Driving rules in Canada are set by each province, so as a newcomer in Ottawa you need to follow Ontario’s rules: drive on the right, use kilometres per hour, come to a full stop at stop signs, never use a hand-held phone, and follow strict alcohol limits. You can usually drive on your valid foreign licence for a short time after arriving, but you will need an Ontario licence to keep driving, so it pays to learn the local rules early.
Using your foreign licence and getting an Ontario licence
Ontario currently lets new residents drive with a valid licence from another country for 60 days after arriving. After that, you need an Ontario licence. How you get one depends on where your licence is from and how much experience you can prove.
- Licence exchange: Ontario has exchange agreements with some countries and jurisdictions. Drivers from those places may be able to exchange their licence without taking road tests.
- Credit for experience: if your country does not have an agreement, you may still get credit for driving experience you can prove with official documents. That can shorten or skip the usual waiting periods in Ontario’s graduated licensing system.
- Starting from G1: without proof of experience, you begin like any new driver, with the G1 knowledge test, then the G2 and G road tests.
These rules, the list of exchange countries and the documents required can change. Check the current details on ontario.ca or with DriveTest before you plan. Our step-by-step guide to getting your licence in Canada explains the whole process.
Everyday Ontario road rules to know
Speed limits
Canada uses kilometres per hour. In Ontario, unless a sign shows otherwise, the limit is generally 50 km/h in cities, towns and villages, and 80 km/h on roads outside them. Highways such as the Queensway (Highway 417) usually have higher posted limits. Watch for lower limits in school zones and community safety zones, where fines can be higher.
Stop signs and all-way stops
Always come to a complete stop. At an all-way stop, the first vehicle to stop has the right of way. If two vehicles stop at the same time, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right.
Right turns on red
In Ontario you may turn right on a red light after coming to a full stop and yielding to pedestrians and traffic, unless a sign says no right turn on red. Rules differ in some other places in Canada, such as the island of Montreal, so do not assume they are the same everywhere.
Pedestrians
Pedestrians have the right of way at crosswalks when the signal allows them to cross. At pedestrian crossovers and school crossings with a crossing guard, you must wait until the person has completely crossed the road before you move.
Roundabouts
You will find roundabouts in many Ottawa neighbourhoods. Slow down, yield to traffic already in the roundabout, travel counter-clockwise and signal before you exit.
Rules that surprise many newcomers
- School buses: when a school bus has its red lights flashing and stop arm out, traffic in both directions must stop, unless the road is divided by a median. If you are behind the bus, stop at least 20 metres back.
- Emergency vehicles: when you see flashing red or blue lights or hear a siren approaching, pull to the right and stop until it passes.
- Move over: when you approach a stopped emergency vehicle or tow truck with flashing lights, slow down and, if it is safe, move into the next lane.
- Hand-held devices: using a hand-held phone while driving is illegal, even when you are stopped at a red light.
- Seat belts and car seats: everyone in the car must wear a seat belt, and young children must use a car seat or booster seat suitable for their age and size.
- Cyclists: leave at least one metre when passing a cyclist where possible, and check for bikes before opening your car door.
Alcohol, cannabis and impaired driving
Canada treats impaired driving very seriously. The criminal limit for blood alcohol is 80 milligrams per 100 millilitres of blood (often written as 0.08), but in Ontario penalties can start at lower levels. Drivers with a G1 or G2 licence, and drivers aged 21 and under, must have zero alcohol in their blood. Zero tolerance for cannabis also applies to these drivers. The safest choice for everyone is simple: if you drink or use cannabis, do not drive. Penalties include licence suspensions, fines and possible criminal charges, and the details can change, so check ontario.ca for current rules.
Driving in an Ottawa winter
For many newcomers, winter is the biggest adjustment. Ottawa winters bring snow, ice, freezing rain and short days.
- Winter tires: they are not required by law in Ontario, but they give much better grip in cold weather and snow. Ask your insurer whether they offer a discount for them.
- Clear the whole car: remove snow and ice from every window, the lights, mirrors and the roof before you drive.
- Slow down and leave space: stopping takes much longer on snow and ice, so double your following distance and brake gently.
- Watch for black ice on bridges, overpasses and shaded areas, especially in the early morning.
- Keep an emergency kit in the car with a brush and scraper, warm clothes, a small shovel and a phone charger.
Read our winter driving guide for Ottawa for more detail.
How AUTOZ helps newcomers drive with confidence
At AUTOZ Driving School, our certified instructors help newcomers adjust to Ontario rules and Ottawa roads in one-on-one lessons in automatic cars, including a Tesla. If you already know how to drive, your instructor can focus on what is different here: Ontario right-of-way rules, road test expectations, highway merging and winter driving.
- Book private lessons on weekdays or weekends, from 1 to 10 hours.
- If you are taking a road test, our road test package includes a 1-hour warm-up lesson and use of the AUTOZ car for the test.
- If you are starting from G1, our Ministry-approved BDE online course can let you take the G2 road test after 8 months instead of 12, and may lower your insurance premiums (ask your insurer).
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive in Ontario with my licence from another country?
Currently, new residents can drive on a valid foreign licence for 60 days after arriving in Ontario. After that you need an Ontario licence. Check ontario.ca for the latest rules and for whether your licence can be exchanged.
Is turning right on a red light allowed in Ottawa?
Yes, unless a sign prohibits it. You must come to a complete stop first and yield to pedestrians and other traffic before turning.
Do I need winter tires in Ottawa?
Winter tires are not legally required in Ontario, but they are strongly recommended for Ottawa winters. They improve braking and grip on snow and ice, and some insurers offer a discount for using them.
Should I take lessons if I already drove for years in my home country?
Even experienced drivers benefit from a few lessons focused on Ontario rules and road test expectations. Habits that were normal at home can cost marks on a DriveTest road test or lead to a ticket here.
If you are new to Ottawa and want to feel confident on Canadian roads, you can book lessons online or message us on WhatsApp at 613-884-1705. We are happy to answer your questions and suggest the right starting point.
