It’s travel season in Canada again! Many visitors with foreign driver’s licenses plan to rent a car and drive in Ontario, but the official Ontario website is not very clear about the requirements, leaving many confused. So, I called to ask for clarification.
💡 Mandatory Requirements:
- Drivers must be at least 16 years old.
- Must carry a valid and complete original driver’s license.
(These next two items only apply if you’re borrowing a friend’s or family member’s car; they can be ignored if renting from a car rental company.) - The car’s insurance must include the new driver’s name.
- The vehicle ownership certificate (registration) must be present.
🙋 Common Questions Not Answered on the Ontario Website:
❓ Do I need to register my documents with Service Ontario before driving?
✅ No, you just need to carry the necessary documents with you while driving.
❓ How long can visitors drive in Ontario with a Chinese driver’s license?
✅ Up to three months. If staying longer, you must obtain an Ontario driver’s license to continue driving.
✅ Visitors from Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan can drive beyond three months with an International Driving Permit (IDP), but this must be obtained before arriving in Canada. Once in Ontario, it’s no longer possible to apply for an IDP.
❓ If I get an Ontario driver’s license, can I still use my Chinese license in Ontario?
✅ No. A driver’s license in Ontario is as important as an ID card, and you can only hold one valid license in the province. In some other Canadian provinces, authorities may even confiscate your Chinese license when issuing a local one, though this is not currently the case in Ontario.
❓ Do visitors need a translated copy of their driver’s license?
✅ Yes. This is not clearly mentioned on the official website, but the representative I spoke to confirmed that all non-English/French licenses must be translated by an ATIO certified translator. The translation must be a physical copy for verification. A driving experience certificate is not required.
❓ Can I drive a friend’s car?
✅ Yes, but it’s more complicated than in China. Unlike in China, in Ontario, if you drive a friend’s car, your name must first be added to their insurance policy before you can legally drive it.
✨ Summary: If you’re pulled over by the police while driving in Ontario, make sure you have:
✔️ A valid original driver’s license (complete)
✔️ An ATIO certified translation (if not in English/French)
✔️ Insurance coverage that includes your name
✔️ Vehicle ownership certificate (registration)