Canadian driver’s license checklist

Getting your driver’s license as a newcomer is a key part of settling in Canada. Depending on your previous driving experience and provincial rules, it can take as little as a few weeks to up to 1-2 years.

Here is a checklist of steps to getting your license in Canada.

◻️ Check your provincial requirements (1 day)
You can do this in a few hours online.

◻️ Provide proof of previous driving experience (1-2 weeks)
Gathering the necessary documents from your home country and submitting them could take up to 2 weeks.

◻️ Take a knowledge test (1-4 weeks)
The duration will vary based on the availability of testing appointments. Additionally, you should factor in the time needed for preparation.

◻️ Take a road test (2-6 months)
Scheduling a road test can take a few weeks to several months, depending on your province’s backlog of testing appointments.

◻️ Get a graduated license (if applicable) (1-2 years)
If you’re required to go through the graduated licensing system, it can take 1-2 years to move from a learner’s permit to a full license.

◻️ Pay applicable fees (same day)
You can do this immediately after passing your tests.

Sault Ste. Marie’s Downtown Plaza hosts the Brazilian Festival, a vibrant celebration of Latin Hispanic Heritage Month with samba, bossa nova, cultural performances, BBQ, games, and more. Join the festivities on Saturday, October 19.

Victoria’s Langham Court Theatre hosts the Victoria Festival of Authors, celebrating literature with readings, panel discussions, and workshops featuring over 50 authors from across Canada. Join this vibrant festival from October 16 to 20.

Ottawa’s Wesley Clover Parks presents Pumpkins After Dark, Canada’s largest Halloween festival featuring over 10,000 hand-carved pumpkins in a magical walk-through experience enhanced by music and special effects. Don’t miss this spectacular event from October 10 to 31.

Toronto’s Mel Lastman Square hosts the North York Diwali Fest, a vibrant celebration of the Festival of Lights with music, dance, delicious food, and stunning light displays. Join the festivities from October 19 to 20.

Burnaby’s Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre presents the Canadian Cultural Festival, featuring a vibrant showcase of diverse cultures with live music, dance, food, and a job fair with corporate hiring opportunities. Located about a 20 to 30-minute drive from Vancouver, join the celebration on Saturday, October 19.

Calgary’s Acadia Recreation Complex hosts the Southyeast Brewfest, featuring five local craft breweries, snacks, games, raffles, and live music. Join the fun on Saturday, October 19.

Moncton’s Coliseum hosts the Cox & Palmer Atlantic Canadian Craft Brew Fest, showcasing local beer artisans with a wide selection of craft beer, cider, and mead, alongside delicious food from local chefs. Don’t miss this exciting event on October 19!

Welcome to Canada! The next several months will be full of excitement and new beginnings; Scotiabank can help navigate your journey by providing resources, banking solutions and tailored advice that help newcomers succeed financially. Newcomers can earn up to $2,000* in value with StartRight^{TM 1} and can get a credit limit up to $15,000* with StartRight^TM. ² 

¹ Potential value in 1^st year. Conditions & assumptions apply.
² Subject to credit approval. Conditions apply.

For newcomers to Canada seeking a stunning fall experience, Narcity suggests visiting Scenic Caves Nature Adventures near Collingwood, just 2 hours from Toronto.

🌉 Walk the 420-foot suspension bridge, suspended 82 feet above the forest floor.

🍁 Enjoy breathtaking views of vibrant autumn colours and Georgian Bay.

Navigating tipping in Canada can be confusing, especially for a newcomer. Here is a quick guide by the National Post on everyday services and what tipping is required.

Standard tipping rates
🍽️ Minimum of 15% in restaurants and takeout
🚖 Minimum of 15% for taxi services
🚗 10-20% for Uber rides

Delivery services
📦For Uber Eats or grocery delivery, a minimum of $5 is expected.

Service duration
⏰ If a service, like getting coffee, takes less than five minutes and is average, consider skipping the tip.
💵 If the payment terminal prompts you for a tip in a place that used to have a tipping jar, consider leaving a cash tip instead.