News release

Nova Scotia, South Korea to Sign Driver's Licence Agreement

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

South Koreans who live and work in Nova Scotia will soon be able to drive in the province without taking a written or road test.

The governments of Nova Scotia and South Korea will sign a reciprocity agreement, which allows South Koreans to exchange their valid driver's licence for one in Nova Scotia when they move here.

Under the proposed agreement, Nova Scotians studying or working in South Korea will have the same privileges. South Korea has similar agreements in place with all provinces.

"This agreement will make it easier for students and immigrants to live, study and work in Nova Scotia," said Ramona Jennex, Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations.

The South Korean firm Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering (DSME) is opening a wind turbine tower and blade manufacturing plant in Trenton. It's expected the project will bring about 12 South Korean immigrants to the province, including the families of DSME employees. The plant is also expected to employ hundreds of Nova Scotians.

Nova Scotia accepts driver's licences from all Canadian or U.S. jurisdictions, as well as Germany, without requiring a written or road test.

Registry of Motor Vehicles staff reviewed driver's licence practices in South Korea, and found them to be compatible with those in Nova Scotia.

Requests from countries who want reciprocal agreements with Nova Scotia are considered on a case-by-case basis.