• 5 min read

New to Nova Scotia? How to Exchange Your Foreign Driver's Licence

Welcome to Nova Scotia, Canada's Ocean Playground! As you start your new life here, one of the most important administrative tasks is to obtain a Nova Scotia driver's licence. The process, managed by the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) and accessed through Access Nova Scotia centres, is a requirement for all new residents. This guide will walk you through every step of exchanging your out-of-country licence.

The 90-Day Rule for New Residents

When you become a resident of Nova Scotia, you can use your valid driver's licence from your previous country or province for a maximum of 90 days. After this 90-day grace period, your off-island licence is no longer valid for driving in Nova Scotia, and you must hold a local licence.

Understanding Nova Scotia's Reciprocal Licence Exchange

The process for exchanging your licence depends entirely on your country of origin. Nova Scotia has reciprocal agreements with a specific list of countries. If your licence is from one of these places, the process is much simpler.

Tier 1: Reciprocal Countries (Testing Waived)

If you hold a valid, non-learner licence from one of the following countries, you can directly exchange it for a Nova Scotia Class 5 licence without taking a written knowledge test or a practical road test.

Reciprocal Countries & Regions Include:

  • Any other province or territory in Canada
  • United States
  • Austria
  • Germany
  • Isle of Man
  • South Korea
  • Taiwan
  • United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)

To get a full Class 5 licence, you must prove you have at least two years of driving experience. If you have less than two years, you will be placed into Nova Scotia's Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system.

Tier 2: Non-Reciprocal Countries (Testing Required)

If your driver's licence is from a country not on the reciprocal list (e.g., India, China, Philippines, Brazil, Nigeria, etc.), you must apply as a new driver and pass all required tests.

Process for Non-Reciprocal Licence Holders:

  1. You must first pass a written knowledge test (rules and signs) and a vision test.
  2. Once you pass the knowledge test, you can book a Class 5 road test.
  3. Your previous driving experience is still valuable. If you can provide an official, certified driving record (abstract) showing two or more years of experience, you may be able to book your road test immediately, bypassing the GDL waiting periods. If you cannot provide this proof, you will have to complete the GDL program.

Step-by-Step Guide to Exchanging Your Licence

Follow these steps to ensure a smooth process at an Access Nova Scotia centre.

Step 1: Gather Your Required Documents & Translations

This is the most critical part of the process. All documents must be original.

Documentation Checklist for All Applicants:

  1. Your Original Foreign Driver's Licence: You must surrender your valid, unexpired licence.
  2. Official Translation: If your licence or other documents are not in English or French, you must provide a certified translation from an approved translator.
  3. Proof of Identity: You need documents that prove your identity, including your legal name, date of birth, and signature. A valid Passport is often the best single piece of ID. Other documents can include a Permanent Resident Card or Canadian Citizenship Card.
  4. Proof of Nova Scotia Residency: You need one document proving you live in Nova Scotia. This must show your name and current civic address (not a P.O. Box). Examples include:
    • A utility bill
    • A bank statement or credit card statement
    • A signed lease or rental agreement
    • A letter from an employer, university, or school
  5. Official Driving Record/Abstract (Highly Recommended): This is a letter from the licensing authority in your home country that confirms the type of licence you hold and how long you have had it. It is essential for getting credit for your driving experience. This must also be translated if not in English or French.

Step 2: Visit an Access Nova Scotia Centre

You must apply in person. While some locations may accept walk-ins, booking an appointment online is highly recommended to avoid long waits.

Step 3: At the Access NS Centre

  • An agent will verify all your original documents and translations.
  • You will be asked to complete a driver's licence application form, which includes declaring any medical conditions that could affect your driving.
  • You will take a vision screening test.
  • You will have your photograph taken.
  • You will pay the required fees. This includes a fee for the licence itself and additional fees for any required tests.
  • You will surrender your foreign driver's licence. It will not be returned.

Step 4: Testing (If Required)

  • If you are from a non-reciprocal country, you will take the computer-based knowledge test.
  • After passing the knowledge test, you can book your Class 5 road test.

Step 5: Receive Your Licence

After completing all requirements, you will be given a temporary paper driver's licence, which is valid for 30 days. Your permanent photo licence card will be mailed to your Nova Scotia address within about 14 calendar days.

Exchanging your licence is a key part of settling in Nova Scotia. By preparing your documents and translations well in advance, you can make your trip to Access Nova Scotia a success.