• 5 min read

New to the NWT? How to Exchange Your Foreign Driver's Licence

Welcome to the spectacular Northwest Territories! As you begin your new life in the land of the midnight sun, one of the most important administrative tasks is securing an NWT driver's licence. The process, handled by Driver and Vehicle Services (DMV), is a requirement for all new residents. This guide will walk you through every step of exchanging your out-of-country or out-of-province licence.

The 90-Day Rule for New Residents

When you establish residency in the Northwest Territories, you can use your valid driver's licence from your previous home jurisdiction for a maximum of 90 days. After this 90-day grace period, your old licence is no longer valid for driving in the NWT, and you must hold a local licence.

Understanding NWT's Reciprocal Licence Exchange

The process for exchanging your licence depends entirely on your country of origin. The NWT, like other Canadian jurisdictions, has reciprocal agreements with a specific list of countries. This makes the process much simpler for eligible drivers.

Tier 1: Reciprocal Countries (No Testing Required)

If you hold a valid, non-learner licence from one of the following countries, you can directly exchange it for a full NWT Class 5 licence without taking a written knowledge test or a practical road test. You will still be required to pass a vision test.

Reciprocal Countries & Jurisdictions Include:

  • Any other province or territory in Canada
  • United States
  • Australia
  • Austria
  • Belgium
  • France
  • Germany
  • Isle of Man
  • Japan
  • Republic of Korea (South Korea)
  • Switzerland
  • 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 of documented experience, you will be placed into the NWT's Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program.

Tier 2: Non-Reciprocal Countries (Testing Required)

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

Process for Non-Reciprocal Licence Holders:

  1. You must first pass a vision test and a written knowledge test.
  2. After passing the knowledge test, you will be issued a Class 7 Learner's Licence.
  3. You must then take and pass a Class 5 road test.
  4. Your previous driving experience is still valuable. If you can provide an official driving record (abstract) showing two or more years of experience, you may be exempt from the one-year waiting period in the GDL program, allowing you to take your road test sooner.

Step-by-Step Guide to Exchanging Your Licence

Follow these steps for a smooth process at an NWT DMV office. Be aware that services are primarily available in larger centres like Yellowknife, with scheduled visits to smaller communities.

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 source.
  3. Proof of Identity: You need original identification that proves your legal name and date of birth. A valid Passport is the most common and accepted document.
  4. Proof of Legal Presence in Canada: You must show you are legally entitled to be in Canada (e.g., Canadian Birth Certificate, Permanent Resident (PR) Card, Work Permit, Study Permit).
  5. Proof of NWT Residency: You need a document proving you live in the NWT. Examples include:
    • A utility bill (e.g., Northland Utilities, Northwestel)
    • A signed lease or rental agreement
    • A letter from an employer on company letterhead
  6. Official Driving Record/Abstract (Highly Recommended): This is a letter from the licensing authority in your home country that confirms your licence class, issue date, and driving history. It is essential for getting credit for your driving experience. This must also be translated if not in English.

Step 2: Visit an NWT DMV Office

You must apply in person. The main issuing offices are in major centres like Yellowknife, Inuvik, Hay River, and Fort Smith. Check the Government of NWT website for hours and locations.

Step 3: At the DMV Office

  • An agent will review all your original documents and translations.
  • You will be asked to complete a driver's licence application form and declare any medical conditions.
  • You will take a vision screening test.
  • You will have your photograph taken.
  • You will pay the required fees for the licence exchange and any tests.
  • You will surrender your foreign driver's licence. It will be sent for verification and 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. Your permanent photo licence card will be mailed to your NWT address.

Exchanging your licence is a key part of settling into the North. By preparing your documents meticulously, you can make your trip to the DMV a success.