If you've just moved to Québec, you can drive on your foreign licence for your first six months. After that, you need a Québec licence. Whether you can exchange it directly or must pass the SAAQ road test depends on where it was issued.
Can you exchange directly?
You can usually exchange your licence without a road test if it was issued by: another Canadian province or territory, a U.S. state, or a country with an exchange agreement with Québec: Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales), the Isle of Man, Japan, the Netherlands (including the Dutch Caribbean), Northern Ireland, South Korea, Switzerland and Taiwan.
Conditions apply, such as how long you've held the licence. Confirm yours on the SAAQ's page for licences issued outside Québec before your appointment.
Everyone else: the SAAQ tests
If your licence comes from any other country, you must pass the SAAQ tests to get a Québec licence. Your previous driving experience may count toward the 24 months normally spent on a probationary licence.
Why experienced drivers still fail
Many newcomers have driven for years and still lose points on Québec-specific habits: No right turn on red on the island of Montreal unless a sign allows it.
- Full stops at every stop sign, including the many all-way stops in residential areas.
- Cyclists and bike lanes everywhere, often to the right of turning cars.
- Pedestrian priority at crossings.
- French-only signs. Learn the common ones before the test.
- Winter tires are mandatory from December 1 to March 15.
A refresher course before your test
A few sessions with a local instructor show you what the SAAQ examiner expects and break habits that cost points. Omega's refresher course lets you book from 1 to 12 hours of in-car driving with a certified instructor, in English or French. You can also rent a car for the road test at SAAQ Henri-Bourassa, Kirkland, Longueuil or Langelier.
Frequently asked questions
How long can I drive in Québec on my foreign licence?
Six months after settling here.
My country isn't on the list. What now?
You take the SAAQ tests. A short refresher course before your road test helps you adapt to local rules.
What if I fail the road test?
Since June 2025, you receive a learner's licence and must drive accompanied until you pass.
Book a refresher with Omega
Sherbrooke-NDG (514-908-2580), Guy-Concordia (514-989-2121), or register online.
Related: How to Pass the SAAQ Road Test