Driving in Canada - Your Questions Answered

In Canada they drive on the right-hand side of the road.

The minimum age to hire a car in Canada is 25. Although this may differ based on each rental companies’ policy.

There is no maximum age to hire a car in Canada, you just require a valid UK drivers licence.

Yes, Canada uses the metric system and road signs will be displayed in km/h.

Each province has their own regulations on winter tires. We recommend visitors who are not familiar with driving in Canada’s snow and ice conditions planning their road trips in spring/summer.

Winter Tyre Policy by Province:

British Columbia

From October 1 to April 30 winter tires or chains are required on the majority of roads in British Columbia. Roads will be marked by road signs and is enforces by the police, ministry or other enforcement officials. Motorists who are not compliant may be turned away and fined.

Quebec

From December 1 to March 15 Quebec requires drivers to have their car’s winter ready with winter tyres. This applies to all cars registered in Quebec and rental cars. Drivers who do not have the correct tyres are liable of a fine of $200 to $300.

It is not guaranteed your rental car will come with winter tyres. Even if you are picking up in a province with a winter tyre mandatory.

All UK visitors will require to have a valid UK drivers licence. The lead driver will also require a credit card in their name for the security deposit for the car.

Yes, a valid UK papers driver licence will be accepted by Avis when picking you your car hire. You will require to have another form of photo ID which matches the name on your credit card.

Each car rental company may have a different policy please check with My Canada Trips if you are unsure who your car hire is booked through.

If you are on a self-drive you will be required to buy National Park Passes.

You can buy these locally in Canada upon entry to National Parks, depending how many times you enter National Parks on your trip you may be cheaper to buy a Discovery Parks Pass.

We can also include your National Park Pass as part of your My Canada Trips holiday. 

Look out for Canada’s wildlife when driving. There will be sign posts on roads to alert you of areas which have high numbers of wildlife in the area don’t ignore them.

Montreal is the only place in Canada that does not permit right-hand turns on a red light

Driving in Quebec many of the road signs are in French here is a few common French words which are handy to know:

• Arrêt = Stop
• Route barrée = Road closed
• Entrée interdite = No entry