Exchange Your Driver's Licence in Ontario: Only 60 Days, Tighter Than Other Provinces

Exchange Your Driver's Licence in Ontario: Only 60 Days

Your Chinese driver's licence is valid for only 60 days in Ontario. After that, you must switch to an Ontario driver's licence.

Eligibility: Ontario only allows direct exchange from certain countries. China is not on the list. So you cannot directly get a full Class G licence. However, you may get credit for up to one year of driving experience under certain conditions.

Steps:

1. Apply in person at a DriveTest centre or the ServiceOntario Bay and College location in Toronto.
2. Bring original identity documents (e.g., passport), your original Chinese licence, and proof of address.
3. If your licence is not in English or French, get a certified translation (must be dated within 6 months of application).
4. Take a vision test.
5. Fill out the application form, stating your driving experience.
6. Pay the fees (amount not specified on the official site; check at the time).
7. You may need to take a knowledge test and road tests.

For Chinese licences:

• You must pass a vision test, knowledge test, and G2 road test.
• Wait at least 12 months before attempting the G road test.
• From July 1, 2026, you can get credit for up to 12 months of driving experience if you provide an official letter of authentication from the Chinese government (in English or French).

Common pitfalls:

• Translation must be done by an approved translator (e.g., ATIO member).
• Your Chinese licence must be valid and show an expiry date.
• Learner's permits, licences suspended for alcohol-related offences, and commercial licences cannot be exchanged.
• The 60-day period starts from the day you become a resident of Ontario, not from when you start the process.

Official source:

• https://www.ontario.ca/page/exchange-out-province-drivers-licence