How to Get an Ontario Driver's Licence as a Newcomer: Foreign Licences, G1, G2 and Iranian Licences Explained

For many newcomers, a driver's licence means independence: getting to work, taking children to school and reaching programs outside the city. This guide explains how Ontario treats licences from other countries, what the G1, G2 and G stages mean, and what Iranian newcomers should know. It is based on the Ministry of Transportation's Official Driver's Handbook and Settlement.Org. Rules and fees change, so always confirm on Ontario.ca and DriveTest.ca before you book.

How long can I drive in Ontario on my foreign licence?

New residents of Ontario can use a valid foreign or out-of-province licence for 60 days. After that, you need an Ontario licence. An International Driving Permit is not a replacement for an Ontario licence for people who live here.

Exchange or graduated licensing: which path applies to you?

Ontario has licence exchange agreements with some jurisdictions, including all Canadian provinces and territories and a list of countries such as the United States, Australia, France and Korea. If your licence comes from one of these places, you may exchange it for an Ontario Class G licence. The full list is published by DriveTest.

If your country has no agreement with Ontario, you cannot simply exchange your licence. This applies to Iran. You enter the Graduated Licensing System, which has three stages.

• G1: you pass a vision test and a written knowledge test on road rules and signs. You must drive with a fully licensed accompanying driver and follow restrictions such as zero blood-alcohol and no driving between midnight and 5 a.m. G1 lasts 12 months, or 8 months if you complete an approved beginner driver education course.
• G2: you pass the G1 exit road test. You can drive alone, but zero blood-alcohol still applies. You must hold G2 for at least 12 months and record highway driving experience before the next test.
• G: after the G2 exit road test, you receive a full licence.

Can my driving experience from Iran count?

Yes, partly. According to the Official Driver's Handbook, from July 1, 2026, drivers from non-reciprocating jurisdictions can receive credit for up to 12 months of experience with an original, valid foreign licence. Credit is limited to experience in the past three years. To receive credit beyond the period shown on the licence itself, you need an authenticated letter from the licensing authority that issued it, dated within the previous six months.

In practice, with 12 months or more of qualifying experience you may be eligible to take the G2 road test right away, followed by a 12-month wait before the full G road test. With about 6 months of experience, you hold G1 for the remaining months before the G2 road test. Because these rules are new and detailed, check your exact situation with DriveTest.

Documents you will need

• Original, valid identification showing your full legal name and date of birth, such as a passport or your immigration documents. Photocopies and expired documents are not accepted.
• Two pieces of ID for the G1 knowledge test.
• Your foreign licence, if you are claiming credit for experience.
• An official letter confirming your driving history, if required. It must be on official letterhead, dated within six months, and state when you were first licensed, the expiry date and the licence class.
• A translation by a qualified translator if the letter or licence is not in English or French.

Fees and booking

The application fee covers the knowledge test, your first road test and a five-year licence fee. Extra road tests carry additional charges. Road tests must be prepaid, and you lose the fee if you cancel with less than 48 hours' notice or do not attend. Current amounts are posted on Ontario.ca and DriveTest.ca. Booking is done on the official sites, which do not charge a booking fee.

Practical tips

• Study the Official MTO Driver's Handbook, which is free on Ontario.ca and available in several languages.
• Ask a friend with a full licence and at least four years of experience to practise with you, since a G1 driver must always have an accompanying driver.
• Check whether a beginner driver education course would shorten your G1 period and may also help with insurance costs.
• Keep every document in one folder, including your Iranian licence and any official letters.

Building confidence behind the wheel

Many women tell us that starting again as a learner driver, after years of driving independently, feels frustrating. It is a normal part of the process, and it passes. Ontario Immigrants Association is a community organization supporting immigrant women, including Farsi-speaking newcomers, across Ontario. Our members share practical experience in our private bilingual community and join confidence and wellbeing circles alongside English conversation and business programs that help you move forward with purpose. Explore our programs and the 6-month membership to join a community that builds capability together.