North America travel guide
Driving in Canada with a foreign licence
IDP recommended
You can drive in Canada on a valid foreign licence; an IDP is recommended. Visitors can usually drive on a valid foreign licence; an IDP is required if your licence is not in English or French.
The essentials
Drives onThe right
IDP neededRecommended
Minimum age16+
Convention1949 Geneva
On the road
Rules of the road in Canada
- Right turn on red permitted unless signed otherwise (except Montreal Island).
- Winter tyres mandatory in Quebec in winter.
- Seatbelts mandatory.
- Alcohol limit 0.08% federally; provinces add warn-range penalties.
At the rental desk
Recommended for non-Latin-script licences.
Common questions
01
Can I drive in Canada with a foreign licence?
Yes, visitors may drive on a valid foreign licence in Canada; carry an IDP if your licence is not in the Roman alphabet.
02
Which side of the road does Canada drive on?
Canada drives on the right.
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