• 4 min read

New to PEI? How to Exchange Your Foreign Driver's Licence

Welcome to Prince Edward Island! As you start your new life on the Gentle Island, one of the most important steps is to obtain a PEI driver's licence. The process, handled by Access PEI, is a requirement for all new residents. This guide will walk you through every step of exchanging your licence from another country, whether it's from a reciprocal nation or not.

The 4-Month Rule for New Residents

When you move to Prince Edward Island, you can use your valid driver's licence from your previous province or country for a maximum of four months (120 days). After this grace period, your out-of-province licence is no longer valid for driving in PEI, and you must have a Prince Edward Island licence.

Understanding PEI's Reciprocal Licence Exchange

The process for exchanging your licence depends entirely on your country of origin. Prince Edward Island has reciprocal agreements with a specific list of countries, which 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 PEI Class 5 licence without taking a knowledge or road test.

Reciprocal Countries Include:

  • Any other province or territory in Canada
  • United States
  • Austria
  • Australia
  • France
  • Germany
  • Isle of Man
  • Japan
  • 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, you will be placed into PEI'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, Pakistan, Philippines, Brazil, Nigeria, China, 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 and a vision test.
  2. Once you pass, you can book a Class 5 road test.
  3. Your previous driving experience is still valuable. If you can provide an official driving record (abstract) showing more than two years of experience, you may be exempt from some GDL program waiting periods.

Step-by-Step Guide to Exchanging Your Licence

Follow these steps to ensure a smooth process at an Access PEI location.

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 is not in English or French, you must provide a translation from a certified 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 the best document to use. Other documents can include a Permanent Resident Card or Canadian Citizenship Card.
  4. Proof of PEI Residency: You need one document proving you live in PEI. This must show your name and current address. Examples include:
    • A utility bill
    • A bank statement
    • A signed lease or rental agreement
  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 PEI 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 PEI 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. The fee for a new licence is generally around $100 for five years (check for the current fee).
  • You will surrender your foreign driver's licence.

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 PEI address.

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