Can I drive in Canada with a UK licence? Do I need an international driving permit?
It depends on the province or territory where you drive. GOV.UK says: “Laws vary between provinces and territories, including: whether you are allowed to turn right on a red light; driving licence requirements – you may need to get an international driving permit (IDP)” (FCDO travel advice for Canada, GOV.UK, checked on 28 October 2026).
Type of international driving permit: 1949 (GOV.UK table).
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
GOV.UK: international driving permit table
| Country or territory | Type of IDP | More information |
|---|---|---|
| Canada | 1949 | – |
Source: GOV.UK, Driving abroad: check if you need an international driving permit (IDP), page updated 29 January 2025, checked on 28 October 2026. GOV.UK says: “Check the table to find out if you need an IDP.”
FCDO travel advice for Canada: “Transport risks”
See driving in Canada for information on traffic and safety laws. Laws vary between provinces and territories, including:
- whether you are allowed to turn right on a red light
- driving licence requirements – you may need to get an international driving permit (IDP)
Hire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as a year of driving experience, a higher minimum age and holding an IDP.
Source: FCDO travel advice: Canada travel advice, page updated 2 June 2026, checked on 28 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
GOV.UK says:
You can get an IDP in person from certain shops that have PayPoint.
An IDP costs £5.50.
A 1926 or 1949 permit lasts for 12 months. A 1968 permit lasts for 3 years or until your UK driving licence expires, whichever comes first.
You must always have your driving licence with you, as well as your IDP.
Source: GOV.UK, Get an international driving permit (IDP) and Check if you need an IDP, checked on 28 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.
Some links are affiliate links: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Australian licence | It depends | 17 October 2026 |
Before you travel to Canada
Questions
Do I need an international driving permit for Canada with a UK photocard driving licence?
It depends on the province or territory where you drive. GOV.UK says: “Laws vary between provinces and territories, including: whether you are allowed to turn right on a red light; driving licence requirements – you may need to get an international driving permit (IDP)” (FCDO travel advice for Canada, GOV.UK, checked on 28 October 2026).
Can I drive in Canada with my UK licence?
GOV.UK says: “Laws vary between provinces and territories, including: whether you are allowed to turn right on a red light; driving licence requirements – you may need to get an international driving permit (IDP)”
Which international driving permit do I need for Canada?
GOV.UK's international driving permit table lists the 1949 IDP for Canada.
Where do I get an international driving permit in the UK?
GOV.UK says: “You can get an IDP in person from certain shops that have PayPoint.” “An IDP costs £5.50.”
Where does this answer come from?
From the official travel advice of GOV.UK, read on 28 October 2026 and quoted word for word on this page. It is information, not legal advice.
Spotted a change? Tell us. Every country for a UK licence · Driving abroad: all licences.