Exchange Your Non-Nova Scotian Driver's Licence

If you’ve recently moved to Nova Scotia and have a valid driver’s licence, you may be able to drive for a period of up to 180 days*.

After that, you need to exchange it for a Nova Scotia driver's licence to continue driving legally.

Why exchange your driver's licence

Exchanging your driver's licence is important to recognize your driver history.

Depending on where your current driver's licence is from, you may be required to do testing, such as a vision, knowledge and/or road tests.

Who can exchange an out-of-province driver's licence

You can exchange your out-of-province driver's licence if you are becoming a resident of Nova Scotia and one of the following applies:

Check the specific criteria to drive in Nova Scotia if you are a temporary visitor.

I am a temporary visitor to Nova Scotia

If you are a temporary visitor to Nova Scotia, you can drive in the province for a period of up to 180 days* without exchanging your driver's licence if:

  • you are at least 16 years old, and
  • you have a valid (not suspended or expired) driver's licence

You are permitted to drive the types of vehicles authorized by your driver's licence.

It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the laws and rules of the road in Nova Scotia. The Nova Scotia Driver Handbook is available online, free of charge, for your reference.

Current driver's licence is expired

If your driver’s licence is expired, you are not permitted to drive in Nova Scotia.

On this page

Exchanging a driver's licence from within Canada or the United States

If you are moving from another Canadian province or territory or US state to Nova Scotia, you can exchange your current valid driver's licence for a Nova Scotia driver's licence of the same class, usually with no testing required.

To exchange a driver's licence from within Canada or the US to a Nova Scotia driver's licence, you need to:

  • be at least 16 years old
  • have a valid driver's licence (not suspended or revoked) from another Canadian province or territory, or US state
  • disclose any medical conditions that may affect your ability to safely drive
  • surrender your out-of-province driver's licence at the time of exchange, and
  • pay the fee for issuing a Nova Scotia driver's licence

Depending on your current driver's licence class or how long you have held your driver's licence, you may need to enter the Graduated Driver Licence program.

Current driver's licence is expired

If your current driver's licence from within Canada or the US expired:

Current driver's licence is a learner’s licence

If your valid learner’s licence is from any Canadian province or territory except Nunavut, you can exchange it without taking any tests.

You cannot exchange a learner’s licence issued in Nunavut, a learner’s licence issued outside of Canada, or an expired learner’s licence without completing required testing.

You will need to pay a fee for issuing a Class 7 driver’s licence.

Endorsements recognized by Nova Scotia

Specific endorsements (such as motorcycle and air brake endorsements) can be recognized when you exchange your driver's licence from within Canada or the US.

To obtain a school bus endorsement on your Nova Scotia driver's licence, you need to complete all required testing for that endorsement.

Exchanging a driver's licence from outside Canada or the US

Your exchange process depends on where your current valid driver's licence was issued.

Exchanging your driver's licence to a Nova Scotia licence allows you to keep driving.

If you are exchanging a driver's licence from a listed country, you will need to surrender your out-of-country driver's licence at time of the exchange.

Check below to see if your driver's licence is from a listed country and class:

Country

*Minimum Current Driver's Licence Class

Driver's Licence you can exchange for in Nova Scotia
(Class Types)

Australia

Class C

Class 5

Austria

Class B

Class 5

Belgium

Class B

Class A

Class 5

Class 6

Denmark

Class B

Class 5

France

Class B

Class 5

Germany

Class B

Class 5

Hungary

Class B or BE

Class 5

Ireland

Class B

Class 5

Isle of Man

Class B, C or D

Class A

Class A1

Class 5

Class 6

Class 6D

Italy

Class B

Class 5

Japan

Class 1

Class 5

Netherlands

Class B

Class 5

New Zealand

Class 1

Class 5

Portugal

Class B

Class 5

South Korea

Class 1 or 2

Class 2 small

Class 5

Class 6

Sweden

Class B or BE

Class 5

Switzerland

Class B

Class 5

Taiwan

Class B, C, D or E

Class 5

Ukraine

Class B or BE

Class 5

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Class B (or Group A issues before 1 April 1990)

Class C or D

Class A (or Group D if issued before 1 April 1990)

Class 5

Class 5

Class 6

Driver's licence is from a listed country and class

To exchange your current driver's licence for a Nova Scotia driver's licence, you need to:

  • be at least 16 years old
  • have a valid driver's licence (not suspended or revoked)
  • pass a vision test
  • disclose any medical conditions that may affect your ability to safely drive
  • surrender your out-of-province driver's licence at the time of exchange, and
  • pay the respective fee for issuing a Nova Scotia driver's licence

Depending on your current driver's licence class or how long you have held your driver's licence, you may need to enter the Graduated Driver Licence program.

Exchanging your commercial driver's licence

To exchange a commercial class driver's licence, full testing (vision, knowledge, and road tests) is required to obtain a Nova Scotia commercial class driver's licence (Classes 1 to 4).

*You may exchange your commercial class driver's licence for a Nova Scotian non-commercial (Class 5) without testing.

Book an in-person appointment

You will need to apply in person at an Access Nova Scotia or Registry of Motor Vehicles location during business hours. To save time, book an appointment.

What to bring and what to expect at your appointment

You need to bring the following documentation for your appointment:

At your in-person appointment:

  • you will need to pass a vision test to proceed with the exchange
  • your photo and signature will be captured for the driver's licence card
  • you will need to pay a fee
  • you will receive a 30-day temporary driver's licence (your new Nova Scotia driver's licence card is expected to arrive in the mail within two weeks)

Current driver's licence is expired

If your current driver's licence is expired, please call us to explore options available to you.

Current driver's licence is a learner's licence

You cannot exchange a learner's licence issued outside of Canada without completing required testing. To obtain a Nova Scotia Learner licence, you will need to meet the standard requirements, which include vision and knowledge testing.

Endorsements recognized by Nova Scotia

Motorcycle endorsement can be recognized upon exchange, if your driver's licence was issued by one of the following countries:

  • Belgium
  • Isle of Man
  • South Korea
  • United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

To obtain air brake or school bus endorsement on your Nova Scotia driver's licence, you need to complete all required testing.

Driver's licence from a country or class not on the list

If your driver's licence is from a country not on the list or your driver's licence class is not on the list, you will need to take full testing (vision, knowledge, and road tests) to obtain a Nova Scotia driver's licence.

To exchange your current driver's licence for a Nova Scotia driver's licence, you need to:

  • be at least 16 years old
  • have a valid out of country driver's licence (not suspended or revoked)
  • pass a knowledge test (i.e. written test on road signs and rules)
  • pass a vision test
  • pass an air brake knowledge test (if applicable)
  • bring your valid out of country driver's licence with you on the day of your road test
  • pass a road test (you can book a road test online using your master number and out of country driver's licence expiry date)
  • disclose any medical that may affect your ability to safely drive
  • pay the respective fee for issuing a Nova Scotia driver's licence

Depending on your current driver's licence class or how long you have held your driver's licence, you may need to enter the Graduated Driver Licence program.

If your vehicle is equipped with air brakes, you must complete an Air Brakes Knowledge Test before taking the road test (see Full testing is required to exchange my licence for more information).

If you are exchanging a commercial class driver's licence (Classes 1 to 4), a Nova Scotia Driver's Medical Examination Report completed within the past six months is required.

To exchange your driver's licence from a country or class not listed, please see Full testing is required to exchange my driver's licence.

I am studying in Nova Scotia

If you are a student attending college or university in Nova Scotia, you need to exchange your current driver's licence within 180 days of moving to continue driving in Nova Scotia.

If you are a full-time student, you may be eligible to pay a reduced fee and keep the same expiry date from your current driver's licence by bringing a letter from the Dean (or equivalent) indicating that you are a full-time student at an educational institution in Nova Scotia.

  • You will receive a 30-day temporary driver's licence (your new Nova Scotia driver's licence card is expected to arrive in the mail within two weeks).

If you are a student in Nova Scotia with a licence from outside Canada or US, see Exchanging a licence from outside Canada or the US for more information.

Book an in-person appointment

To exchange your driver's licence, you will need to apply in person at an Access Nova Scotia or Registry of Motor Vehicles location during business hours. To save time, book an appointment.

What to bring and what to expect at your appointment

You need to bring the following documentation when applying for a Nova Scotia driver's licence:

If you are required to do testing to exchange your driver's licence:

  • Knowledge testing:
    • available in-person (walk-in or by appointment) at Access Nova Scotia and Registry of Motor Vehicle office locations from 8:30am to 4:00pm
    • some knowledge tests are available online
  • Vision testing:
    • in-person at an Access Nova Scotia or Registry of Motor Vehicles office location
  • Road tests:
    • appointments are required for road tests

If you are exchanging a commercial class driver's licence (Classes 1 to 4), a Nova Scotia Driver's Medical Examination Report completed within the past six months is required.

At your in-person appointment:

  • your photo and signature will be captured for the driver's licence card
  • you will need to pay a fee

I am a member of the Canadian Armed Forces

If you are a current or recently retired member of the Canadian Armed Forces holding a 404 DND driver's licence, you can exchange for an equivalent class Nova Scotia driver's licence without any testing requirements if all the following apply:

  • you are a member or have retired in the last three years
  • you have held a 404 DND driver's licence for a minimum of two years
  • you are a resident of Nova Scotia

If you meet all the above criteria, you do not need to take any testing to get a driver's licence (Classes 1 to 5), including air brake endorsement testing requirements.

Book an in-person appointment

You will need to apply in person at an Access Nova Scotia or Registry of Motor Vehicles location during business hours. To save time, book an appointment.

What to bring and what to expect at your appointment

You need to bring the following documentation for your appointment:

  • an original DND Form 4229 (Nova Scotia DND 404 Commercial Class Equivalency – Driver Qualification Letter), completed and signed by DND

The DND Form 4229 needs to indicate the equivalent driver's licence class or air brake endorsement and needs to be issued within the last three months.

If you are exchanging a commercial class driver's licence (Classes 1 to 4), a Nova Scotia Driver's Medical Examination Report completed within the past six months is required.

At your in-person appointment:

  • your photo and signature will be captured for the driver's licence card
  • you will need to pay a fee
  • you will receive a 30-day temporary driver's licence (your new Nova Scotia driver's licence card is expected to arrive in the mail within two weeks)

Additional Information

Current driver's licence is expired

If your driver's licence expired, you need to exchange it for a Restricted Class 5 driver's licence to continue driving in Nova Scotia. For this, you need to:

  • pass the vision and knowledge tests
  • pay the respective fee (the same as a regular Class 5 licence)

After you have successfully completed the road test, you can upgrade your Restricted Class 5 licence to a regular Class 5 for no additional fee.

If your driver's licence is from Canada or the US and has been expired for less than 5 years, you are not required to complete all testing to exchange your licence.

Restricted class 5 driver's licence

In certain scenarios you may obtain a restricted class 5 driver's licence.

After successful completion of the vision and knowledge test, you may be issued a Nova Scotia Class 5 driver's licence with a condition 46 restriction. Condition 46 means you must be accompanied by a supervising driver.

Once a road test is successfully completed, the restriction will be removed from your class 5 driver's licence.

Exchanging requirements: Translation

If your driver's licence is printed in a language other than English or French, you need to provide a certified translation when applying for an exchange.

Who can provide the translation?

Your English or French translation needs to be done by one of these approved organizations:

  • Association of Translators and Interpreters of Nova Scotia (ATINS)
  • Canadian Translators, Terminologists and Interpreters Council (CTTIC)
  • Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS)
  • Consulate or Embassy Office

What needs to be provided as part of the translation?

The translation needs to be accompanied by:

  • your original driver's licence
  • a "true copy" of the translation, that includes the translator's official stamp or credentials from the organization that completed the translation

A Barrister or Notary Public stamp is not required on the translation.

An International Driving Permit cannot be used as a translation for driver's licence exchange.

Exchanging requirements: full testing

If you require full testing (vision, knowledge, and road tests) to obtain a Nova Scotia driver's licence, follow the step-by-step checklist below. Completing each step in order will make your driver's licence exchange quick and easy.

  1. Get the right study materials

For passenger vehicles (including motorcycles), you can:

    • download the driver handbook (free online)
    • borrow available copies of the Driver Handbook at public libraries and in high schools
    • buy a printed copy at any Access Nova Scotia or Registry of Motor Vehicles location

For commercial classes (Classes 1 to 4), you can get the Professional Driver's Manual in hard copy only, free at any Access Nova Scotia or Registry of Motor Vehicles location.

For air brakes, you can download the Air Brake Manual (PDF) for free.

  1. Pass the vision test
    • complete the test in-person at any Access Nova Scotia or Registry of Motor Vehicles location. To save time, book an appointment. You can also walk into any location during business hours, without an appointment.
    • no fee is required
    • if you are coming into an Access Nova Scotia or Registry of Motor Vehicles location to complete the knowledge test, you can take the vision test at the same time

If you are taking the knowledge test online, you will still need to visit in-person for the vision test.

  1. Pass the knowledge test

To take the knowledge test:

    • complete the two-part multiple choice test on rules of the road and highway signs – all the information you need to pass the test can be found in the Driver Handbook
    • choose the format you prefer to take the test:
      • online (available in English or French)
      • in-person (available in English or French)
        • book an appointment or walk into an Access Nova Scotia or Registry of Motor Vehicles location between 8:30am and 4:00pm to take the test
      • oral examination – exceptionally, you can ask for a verbal exam. Call the Provincial Contact Centre (1-800-898-7668) to make an appointment.

If you do not speak English or French and require an interpreter, please arrange to bring an interpreter with you to assist during your appointment.

For an in-person test, you will need to bring the following:

    • your out-of-province driver's licence
    • additional proof of identity
    • payment method, or payment receipt if you paid in advance

Accessibility accommodations: if you have any specific accessibility needs (require mobility assistance, communication support or other), please call us in advance before booking your in-person appointment. This helps us ensure the right support is available for your visit.

  1. Pass the air brake knowledge test (if applicable)

If you are booking a road test for a vehicle with air brakes, you must take and pass an Air Brake Knowledge Test before your road test.

    • if your out of country driver's licence does not include an air brake endorsement: you must obtain a 90-day temporary driver's licence from Access Nova Scotia after passing the air brake knowledge test. To receive the temporary driver's licence, a Nova Scotia Driver's Medical Examination Report issued within the past six months is required. Bring this temporary licence with you to your road test.
    • if your out of country driver's licence includes an air brake endorsement: you will no receive a 90-day temporary licence and do not need to bring additional documents to your road test. Driving examiners will verify that you have completed the Air Brake Knowledge Test before allowing you to take the road test.
  1. Pass the road test

To take the road test:

    • when you successfully complete your vision test or knowledge test at an Access Nova Scotia Centre, you will get a Nova Scotia master number
    • book your road test online using your master number and pay for the test when you book online with a credit card
    • if you wish to pay for your road test using a road test receipt, purchase a road test receipt online or in-person before booking (at any Access Nova Scotia or Registry of Motor Vehicles location). Book your road test after payment
    • book your road test by calling the Access Nova Scotia Centre:
      • Toll-free: 1-800-898-7688
      • Toll-free TTY: 1-877-404-0867
      • Local: 902-424-5851
      • Mondays to Fridays between 8:30am to 4:30pm, excluding holidays
    • bring your valid out of country driver's licence with you on the day of your road test

If you are exchanging a commercial class driver's licence (Classes 1 to 4), a Nova Scotia Driver's Medical Examination Report issued within the past six months is required.

After taking the road test:

    • if you pass, you can exchange your driver's licence (Step 5)
    • if you do not pass, you need to wait 2 weeks before retaking the road test (to retake it, you will need to purchase a new road test receipt and book a new appointment)
  1. Exchange your driver's licence

After you have successfully completed the road test, you can get your Nova Scotia driver's licence. To complete your driver's licence exchange, you will need to:

    • visit any Access Nova Scotia or Registry of Motor Vehicles location
    • fill out an Application Form
    • disclose any medical conditions that may affect your ability to safely drive
    • bring your current driver's licence (if not in English or French, a translation is required)
    • provide proof of identity
    • pay the respective fee

If you are exchanging a commercial class driver's licence (Classes 1 to 4), a Nova Scotia Driver's Medical Examination Report issued within the past six months is required.

At the Access Nova Scotia or Registry of Motor Vehicles location:

    • your photo and signature will be captured for the driver's licence card
    • you will receive a 30-day temporary driver's licence (your new Nova Scotia driver's licence card is expected to arrive in the mail within two weeks)

Book an in-person appointment

To exchange your driver's licence, you will need to apply in person at an Access Nova Scotia or Registry of Motor Vehicles location during business hours. To save time, book an appointment.

Learner's licence

You cannot exchange a learner's licence issued outside of Canada without completing required testing. To obtain a Nova Scotia Learner's licence, you will need to meet the standard requirements, which include vision and knowledge testing.

Endorsements

Nova Scotia does not automatically recognize motorcycle, air brake, or school bus endorsements upon exchange. To obtain any of these endorsements on your Nova Scotia driver's licence, you need to complete all required upgrade testing.

Vehicles equipped with air brakes

To drive a vehicle equipped with air brakes, your driver's licence must include an air brake endorsement if you are requesting this endorsement when exchanging your driver's licence, you need to:

If your current driver's licence does not already include the air brake endorsement:

  • you may qualify for a 90-day interim Nova Scotia driver's licence with air brake endorsement once you pass the required knowledge tests
  • this interim driver's licence allows you to practice driving vehicles with air brakes in preparation for your road test
  • to receive the interim driver's licence, a Nova Scotia Driver's Medical Examination Report issued within the past six months is required