In a press release dated May 23, 2025, the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) announced upcoming changes to driving rules for certain individuals newly arrived in Quebec.
Traditionally, newcomers to Quebec have been allowed to drive a Class 5 vehicle for up to six months using their foreign driver’s license. After this six-month period, if they do not have an international driver’s permit, they are required to apply for a Quebec driver’s license.
One Key Requirement: The Country That Issued the Foreign License
There are two possible scenarios:
- The person holds a driver’s license issued at least one year ago by another Canadian province, the United States, or a country that has a reciprocal agreement with Quebec;
Or
- Their driver’s license was issued by a country that does not have a reciprocal agreement with Quebec.
List of Countries with a Reciprocal Agreement:
- Germany
- Austria
- Belgium
- France
- Great Britain: England, Wales, and Scotland
- Isle of Man
- Northern Ireland
- Japan
- Netherlands: Holland and the Dutch Caribbean (Sint Maarten, Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, and Sint Eustatius)
- Republic of Korea (South Korea)
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
In the first case, the person can simply exchange their original driver’s license for a Quebec driver’s license.
In the second case, they must pass a Class 5 road test in order to obtain one.
What changes as of June 5, 2025?
The change specifically applies if the newly arrived person fails the road test. From now on, they will no longer be allowed to continue driving with their original license.
Instead, the SAAQ will issue them a learner’s permit, allowing them to drive a Class 5 vehicle, but under certain restrictions:
- They must be accompanied by someone who has held a Class 5 license for at least 2 years;
- They are not allowed to drive between midnight and 5 a.m.;
- Zero tolerance for alcohol consumption will apply;
- They cannot accumulate more than 4 demerit points.
They will be able to retake the road test as many times as needed, as long as there are at least 28 days between each attempt and an appointment is scheduled.
Other changes also apply to three-wheeled motorcycles (Class 6E) and tractor-trailers (Class 3).
For more information, visit the SAAQ website.
Photo: Andrej Lisakov
