No honking or horse racing on the highway? You may know how to drive, but there are a few important laws that drivers in Canada must know to safeguard themselves from a hefty fine or jail time. Before exploring every corner of Canada, educate yourself about provincial-specific laws and some common road signs. But don’t you worry, we’ll tell you everything you need to know before taking over the wheels and driving in Canada.
Every country has its own set of driving laws, and Canada is no exception. Before you hit the road, make sure you are familiar with the area, environment, and, of course, the Canada driving rules! If you have driven in the US, then driving in Canada shouldn’t be a difficult task for you. For a smooth and hassle-free driving experience in Canada, keep reading folks!
Valid Driver’s Licence
To drive a vehicle legally in Canada, you will require a driver’s licence from the government of the province you reside in. If you possess a foreign driving license, then it may be valid provided you get an International Driving Permit (IDP) from your native country.
The licence application process in Canada varies from province to province. Therefore, it is important to do thorough research about the province from which you wish to obtain the licence. If you are keen on saving your time and truckloads of dollars, then we highly recommend that you arrange all the required documents before arriving in Canada. Doing so will speed up your licence application process, and you may receive your licence much earlier than the standard time.
The process of getting a driver’s licence includes the following:
- A written (offline) examination
- A couple of driving tests
Check out the guidelines and information regarding driving lessons, exams, etc. in your province below:
- Alberta
- British Columbia
- Manitoba
- New Brunswick
- Newfoundland & Labrador
- Northwest Territories
- Nova Scotia
- Ontario
- Prince Edward Island
- Quebec
- Saskatchewan
- Yukon
| Pro Tip: Always carry an original and hard copy of your driving license, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) strictly do not entertain a soft copy. |
Valid Car Insurance
One of the basic necessities for Canadian residents is owning a vehicle to commute. It is no surprise that buying a car goes hand in hand with buying insurance for your car. It might not be compulsory in every country to buy insurance, but in Canada it is! If you are caught without auto insurance, you will have to face serious penalties and pay a hefty amount as a fine. If it’s your first conviction, the fine ranges between $5000 to $25,000. In the case of a second conviction, the fines range from $10,000 to $50,000. Depending on the severity of the crime, either your licence can be suspended or your car can be seized or both.
Buying insurance for your car is a fairly easy task, although deciding which one to buy makes you sweat. There are a number of car insurance policies to choose from, most of which can be clubbed together. Despite it all, the important question still remains, “Which insurance policy is the best for you to invest in?”
Buying insurance for your car is quite a significant investment, therefore, consider the following before investing in one:
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What are your specific insurance needs?
- Find out the mandatory coverage requirements for your vehicle in your province. You can skip buying the optional!
- Ensure that you get a complete understanding of the coverage of the plan you opt for.
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Is clubbing two or more insurance policies bringing you more value or returns?
- Take advantage of the multi-policy discounts by buying insurance for multiple vehicles at once.
- Buying insurance for all the drivers from the same household.
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Where can you get the best at the lowest price?
- If you have just one car, getting in touch with a ‘direct writer’ can be beneficial.
- If you own multiple vehicles from different companies, it’s better to connect with a broker that deals with multiple companies.
| Pro Tip: If you often drive your friend’s or a relative’s car, be certain to have your name listed on their car insurance policy. |
Canada Driving Rules
Being familiar with the Canada driving rules before taking over the wheels can be a lifesaver, especially in a new country. The rules for driving in Canada are similar in most provinces, with slight changes in a few others. Regardless of the minimal changes, the crux remains the same: “strictly follow the driving rules for your own safety.”
Some general Canadian rules to follow while driving:
- In Canada, you drive on the right side of the road and pass on the left.
- Stopping at the red light is a must, breaking this rule can cause retribution.
- Canadian roads are equipped with photo radar detectors, so drive within the speed limits. Generally, the speed limits are constrained between 31 mph (50 kmph) and 50 mph (80 kmph), depending on the area.
- It is mandatory to have a child car safety seat while driving with a child below the age of 9.
- High occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes can be used only if there are two or more people present in the car, including the driver.
- It is illegal to smoke inside a car while driving in Canada if a minor is present in the car.
- Driving in Canada under the influence of alcohol (DUI) is prohibited.
- Right turns are restricted at red lights in Montreal, Canada.
- It is mandatory to wear a seatbelt for everyone, regardless of their age.
| Pro Tip: In case of any kind of emergency while driving in Canada, you can contact the Canadian Automobile Association for help. |
Hacks to Know Before Driving in Canada
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Change in Language
Canada is primarily an English-speaking country, but in some parts of the country, like Quebec, you will notice the signboards will be in French. The regional accents may also vary from the rest of Canada. It is advisable to familiarise yourself with some French signboards.
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Coping With Long Journeys
Canada, being the second-largest country in the world, comes with an extensive road network, and it is no surprise that your road trips are indeed going to be long and weary. You will be at ease if you carry some comfortable pillows and blankets to shoo away your body aches.
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Save Assistance Numbers
Before you begin your tiresome journey by road in Canada, ensure that you save some essential numbers on your cell phones. Saving at least 4-5 roadside assistance numbers comes with no cons. You never know when your car may break down on a stretchy road with no internet access.
Summing Up
Driving in Canada is no different from driving anywhere in the world. However, driving comes with a lot of responsibility. The person behind the wheel is not only responsible for his/her own life but also the lives of their co-passengers. While driving in a new country can be quite challenging, doing a little research about the rules can give you a head start. Remember to always abide by the Canada driving rules of the area you drive in to avoid getting yourself in trouble. Sit back, relax and enjoy your drive with scenic views all across Canada.
You May Also Read
| Can Students Drive Uber in Canada? | Landlord Tenant Rights in Canada |
| Transportation in Canada for Newcomers | Public Transit Accessibility in Canada |
FAQ’s
In Canada, the steering wheel in a car is on the left-hand side, and you drive on the right-hand side of the road. Overtaking or passing is also done from the left.
Yes, anybody can legally drive anywhere in Canada provided you have a valid driver’s license issued by the Canadian government of the province you reside in. You can also drive with a foreign driving licence if you have an international driving permit from your home country.
Always drive on your right and pass on the left. Always wear your seatbelt when driving. It is illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol. Use an indicator while turning left or right. Always carry your driving licence, insurance and registration documents.
The maximum speed limit allowed in Canada is in British Columbia, which allows the driver to travel up to 75 mph (120 km/h), which has now been reduced to 68 mph (110 km/h). The speed limit varies in various areas of Canada, i.e. 50mph (80km/h) in rural areas and 31mph (50km/h) in urban areas are the maximum speed limits.
One must be at least 16 years old to be eligible to apply for a driving license in Canada. He/She must also pass a test of traffic signs and rules of the road and a vision test. He/she must also pass two driving tests to successfully avail of a license in Canada. Is driving in Canada on the left or right?
Can a tourist drive in Canada?
What are the Canada driving rules?
What is the maximum speed limit in Canada?
What is the age to get a driving licence in Canada?
