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International Driving Permit Canada

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Get your printed IDP + digital copy for $49
Digital IDP is sent in max. 2 hours
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IDP is essential when driving abroad

driving abroad with idp

International Driving Permit (IDP), regulated by the United Nations, certifies that you are the holder of a valid driver's license in your country of origin.

documents needed for international driving permit

Your IDP is a valid form of identification in more than 150 countries worldwide and contains your name, photo and driver information in the 12 most widely spoken languages in the world.

How to get your IDP

01

Fill in the forms

Have your driver’s license and delivery address handy

02

Verify your ID

Upload pictures of your driver's license

03

Get approved

Wait for confirmation and you’re ready to go!

Apply now
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Driving Rules in Canada

Although an international driver’s license may be required, the driving laws in Canada are very similar to those of the United States. Vehicles still drive on the right-hand side of the road, but speed limits are posted in metric units.

Additionally, you may notice that road signs are in English, French or both in certain provinces in Canada. Signs in Quebec may only be displayed in French, so be prepared if you plan on visiting the province. Some other unique driving rules in Canada include:

  • Car seat requirements for children under 40 lbs.
  • Smoking in cars where minors are present is prohibited.
  • Cell phones must be used in hands-free mode while driving.
  • In Montreal, right-hand turns are not permitted during red lights.

Driving in the Winter

Driving a car through a Canadian winter can be incredibly challenging, even if you are an experienced driver. Make sure to check the weather conditions before traveling and prepare for the possibility of heavy snow, black ice, and white-out conditions.

Have a fully charged cell phone and emergency contact numbers available for easy calling. Pack a small travel kit with items such as blankets, flashlights, ice scrapers and kitty litter if you ever need tire traction. Sometimes, the safest option may be avoiding driving until a winter storm passes.

Do I need an International Driving Permit for Canada?

Driving in Canada as a tourist is not allowed. However, if you have your National Driver’s Licence accompanied with an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) and pass the required years of age, you will be permitted to drive a motor vehicle rented from a car rental agencies along with a car insurance coverage in the country. Regardless, they are all obliged to follow the road safety rules in the country and are not subject to any special treatment.

An IDP allows tourists to drive in foreign countries worldwide as per convention on road traffic. They do not need to get their own Canadian Provincial Driver’s Licence to drive in Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, Quebec, etc., if they are driving within the country for less than three months on tourist/visitor visa as per government of Canada.

However, they may have to get a territorial driver’s license/valid Canadian driver’s licence if they are to drive in the country for more than the allotted period of three months.

How do I get an international driving permit in Canada?

Getting an IDP from Canada is relatively easy. All you need to do is follow these steps:

  1. Click on the “Start My Application” button on the upper right corner of the page.
  2. Fill out the IDP application form.
  3. Attach a copy of your valid home country driving license.
  4. Then fill out your credit card information to pay for the IDP fee.
  5. Wait for 30 days until your IDP hard copy is delivered. As for the digital copy, you can receive this with 2 hours!

You’ll need an International Driver’s Permit. Or do you? 🤔

Take this short quiz to learn everything you need to know about International Driving Permit

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In which country did you get your driver’s license issued?

Do i need international driving permit

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