving.
If your licence is from a reciprocal jurisdiction
The SAAQ allows passenger-vehicle exchanges without proficiency tests for licences from Canada, the United States and a defined list of agreement jurisdictions. Motorcycle and commercial-class rules can be different.
If your country is not reciprocal
If the licence is from a jurisdiction without an agreement, the SAAQ can require knowledge and road tests. Since June 2025, a person generally needs at least one year holding the foreign licence to use the exchange path for a non-agreement jurisdiction.
How previous driving experience is treated
The SAAQ can recognize driving experience acquired outside Quebec. A driving record is recommended because recognized months of experience affect whether a driver receives a probationary or full licence.
Student and temporary-resident exceptions
Students or trainees whose principal residence remains outside Quebec can generally drive for the duration of their studies or traineeship on a valid home licence. Once they settle as Quebec residents, the newcomer exchange rules apply.
Why this matters before buying car insurance
Keep proof of your original licensing date and driving record. Even when an insurer makes its own rating decision, recognized experience and clean supporting documents make it easier to establish your Canadian driving history.
Do not assume that simply holding a foreign licence means an insurer will automatically credit every year of overseas driving. Keep the original driver abstract, licence history, claims history and translations that can prove the record.
Documents to prepare
Bring the foreign licence, proof of status in Canada, proof of Quebec residence, proof of prior residence when requested, a driving record if available and certified translations for documents not in French or English.
Useful long-tail guides
Primary government source
SAAQ — Canadian or Foreign Driver’s Licence →
Source confidence: high. Licensing rules can change and individual results depend on licence class, expiry, immigration status and supporting documents. Confirm the final path with the licensing authority before your foreign-licence driving period ends.
Compare across Canada
Newcomer Driver’s Licence Checker →
2026 Canada Driver’s Licence Exchange Reference →
All provinces and territories →