Study Abroad: Latest Updates on Getting A Driver’s License in Australia, Canada, UK and USA 

It is not at all compulsory to know how to drive to be eligible to study in any of the countries. However, it is always advisable to have a skill up your sleeve when it comes to living away from home. Therefore, if you know how to drive, you might find this information handy as to how to get a driving license in these major study abroad destinations. 

Get an IDP First

An International Driving Permit (IDP) might prove helpful to get a driving license in foreign countries. It also helps in translating your driver’s license into different languages. The right time to apply for an IDP is before moving abroad for your studies as it has to be issued from your home country. 

The process is easy and the application fee for an IDP in India is INR 1,000. Moreover, this fee is different in different countries and keeps updating with time. Let’s look at what rules and procedures entail getting a driving license in Australia, Canada, UK and USA.   

How to Get A Driver’s License?

Here are some simple steps to get a driver’s license in these countries. 

Australia

In Australia, a driving license from your home country can be used to drive by international students. Nevertheless, ensure that you have an IDP or obtain a translation of your license from a NAATI-certified translator. If you do not have a driver’s license, you can apply for one with your state or territory motor registry. You will then need to take a driving test while remembering the traffic rules that apply to your territory in Australia. This is important because states and territories might have different rules in Australia. 

Canada

Getting a driver’s license in Canada is majorly dependent on where you live in Canada and where you are from originally. 

British Columbia

If you are enrolled in a DLI, you can use your existing driving license if it is valid. You can also convert to a British Columbia license through ICBC within 90 days of arrival.  

Ontario

You can drive in Ontario on the previous licence for 60 days. Within this time you have to get your license exchanged for an Ontario license or get a new one. 

Alberta

You can drive in Alberta for a year before needing to exchange your license. If you go back to your country and return to Alberta your 1-year period renews.

Quebec

You are allowed to drive indefinitely on a license from your own country in Quebec. 

UK

Students in the UK can use their driver’s license from their home country for 12 months if they belong to a designated country or territory or have an IDP. After this period, the students must exchange it for a Great Britain license. If you don’t have a license or the conditions aren’t met, you must apply for a full license. Moreover, Ireland requires students to be studying there for at least 06 months to apply for a license. 

USA

Getting a driving license in the USA is also dependent on the state or province that you are driving in. To apply for a driver’s license in the USA one must have an active Student and Exchange Visitor Information System record. This implies that cannot apply for a license directly upon arriving. Applying for a driver’s license in the USA at least two weeks after arriving is advisable because authorities might automatically reject your application otherwise.

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