Driver's Licence

New Residents Who Hold a Driver's Licence Issued by a US State

If you hold a valid driver's licence issued by your jurisdiction of origin authorizing you to drive a passenger vehicle (Class 5), a motorcycle (Class 6), or a moped (Class 6D), you may drive the corresponding class of vehicle for up to 6 months after settling in Québec. After that, you must obtain a licence from the SAAQ. You can exchange your licence for an equivalent Québec driver's licence. The exchange may be made as soon as you are settled in Québec.

If you hold a driver's licence that authorizes you to drive vehicles other than a passenger vehicle (Class 5), a motorcycle (Class 6), or a moped (Class 6D), you are not allowed to drive these vehicles after settling in Québec. You must first obtain a licence from the SAAQ. You can exchange your licence for an equivalent Québec driver's licence as soon as you are settled in Québec. However, a medical exam is required.

During the exchange, you are not required to pass the tests to obtain a licence to drive a passenger vehicle (Class 5) or a moped (Class 6D) provided that your licence is valid or has expired within the last 3 years. If your licence has been expired for 3 years or more, you must pass the tests. You must pass the proficiency examinations in order to obtain a licence to drive a vehicle other than a passenger vehicle (Class 5) or a moped (Class 6D). For more on this, consult the section on Québec driver's licence classes and select the class of licence you want to obtain.