What is the process to exchange a foreign driving license in PEI? 

Step 1. Determine eligibility and/or requirement to get a PEI drivers license. 

Step 2. Determine if your foreign drivers license is covered by a reciprocal or unilateral exchange agreement. 

Step 3. If your license is covered by a reciprocal or unilateral exchange agreement, go to your nearest Access PEI location to complete the license exchange process. Generally, no additional testing or training will be required. 

Step 4. If your license is not covered by a reciprocal or unilateral exchange agreement, additional training and testing is required to exchange your license. Proceed to step 5.

Step 5. Review the Novice Driver Course for Newcomers (NDCN), and the Licensed Driver Education Program (LDEP). You must choose to complete one of the two programs. In either program, you will be required to complete classroom training, a knowledge test known as the “rules of the road”, and a driving test. 

Step 6. If you are choosing to complete the NDCN, start by going to an Access PEI location to get a PEI photo identification card ($20) and to schedule an appointment to write the rules of the road knowledge test ($20). Following completion of the rules of the road knowledge test, you can register for the NDCN ($100+hst) at Access PEI. 

Step 7. If you are choosing to complete the LDEP, start by registering for the LDEP ($699+hst) on our website. Once you are registered, an appointment will be scheduled for you to meet with a Highway Safety officer so you can present required documentation. Once your documentation is confirmed, you will need to get a PEI Photo Identification Card ($20) at an Access PEI location. Once you have your Photo Identification Card, you can contact us to schedule a time to complete the rules of the road knowledge test ($0).

Step 8. Once all the requirements of the NDCN or the LDEP have been completed, a driving test must be then be passed. If the NDCN has been completed, this driving test will need to be scheduled in person at an Access PEI location ($20). NDCN students must provide their own vehicle for the driving test, or purchase co-pilot services ($130+hst). LDEP students can schedule their driving exam by contacting us ($0). LDEP students will use one of our vehicles for the driving test at no charge ($0).

Step 9. Once you pass a driving test, you will receive your PEI class 5 license. Foreign drivers who completed the NDCN will receive a PEI class 5 license with restrictions under the PEI Graduated Driver Licensing Program. Foreign drivers who completed the LDEP will receive an unrestricted PEI class 5 license. 

How long does this process take?

The Novice Driver Course for Newcomers is scheduled monthly in various locations throughout PEI. Students will generally attend a NDCN within 1 or 2 months of registering. The program lasts approximately 5-6 hours and is completed in 2 X 3 hour sessions. Students must have a valid foreign drivers license, and a PEI Voluntary ID card to register for or attend the NDCN (see step 6 above). From start to finish, the NDCN license exchange process takes, on average, between 1 and 4 months to complete. 

The Licensed Driver Education Program, including all testing, can be completed in as little as 3 weeks depending on student availability. Students generally complete the LDEP within 30 to 45 days.

What is the cost difference between the NDCN and the LDEP?

Foreign drivers completing the NDCN will pay approximately $300 in program and licensing fees, plus any additional fees required for driving lessons or co-pilot services.

Foreign drivers completing the LDEP will pay approximately $940 in program and licensing fees, which includes 10 hours of driving lessons. LDEP students also receive a certificate of completion which results in lower vehicle insurance rates, often resulting in thousands of dollars in insurance savings over 3-5 years.