Driving in Canada: International Driving Document requirements for visitors
Start Express ApplicationVisitors to Canada need a 1949 Geneva Convention International Driving Document alongside their valid foreign driving licence to drive legally. Canada is a Geneva-only country — a Vienna Convention International Driving Document will not be accepted. Canada drives on the Right. Urban speed limit is 50 km/h, highway up to 100-110 km/h. Blood alcohol limit is 0.05% in most provinces, with 0.08% a criminal offense nationwide and zero tolerance for new drivers.
Canada at a glance
- Permit type
- Geneva Convention International Driving Document
- Side of road
- Right (overtake on the left — same as the US, France, Germany, Italy)
- How long it is valid
- 1 year from issue
- Minimum driving age
- 18
- Blood alcohol limit
- 0.05% in most provinces; 0.08% is a criminal offense nationwide; zero tolerance for new drivers
- Emergency number
- 911
How to get your permit for Canada
You do the first step; a dedicated expert does the rest.
Tell us your destination
Canada + your nationality. ~30 seconds.
We confirm what you need
A 1949 Geneva Convention International Driving Document for Canada — picked for you, so you don't have to decide.
We handle the paperwork
Your dedicated expert checks your documents, prepares the application, and files it correctly with the authorized agency.
Review by a real person
A dedicated expert reviews your submission — not a bot.
Track every step
Live dashboard + email/SMS updates from submission until your International Driving Document is in hand.
Canada driving rules at a glance
- Side of road
- Right (overtake on the left — same as the US, France, Germany, Italy)
- Minimum driving age
- 18
- Speed limit — urban
- 50 km/h
- Speed limit — school zone
- 30-40 km/h
- Speed limit — rural
- 80-90 km/h
- Speed limit — highway
- 100-110 km/h
- Blood alcohol limit
- 0.05% in most provinces; 0.08% is a criminal offense nationwide; zero tolerance for new drivers
- Seatbelts
- Mandatory for all passengers
- Helmet
- Mandatory for all motorcycle and scooter riders
- Mobile phone
- Hands-free only — handheld use is illegal in all provinces
- Emergency number
- 911
- Right turn on red
- Allowed in most provinces — come to a full stop first
- Headlights
- Required in most provinces during winter months
Documents required to drive in Canada
What police and rental counters expect you to carry, every time you drive.
- Valid foreign driving licenceMust be valid and cover the vehicle class
- 1949 Geneva Convention International Driving DocumentTranslation backup
- PassportRequired for identification at all times
- Valid visa or visa exemptionMost nationalities need an Electronic Travel Authorization
- Vehicle registration documentsProvided by rental company
- Insurance certificateThird-party liability is mandatory
When you need a permit in Canada
How the requirement plays out, case by case.
EU/EEA licence holder
Yes — Valid for up to 3 months
English-language licence
No — Accepted without an International Driving Document
French-language licence
No — Accepted in Quebec without an International Driving Document
Non-English licence
Yes — Needed as a translation backup
Frequently asked questions
Driving in Canada with a foreign licence, answered.
Last verified Reviewed by Expedify Compliance Review
About this service
Expedify is a private application-assistance service, not a government agency or an authorised issuer. International Driving Documents are issued by the authorised body in your licence country; our agency fee covers preparation, review, and tracking of your application, and is separate from the issuer's own fee. The information on this page is general guidance, not legal advice — acceptance rules are set by each destination country and can change. Always confirm requirements with the official issuer or the authorities of the country you're visiting.