Can I drive in Canada with an Australian licence? Do I need an international driving permit?
It depends on the province or territory where you drive. Smartraveller says: “To drive in Canada, you may need: an International Driving Permit (IDP) and; a valid Australian licence” “Requirements may vary in different provinces and states.” (Smartraveller advice for Canada, checked on 17 October 2026).
Rules change, and car hire companies can ask for more than the law. We quote the official travel advice word for word, with its date; this is information, not legal advice. If you are unsure, ask the embassy of the country you are visiting, your car hire company or your travel insurer before you travel.
What the official source says
Smartraveller advice for Canada: “Local travel” › “Driving permit”
To drive in Canada, you may need:
- an International Driving Permit (IDP) and
- a valid Australian licence
Get an IDP before you leave Australia.
You can drive for up to one year with an IDP and your Australian licence. After that, you'll need a local driver's licence. Requirements may vary in different provinces and states.
Source: Smartraveller: Canada, page updated 24 September 2026, “still current at” 17 October 2026 (Australian time), checked on 17 October 2026. Quoted word for word; we show only the sentences about driving licences and permits.
What to bring and where to get an IDP
Smartraveller says (in its advice for Vietnam):
Fraudulent websites may claim to issue valid IDPs.
The Australian Automobile Association (AAA) and its member clubs are the only authorised distributors of IDPs for Australian licence holders.
Source: Smartraveller: Vietnam, checked on 17 October 2026.
Hire a car in Canada
Hiring a car in Canada? Compare rental companies and prices on DiscoverCars. Check the licence and IDP rules above before you book: the rental desk can refuse your booking without the right permit.
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Staying longer or moving there? How long you can drive in Canada on a foreign licence, provinces and territories
Other licences in Canada
| Licence | In Canada | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| UK licence | It depends | 28 October 2026 |
Before you travel to Canada
Questions
Do I need an international driving permit for Canada with an Australian driver's licence?
It depends on the province or territory where you drive. Smartraveller says: “To drive in Canada, you may need: an International Driving Permit (IDP) and; a valid Australian licence” “Requirements may vary in different provinces and states.” (Smartraveller advice for Canada, checked on 17 October 2026).
Can I drive in Canada with my Australian licence?
Smartraveller says: “To drive in Canada, you may need: an International Driving Permit (IDP) and; a valid Australian licence” “Requirements may vary in different provinces and states.”
Which international driving permit do I need for Canada?
The Smartraveller advice for Canada does not say which convention (1926, 1949 or 1968) the permit must follow.
Where do I get an international driving permit in Australia?
Smartraveller says: “The Australian Automobile Association (AAA) and its member clubs are the only authorised distributors of IDPs for Australian licence holders.”
Where does this answer come from?
From the official travel advice of Smartraveller, read on 17 October 2026 and quoted word for word on this page. It is information, not legal advice.
Spotted a change? Tell us. Every country for an Australian licence · Driving abroad: all licences.