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Americas

Driving in Canada

Not always demanded at the desk, but routinely requested by police and insurers. Here is exactly what Canada expects from a visiting driver, and how to have it before you land.

Canada

Americas · drives on the right

Strongly recommended
Drives on the
Right
Rental min age
18+
Ready in
8 min

Do I need an international driving permit in Canada?

Not always demanded at the desk, but routinely requested by police and insurers. Most provinces accept a foreign licence briefly, but a translation is expected if it is not in English or French.

Which side of the road does Canada drive on?

Canada drives on the right-hand side of the road.

What is the minimum age to rent a car in Canada?

Rental desks in Canada generally require drivers to be at least 18. Younger drivers may face a surcharge or be refused.

How quickly can I get one before I fly?

The digital document is issued in minutes — the median is 41 seconds after payment — and works offline. A printed booklet ships separately by tracked courier.

Requirements are set by Canada and can change. We publish what the destination currently expects and update it when it moves. If Canada refuses the document we recommended for it, our money-back guarantee applies.