🚗 Driving in Quebec as a New Immigrant: What You Need to Know

Moving to a new country comes with many challenges—and learning how to drive in your new environment is one of the most important.

If you are a new immigrant or international student in Quebec, understanding how the province’s driver’s license system works, what documents you need, and how to prepare for the SAAQ driving exams can make a huge difference in your transition.

At the Ligue de l’Automobile de Montréal (LADM), we specialize in helping immigrants, newcomers, and students become confident and legal drivers on Quebec roads.

✅ 1. Can You Drive in Quebec With a Foreign Driver’s License?

Yes—but only temporarily.

If you are a new immigrant or temporary resident, you can drive with your foreign license for up to 6 months after arriving in Quebec. After that, you must exchange it for a Quebec driver’s license through the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ).

🔍 Tip: Some countries have license exchange agreements with Quebec. If you are from France, Belgium, or another recognized country, you may not need to take a road test.

📄 2. Steps to Get a Quebec Driver’s License as a Newcomer

Here’s a simplified process:

Check eligibility for license exchange
Visit the SAAQ website to confirm if your country has an agreement with Quebec.
Book an appointment at the SAAQ
Bring your foreign driver’s license, immigration documents, and an official translation if required.
Pass the knowledge test (if required)
If your license cannot be exchanged directly, you will need to pass a written exam.
Take the road test (if required)
If your driving experience is recognized but your license cannot be directly exchanged, you will need to pass a practical driving test.

🧑🏫 3. Why Take Driving Lessons as a New Immigrant?

Even if you have years of driving experience, Quebec roads can be very different:

Road signs are in French
Winter driving and icy roads require new skills
Different speed limits and traffic laws
Zero-tolerance alcohol policy for new drivers

At the Ligue de l’Automobile de Montréal, we provide personalized driving lessons for newcomers. Our programs focus on:

✔️ Adapting to Quebec traffic and road conditions
✔️ Understanding local road laws and habits
✔️ Preparing for both the SAAQ theory test and practical exam

💬 Our instructors speak multiple languages and have years of experience teaching new immigrants at every level.

📍 4. Why Choose Ligue de l’Automobile de Montréal?

We have helped thousands of newcomers successfully obtain their Quebec driver’s license with confidence, while making the SAAQ process less stressful.

Our services include:

Individual or package driving lessons
Theory exam preparation (available in French & English)
SAAQ road test simulations
Patient, multilingual instructors who understand your challenges as a newcomer

📞 Contact Us Today

Ready to start driving in Quebec? We’re here to help!

Ligue de l’Automobile de Montréal
📍 Montreal, QC
📞 514-844-7303
📧 info@ladm.ca