On May 23, 2025, the Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) announced a major amendment to the Regulation respecting driver's licenses for immigrants, which will come into force on June 5, 2025.
Currently, newcomers can drive in Quebec with their foreign license for six months. Those from countries that have a reciprocity agreement with Quebec can exchange their license for a Quebec license without a practical exam. The others must pass a practical exam to obtain a Quebec license.
As of June 5, 2025, if they fail the practical exam, the persons concerned will no longer be able to drive with their original license. They will need to obtain a learner's license, which imposes restrictions such as the requirement to be accompanied by an experienced driver, a ban on driving between midnight and 5 am, zero tolerance for alcohol, and the limitation to less than 4 demerit points. Candidates will be able to retake the practical exam after a minimum of 28 days between each attempt.
This reform aims to strengthen road safety and standardize rules for newcomers to Quebec.
For more details, see the full article on Immigrant Quebec:
Significant change to the Immigration Permit Regulations - Immigrant Québec
