News release

Nova Scotia, Austria Sign Driver's Licence Agreement

Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations (Oct. 2000 - March 2014)

Austrians who move to Nova Scotia to work or study will now be able to exchange their valid driver's licence for one in Nova Scotia.

The province of Nova Scotia and the Republic of Austria have signed a reciprocity agreement on driver's licences for passenger vehicles.

"We are delighted to offer this arrangement, which makes it easier for new residents or immigrants from Austria who choose to live in Nova Scotia," said John MacDonell, Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations. "At the same time, the process maintains our standards for driving and road safety."

If they already have a valid Austrian licence, they will not have to take a written or road test in Nova Scotia. Required vision testing will be available at Access Centres Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Nova Scotians who live, work or study in Austria will have the same privileges.

Mag. Ursula Zechner, director general section IV, Federal Ministry for Transport, Innovation and Technology, said the Republic of Austria is pleased to have reached this arrangement with Nova Scotia.

"This is a major step in reducing bureaucratic burdens for residents of both Austria and Nova Scotia and thus very welcome," said Mag. Zechner. "This agreement is a vivid example of our excellent relations, which we are ready and committed to expand in all areas of mutual interest."

Austria is working to finalize agreements with other Canadian provinces. Nova Scotia has similar agreements in place with the United States, Germany, South Korea, the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, in addition to all Canadian provinces and territories.

For each reciprocal agreement, Registry of Motor Vehicles staff must review a country's driving regulations to ensure they are compatible with Nova Scotia's.