Markus

Just covering all my bases here, as i've posted on nasioc and tsc websites.

Right, I will be going to Canada for a while within the next few months, I want to be able to drive out there (and might even get a WRX or STi, though we'll see)

I know I can drive over there for 60 days, for 'free' as it were, before I can take a test.

What I need to know is, would an international driving licence help any? if so, how do I get one?

Anyone know what the Canadian driving test is like? easier than UK? Bear in mind I've been driving for 10 years, so I've picked up lots of bad habbits

InvisibleMan

they use bears instead of cones to weave in & out of

Markus

Bears? what like ickle drunken ones Hmm, could make for interesting lessons

Will keep my eyes peeled, never know what's aboot

Tractor

Alright Markus

I lived there for a year mate, and seem to remember you could drive for a year on your UK license before simply applying for a Canadian license. That was in 1999, so perhaps it has changed. Check though.

Mike

Jerome

IIRC, Canada and the UK recognise each others driving licences on a permanent basis. I'll check further...

Tim Bomford

Markus try emailing Black Cat as she has Canadian history.

Tim

Markus

Tim,
thanks, will try and find her email.

KevinA

Some provinces have traffic lights that flash green at you when you can turn across the oncoming traffic but don't have priority.

Also, most provinces like most states in the U.S. allow you to treat a red traffic light as a stop sign when you are turning right, so stop at the red light, look, carry on around the corner.

A stop sign doesn't mean stop, it means STOP!!!, if your wheels don't actually stop rotating for a second you will be nicked.

If you are away from the major centres be prepared for roads to turn into gravel tracks with no warning.

Don't ask an Indian or Inuit How? He might just show you! Time before last when I was over there my hotel was raided by a gang of indians who just went through the room doors with chainsaws, luckily I was at work!

Guinness is brewed in Toronto!

Kevin

Markus

Hey Bob.

We're going to be situated in Missasauga which is in Toronto, so a nice area. Office looks totally lush too!

Hoping to be going out within next few weeks to check the place over, but think I'm pretty set on going

Ah, 2.5l STi's what a joy, oh you don't get them here do you? hehehe

PRT

Quote: they use bears instead of cones to weave in & out of

I don't recall any bears at my driving test!!???
Oh well... Welcome to our country. Don't forget, we drive on the right side of the road...!! Now you'll know what it is to drive to "right" side!!

Markus

Right side, lol! pmsl! I'm used to driving on the 'wrong' side of the road as I've driven in the USA for a little while.

Any tips for the Driving test?

Black Cat

Hey Markus
Mississauga is my old stomping ground, have you been there before?

Right driving over there is a piece of p*ss..

If you are only going to be there for a little while and not planning to become a Canuck then you can drive on your UK license and or International License, any AA will issue an International license all you need is a passport size piccie.

I visit Canada regularly in fact I'm going in a couple of weeks and always drive my dad's car and I've never been challenged. Even had rentals and have just produced a valid UK license and /or an International one.

I believe the International License is valid for a year, (I can't remember). If you return to the UK and have your International renewed then you can keep driving on this indefinitely.. that's what most of the NA expats do when they come here - I seriously doubt if you're going to have a problem.

Hope that helps.
Penni

Black Cat

No problem
Hope you enjoy Toronto - don't forget your snow shoes and extra thermals.. and a good tip to remember is don't use flame throwers in the house it melts the ice... igloos (you know)... You'll only see polar bears in the city when it gets really cold which is usually 10 months of the year... and make sure your portage skills are up to scratch in case you have to abandon car for canoe...and don't feed the grizzlies they get greedy and mistake you for a sticky bun....
P

Markus

ooookkkkkkkkkk

Canadian Humor perchance? lol

I do know it's going to be very cold indeed! was told by the chaps out there, "Oh, just -25 today" brrrrrrrrr.

Black Cat

25!!!! - hey that's tropical.....

Markus

lol! Was told when the Canadian's say "it's 25 outside" they don't bother putting the 'minus' bit on the front! lol

Should be fun though, a scooby in the snow

Markus

Penni,
On the Driving Licence thing, do you think doing the 'international driving permit' thing would be ok? seeing as I will be purchasing, registering, and insuring a car?

Black Cat

Sorry I'm being rude....... Hi Tim.. how are you? did the move go okay...??? ... and ....guess what I found while having a clear out on Sunday.... you guessed it ... my Black Rat stickers.... anyone want some black rat stickers?????

lol.
P

Markus

Ahh, the legendary black rat stickers!

Penni, if it's not too much trouble to ask your brother-in-law then it'd be info worth having.

Thanks for all the advice.

extra thick thermals now on order

Black Cat

Markus

I e-mailed him anyway last night so should have an answer fairly soon.
I was joking about the thermals and the igloos and stuff (but you know that), in fact it's a dry cold over there which is better because you don't feel it like you do here with the damp, but if you're not going till the end of March/April the weather will be warming up.

I was over there late February last year and it was 80 outside and the following week it snowed...

I'll let you know when I have an answer.
Penni

Markus

Penni,
thanks you're a star.

Igloo's? I thought you were serious? The thermals I am kinda serious about, I do like to be warm

Markus

When Tim said Black Cat I did wonder if he mean Penni (I remember your name from a looooonnnnnggggg time ago)

Thanks for the info.

Not been to 'ssauga (sorry for spelling) or even Canada before, should be out in a few weeks though, but mum and dad love Toronto, and they reckon I'll love it.

Going out for a few weeks to setup new office (2086 Skymark Avenue, Where Palm Computing are, I think!, might make sense to a local) , and have a look around, but if I like it, which as mentioned above I will (any nice places to live, eat, etc?) move over there on a more permanent basis, hence me asking about getting an Ontarioooo licence.

Sooo, international driving licence eh? well, 4 quid from the RAC, think I'll get one

Thanks again.

[Edited by Markus - 3/5/2003 3:06:54 PM]

Black Cat

Markus
in response to that last question, I really don't know, can't really think that there would be a problem after all when you purchase a car in this country they don't ask to see your license, nor do they ask for your license to insure one either, I know I could go over there and buy a car and have it imported to here without any problem... my brother in law is quite high up in the car industry in Canada would you like me to ask him?

Oh and going back to the original question... if push came to shove... and you had to do your license thing.... when I passed my test (many moons ago)... you have to get a provisional license first, which is strictly theory... and you have to score very high.. then you take lessons... then you go for your test... and they were very hot on parellel parking... no parellel no license... I took mine at the Ontario Motor League... alot of in class and in car lesson very very good grounding worth looking into.

P
PS -25 you should be cooking...

[Edited by Black Cat - 3/5/2003 9:31:49 PM]