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Are you currently living in Canada?
what mortgage can I afford

The question “how much mortgage can I afford?” is quite different from “how much mortgage can I get?” So, it’s important to understand the risks involved when a lender offers you a mortgage that is more than you need or expected. When buying a home for the first time, it’s important to consider all of the related costs and expenses. And, when you factor in all of the costs, you’ll be in a better position to answer, “how much mortgage can I afford?”

It may seem like great news to get approved for a higher mortgage amount than you expect. But, this can lead to overspending on housing when you get more money than you need.

The Key Question: How Much Mortgage Can I Afford?

Buying a home in Canada is a big dream for many newcomers! But, buying a home that is more than you can afford, can turn that dream into a financial nightmare. If you have a good credit history, and a healthy down payment, your lender may approve you for a mortgage that is higher than what you need.  For example, you may have a personal budget of $800,000 to buy your home. And, your lender may pre-approve you for $1,000.000. To get a general idea of how much mortgage you can afford, use this mortgage calculator.

But, does that mean you should borrow that much so you can buy a more expensive home?  You need to factor in other costs so that you can answer this key question: how much mortgage can I afford?

This is a common mistake that many first-time homebuyers make. And, this often leads homeowners to a situation where they are “house rich and cash poor”. In other words, they are spending between 30 – 40% (or more) of their total income on:

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When you spend too much of your income on housing, it means you’ll be “cash poor”.  And this means you’ll have very little room to afford other expenses such as: 

Or, you end up making these purchases on credit, increasing your debt level, and possibly affecting your credit history.

buying a home and decorating

In addition, you need to consider your other expenses such as daycare, saving for retirement, or saving for your children’s education. All important expenses that you may also be saving for.

So, before buying your home, carefully consider how much you can afford and what other financial obligations you have.

Costs to Include When Asking: How Much Mortgage Can I Afford?

Closing costs are typically paid at the end of the homebuying process. Often, people overlook the closing cost that can become expensive. You can expect to pay closing costs in the range of 1.5 – 4 % of the selling price of your home. So, it’s important to include these costs when calculating how much mortgage you can afford.

Closing costs are one-time only expenses that may include:

Home Inspection Fee:

Getting a home inspection is not required. However, if you are buying a home, it may be a smart thing to consider. A home inspection can provide you with information about the state of the house. You may discover that you will have to spend money on repairs either in the short-term or long-term. 

You also want to find out what recent repairs or renovations were completed. A home inspection can provide information about the: insulation; electrical work; and structure.

If the home inspection reveals costly defects, you can try to negotiate with the seller to make the repairs or reduce the selling price.

Property Taxes: 

Homeowners in Canada must pay taxes to fund services such as police and fire, schools, public education, transit, parks and recreation, road maintenance, and many other services. And, property taxes are a major source of revenue for municipalities in Canada.

On top of your mortgage payments, you will have to pay property taxes. Most lenders will collect the property tax and this helps you to avoid a large and unexpected tax bill when your annual taxes are due. So, it’s important to factor your property taxes into your mortgage payments as well.

These legal costs include fees for services that your real estate lawyer will do such as:

Land Transfer Fee:

This is a tax that home buyers in most provinces must pay. And, It is usually based on the purchase price of the home.

Property Insurance

Since your lender has a large stake in your home, they will often require you to purchase insurance against fire and weather-related damage. It is also a good idea for you to purchase ‘contents’ insurance to protect your valuables.

Mortgage Life Insurance

This is special insurance coverage to cover the cost of your mortgage in the event of death or severe illness is available from most lenders.

Moving Costs:

Your moving costs will vary depending on whether you rent a truck and move your belongings yourself, or if your hire professional movers. If you hire movers, you can expect to pay a minimum of $1,000 depending on the weight of your belongings, travel distance, and even your moving date.

You can reduce your moving costs if you rent a truck, and kindly ask your friends and family to lend you a hand on moving day!

Utility Bills: 

When you set up your utilities, you will be charged a deposit to hook up services and replace the previous owner’s name with your name on the bill.

Many potential homeowners overlook these additional costs, and they can quickly add up. So it’s important to include these costs when considering how much mortgage you can afford.

Key Takeaways from How Much Mortgage Can I Afford?

It’s important to manage all of the costs involved when buying a home. And, knowing how much mortgage you can afford can help you to make the best financial decision for you and your family.

Check out our financial first steps resource page for resources and information to help you achieve your financial goals in Canada!

Choosing a private tutor

Newcomer families to Canada often seek out extra afterschool help for their children so they can succeed in their new academic curriculum. As a parent, this may be the first time you are considering hiring a private tutor for your child. This article will help you not only with the process of finding a tutor, but the process of selecting a tutor.

The most likely school subjects that parents will hire private tutors for are:

Your child may need more support completing long writing assignments for Language Arts, history, and social studies especially. Canadian schools are particular about using proper citations and submitting bibliographies in English. The tutor should help your child develop their research skills.

Some parents may be open to trial sessions with several different tutors before settling on one that will be long-term. A long-term private tutor will typically work with a student for one to three years. After that, the student will move up the academic ladder. At that point, it may be necessary to find a different tutor more suited for the student’s age group.

Parents must consider many factors when seeking a good tutor. This person will become your child’s instructor, mentor, and friend. And, you will have to work closely with the tutor to provide your child with the absolute best education. Here are five important factors to consider:

1. Tutoring Centres Versus Freelance Tutors

Afterschool tutoring centres such as Oxford Learning and Kumon are popping up everywhere in Canada. There is a great demand for them. They have the advantage of being a social centre where students can interact with each other, and parents can converse while their children are in class. However, due to COVID-19 restrictions, this advantage does not currently apply to most of these centres. Most classes offered by these centres are now conducted online.

Another major disadvantage of tutoring centres is that they often ask parents to pay for several sessions rather than by the lesson. For example, you may have to pay for ten sessions in advance.

If you prefer to pay by the lesson, it’s more convenient to find a freelance tutor on a site like Kijiji or through word-of-mouth. This way, you can negotiate the time and the hourly wage directly with the tutor rather than through the centre. 

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2. Locality and Availability of the Private Tutor 

Parents should consider local tutors unless the hourly wage you pay covers extra expenses a tutor may incur such as:

Keep in mind that after-school tutors are often graduate students or teachers looking to earn extra income outside of their regular working hours. So their availability may change. Or, they may occasionally need to cancel due to conflicts with their regular jobs or other commitments.

Parents must remain flexible. However, the tutor is responsible for giving ample warning if they cannot attend a session. A private tutor who frequently cancels sessions is not reliable enough to provide your child with consistent support. In this case, it’s wise to explore hiring a different tutor. 

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3. Experience and Credentials 

Parents should seek out tutors that have experience working with their child’s age group. Here is one mistake parents often make: they focus too much on a tutor’s academic background and degrees. As a teacher myself, I can confirm that a person’s store of knowledge isn’t enough to qualify them as an effective instructor.

Any educator must also be prepared to face the unique challenges of working with young students who are impatient, frustrated, shy, unconfident, easily distracted, etc. They must know how to properly handle certain situations, such as when a child feels overwhelmed by their schoolwork and starts getting upset. I recommend parents consider tutors who have also done childcare jobs in the past, such as babysitting and camp counselling. Intelligence combined with life experiences and common sense produces the best tutors. 

4. Personality and Teaching Style

Some private tutors are upbeat and fun. They make every lesson a game for the student. Some private tutors are strict and no-nonsense. They will focus more on instilling discipline in the student, to prepare for the tough, competitive future ahead of them. And, some tutors fall somewhere in between. To find the right tutor for your child, do trial one-hour sessions with several different tutors. After each session, ask your child the following questions: 

Take notes and keep track of your child’s responses. After trying out several tutors, choose the one who best connected with your child and complemented your child’s personality. Make sure your child is involved in the selection process. 

Choosing a private tutor

5. Off-Hours Work and Respecting Boundaries of Private Tutors 

As previously stated, many private tutors do after-school teaching for extra income, on top of another job. So it’s important that parents respect this. Avoid making demands on the tutors that are outside of the tutor’s work margin. For example, parents should not call or email their child’s tutor late at night to ask them questions about their child’s homework or progress. Tutors who feel that their student’s parents do not respect their personal boundaries will end the working relationship. Your child could lose a good tutor this way. So always be mindful of your level of courtesy towards their hired instructors. 

Parents want their children to receive the best educational help. And, they also want their child’s homework and study time to be as productive as possible. This contributes to your child leading a balanced and less stressful life. Choosing the right tutor to achieve these goals is a major decision that takes consideration, experimentation, and open-mindedness. Combining these three elements, you’ll find the right private tutor for your child.

For more information, tools, and free webinars about living in Canada visit our Settling in Canada resource page. We’ll help you to settle in Canada successfully!

Car seats for children

Babies and children need special protection while travelling in a car. Child car safety seats are there to help keep your child safe on the road. They prevent multiple injuries among children during road crashes and sudden stops. This is why they are mandatory in Canada.

Note: The numbers provided in this article could be different depending on your province as each province has its own laws. I will provide the numbers that are found most commonly throughout Canada.

Child Car Safety Seats in Canada

Children that are required to have a child car safety seat, must sit in their safety seat at all times when in a car. The rules for child car safety seats apply to any child in Canada that meets the age, weight, and height criteria. 

This restriction includes newcomers as well. A newcomer is required to have a child car safety seat even as they arrive from the airport. If you have a child that should have a car safety seat, then it would be wise to prepare to have one before you arrive in Canada.

4 Types of Child Car Safety Seats

There are four child car safety seat categories. Which one your child should have, depends on their age and height. These four categories, in order from youngest to oldest, are:

  1. Rear-facing car seats
  2. Forward-facing car seats
  3. Booster Seats
  4. Seat belts (for children)

Most of Canada uses these four categories. But because provincial governments make their own laws, Alberta, Nunavut, and the North West Territories do not have booster seat laws. Still, booster seats are recommended.

1. Rear-Facing Car Seats

Rear-facing car seats, as you may have guessed, face the back of the car. The children sitting in them will be facing the back of the car instead of facing forward. This type of car seat is for infants and toddlers. They are effective in preventing injuries that could have been caused without one.

There are 3 types of rear-facing car seats you can buy:

  1. A regular rear-facing seat
  2. A convertible car seat (that can later be converted to a front-facing seat)
  3. An all-in-one seat (that can later be converted to both forward-facing and booster seat)

Naturally, the last 2 are more expensive than a regular front-facing seat. However, they are a good investment because you won’t have to buy another car seat in the future when your child outgrows their rear-facing seat.

Child car safety seat

Requirements for Rear-Facing Car Seats

Rear-facing car seats are mandatory for babies that are under 9 kg (20 lbs) or one year old. As mentioned earlier, these numbers will differ from province to province.

After your toddler has passed their mark, either by age or weight, you can choose if you want to:

It is recommended that you keep a rear-facing seat for your toddler because a rear-facing seat is a lot safer. Many parents chose to keep rear-facing car seats until their child reaches the age of two. 

2. Forward-Facing Child Car Seats

Once your child exceeds the weight limit of their rear-facing car seat, or you decide it’s time to upgrade, your child gets a forward-facing car seat. A forward-facing car seat is not as safe as a rear-facing car seat but, unlike a rear-facing seat, it can hold bigger children. 

There is more legroom in a forward-facing car seat and it usually has a higher weight limit. You can buy a regular forward-facing car seat, a convertible, or an all-in-one seat.

forward-facing child car seat

Requirements for Forward-Facing Car Seats

A child must sit in a forward-facing child seat until they are at least 18 kg (40 lbs). After that, you can choose whether or not you want to get your child a booster seat. Even though forward-facing seats are not safer than rear-facing, they are safer than booster seats. This is why you should keep your child’s forward-facing seat for as long as you can before they exceed the seat’s weight limit.

3. Booster Seats

A booster seat is the third and final car seat your child will sit in. Booster seats raise children to a level where a seat belt will fit them. It also provides head and neck protection during a crash. Booster seats are estimated to be about four times safer than a normal seatbelt during a crash.

Booster seat

Booster Seat Requirements

A child is required to be in a booster seat until they:

Once they reach one of those benchmarks, they are legally allowed to use a regular seat belt. Of course, you should check the exact numbers for your province as these numbers differ from province to province.

A good way to check if your child is ready for a regular seat belt is to see if their legs drop comfortably over the seat’s edge while their back lines up with the back of the seat. If this is the case, and your child has passed your province’s regulations, your child can use a normal seatbelt.

4. Seat Belts

After a child has outgrown their booster seat, they can use a regular seatbelt. However, there are some restrictions. A child under the age of 14, that uses a regular seat belt, must sit in the back seat of a car. Only people aged 14 and above are allowed to sit in the front passenger seat. 

Before a child starts using a regular seat belt, it is the parent’s job to ensure that the seat belt fits them properly. To ensure a seat belt fits your child, make sure that the lower strap goes around the hips and not the stomach. The shoulder strap (the one going diagonally) should nicely rest on the shoulders and not touch the neck. If this is not the case, your child should stay in a booster seat.

If your child has outgrown their booster seat but isn’t ready for a regular seat belt, then it is recommended that they get a bigger booster seat. Most likely, however, booster seats are designed so that your child will be ready for a regular seatbelt right after they have outgrown their booster seat.

Installing Car Seats

Installing car seats properly is just as important as installing car seats in the first place. Properly installed car seats can mean the difference between life and death during a car crash. I will go briefly over how to install each of the three types of car seats in this section. 

Keep in mind that there are many instructional videos on how to install car seats online. The Ontario Ministry of Transportation has great resources to help you install your child’s car seat. To access the full guide on how to install a car seat, click here. 

Note: Never install a child car safety seat near an active airbag. If there is an airbag where you want to install the seat, have the airbag disabled. Airbags can harm children if they inflate during a crash.

How to Install a Rear-Facing Car Seat

Rear-facing car seats are installed at an angle to allow your child to lie down. Rear-facing car seats will have a sticker at the side indicating the angle at which the seat should be. Most seats have angle adjusters to achieve the correct angle. If yours doesn’t have an angle adjuster, you can use rolled-up towels or some kind of prop to hold the seat at an angle.

Once you have figured out how to get the seat to the correct angle, you can fasten the child’s safety seat to the car. To do this, you will have to use either a seat belt or the Universal Anchorage System (UAS). All new cars in Canada have a UAS. Cars older than 2002 may not have one. 

To learn how to install a rear-facing car seat properly, check out this guide from the government of Canada. It covers both UAS and seatbelt installation methods

How to Install a Forward-Facing Car Seat

Installing a forward-facing car seat is pretty similar to installing a rear-facing car seat. To fasten a forward-facing seat to the car, you can use both the UAS and a seatbelt. Unlike the rear-facing seat, however, a forward-facing seat does not rest at an angle; it must be fastened upright. 

Another thing to keep in mind is that there should be no twists in any of the straps. If a twist appears in one of the straps, make sure you undo that step to keep the strap straight.

To learn how to install a forward-facing car seat properly, check out this guide from the government of Canada. It provides step-by-step instructions to use both UAS and seat belt installation methods.

Installing a Booster Seat in Your Car

The installation method for a booster seat is pretty straightforward. The booster seat rests on top of the car’s seat, fastened by an anchor strap to the car’s UAS. Its purpose is to make sure that the car’s seat belt can fit the child by boosting them up to a higher level. A booster seat makes sure that the lower strap of the seat belt goes across the hips of the child and the diagonal strap rests nicely on the shoulder. 

Here is a government of Canada guide on how to install a booster seat and use it properly. 

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There are some things you check in a car seat, especially if you bought it used:

Which Car Seat Should I Buy?

Car seats vary significantly in price and quality. And there is always the option of buying used car seats, which are considerably cheaper. However, it is smart to invest in a durable all-in-one, also known as a 3-in-one, car safety seat. You will only have to buy one car seat in your child’s lifetime, which will serve as a:

Let’s have a look at some of the most durable and reliable car seat brands.

Britax

Britax is one of those car seat brands that are hard to ignore when shopping for car seats. These child car seats are on the more expensive side of the car seat market, but they are very durable. Some will even last more than 10 years!

Now let’s discuss pricing. A Britax all-in-one child car safety will cost anywhere from $450. Seems expensive at first glance, but it will save you money in the long term by eliminating the need to buy new car seats. A regular Britax rear-facing seat will only cost around $200.

Diono

Diono car seats are usually less expensive than Britax car seats. They tend to have fewer features and a smaller lifetime. Still, they are a great pick for someone that has a smaller budget.

A Diono all-in-one will cost around $350 and a regular rear-facing seat will cost around $150. You can find a Diono booster seat for as little as $50!

Graco

One of the more well-known brands is Graco, and for good reason. Graco car seats are a perfect combination of quality and affordability.

A Graco all-in-one car seat will cost you around $300. A Graco rear-facing car seat will cost you $150 while a booster seat will cost you around $100. There is even a Graco backless booster seat for only $35.

Buying a Used Child Car Seat

If the prices mentioned above sound too expensive for you, there is always the option of purchasing a used car safety seat for your child. Some good places to buy a used car seat for sale are:

Keep in mind that whenever you search for used car seats, that you check to see if there are any cracks or damages. Also, make sure that the car seat comes with the user manual as well as all the straps and parts to ensure your child’s safety. There will be an expiry date on the car seat, to indicate the lifetime of the seat. If the car seat is nearing or has passed its expiry date, it would be a good idea to discard it and continue browsing.

For more information, tools, and free webinars about living in Canada visit our Settling in Canada resource page. We’ll help you to settle in Canada successfully!

Driving test in Canada

Preparing for your driving test in Canada is vital, especially if you want to pass the exam on your first try. Getting a driving license in Canada can be tough and the process to get there can often be frustrating. It involves both written driving test questions and a road test. Still, a driving license is worth it in the end, especially in Canada. With a driving license, you can get around quickly and efficiently. This will save you a lot of time travelling. After all, time is money.

In this guide, I will cover Canada’s graduated licensing system and each of the driving licenses. I will also cover tips and techniques to prepare for your test and pass it on your first try.

Why is a Driving Test Necessary Anyway?

In Canada, provincial governments are responsible for establishing transportation laws. Because of this, a driving test will vary slightly from province to province but the idea behind tests is still the same. The test ensures your ability to drive a car while accounting for your own safety and the safety of others. This makes sure that everyone on the road knows how to drive a car safely, helping to prevent road accidents every day.

Advantages Newcomers Have When Getting a Driving License

Canada and a group of countries got together and made the Foreign License Exchange Agreement. This agreement allows any migrants between these countries to exchange their previous driving licenses with a new one.

The following countries have a License Exchange agreement with Canada:

*United Kingdom: England, Wales, and Scotland are also included in the agreement but Ireland is discluded.

If you emigrate from one of these countries, you can exchange your previous driving license for a Canadian license without a driving test. This opportunity is only available to immigrants for a maximum of 60 days after arriving in Canada. After two months, you will have to go through the normal procedure for getting a driving license.

This is also available to interprovincial migrants. If you already have a license in your current province and are moving to a new province, you can swap your old license for a new one.

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Canada’s Graduated Licensing System

Canada has three driving licenses:

  1. G1 license

2. G2 license

3. G driving license.

These are the most common names for the tests but some provinces have different names. Each license has its own driving test. The driving tests are different according to the type of driving license they are for.

G1 Driving Test Questions and License

The G1 driving license, also known as a learner’s license is the most basic of the three. It also is the easiest test to pass because it only has written driving test questions and no driving is required. The test has two parts with 20 driving test questions in each part:

In total, the whole G1 driving test has 40 multiple-choice questions. 

To pass the test you need to get higher than 80% on each section. That means at least 16/20 questions correct on each of the two sections. If you pass one and fail the other, you will only need to retake the section you failed.

Here is a practice G1 knowledge test. It is a good idea to do some practice tests before you do your final G1 knowledge test. That way, you will know what to expect from the test.

driving test questions

G1 License Restrictions

Once you pass the test and get your learner’s license, you are allowed to drive a car. However, there are certain restrictions on the new driver:

  1. You must have an accompanying driver in the front passenger seat to assist and supervise you. This driver must have a full G license.

2. You cannot drive at a speed higher than 80 km/h or drive on any road that has a speed limit higher than 80 km/h. If your accompanying driver is a driving instructor, however, you are allowed to drive on any road.

3. You are only allowed to drive between 5:00 AM and Midnight.

Not following any of these rules can have your license suspended as well as a fine, depending on your offence.

G2 Road Test and License

A G2 driving license gives you more freedom compared to a G1 license. This is why the test is a lot harder to pass. For starters, the G2 driving test is a road test, so you will have to get in a car and show the instructor that you have the ability to drive a car. Some things that a G2 driving test will cover are:

  1. Obeying traffic lights and traffic signs

2. Overtaking and lane-changing

3. Driving through intersections (both with traffic lights and stop signs)

4. Parking (parallel, forward, and reverse)

5. Making u-turns, two and three-point turns, and reversing

6. Turning your vehicle on and off as well as other internal features.

It is recommended that you practice all of the things mentioned above before your driving test. Parallel parking is one of those things that people have trouble with. If you can’t get it right, it’s an automatic fail.

Checking your mirrors and obeying speed limits, traffic lights, and traffic signs are some things to keep in mind during the test. It is also best if you don’t ask for advice. The driving instructor is looking to see whether or not you know the rules.

For more information on the G2 driving test, take a look at Ontario’s Guide to a G2 Driving Test. Even though it is from the province of Ontario, it will give you a good idea of what to expect from a driving test anywhere in Canada.

G2 Driving License Requirements

There are also some requirements you need to meet to take your G2 driving test. These qualifications are:

  1. You must have had your G1 learner’s license for at least 12 months.

2. Your car must be fully functioning. The driving instructor can cancel the test even if a single light is not working. This is why it is very important to check your car before the test.

3. And of course, you must pass all aspects of the driving test. Those are listed above.

G2 License Restrictions

There are some minor restrictions on G2 drivers as well. They only apply to G2 drivers aged 19 or under and between Midnight to 5:00 AM.

If you have had your G2 license for less than six months, you can carry a maximum of one person under the age of 19.

If you have had your G2 license for more than six months, you can carry a maximum of three people under the age of 19. This restriction is in place until you get your Full G license or turn 20.

G Driving Test and License

A G driving license is the most advanced of the three. Naturally, it gives you the most driving privileges. This also means that the test to obtain a G license is harder than the previous ones. Once you have passed the test, however, a G License is definitely worth it.

A G road test is a more advanced version of the G2 road test. It will cover:

  1. Everything that is covered in the G2 test

2. Highway driving: lane changing and overtaking

3. Merging into and exiting highways.

Since the G2 road test has no highway driving, the G License covers almost every aspect of highway driving plus everything covered in a G2 test. This ensures you can drive a car on any road and in any situation.

G License Requirements

The G road test only has one requirement: You must have had a valid G2 license for at least two years. If you have completed an approved driving course, you only need to have had your G2 for eight months. Again, these timeframes might be different depending on your province.

G License Restrictions

There are no restrictions on a driver with a G license but that doesn’t mean they don’t have to follow the rules. A G licensed driver must follow speed limits, traffic lights and signs, and all driving rules. The driver must also have zero blood alcohol content. This applies to G2 and G1 drivers as well.

When you prepare for both the written driving test questions and road tests, you’ll enjoy the convenience of driving in Canada.

For more information about living and working in Canada, check out our upcoming free webinars!

Popular book series

These popular book series will prepare your children to meet the requirements of Canada’s Language Arts curriculum. Canada is famous for its excellent education system, and it produces generation after generation of eager bookworms.

These five well-known and well-loved book series will get your child, and yourself started on a grand learning adventure. 

As an English and English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher who works primarily with children, one of the first questions parents always ask me is, “What should my child be reading at home?” Experience has taught me to have good booklists ready to give to parents, so they can head to the library with their kids right away.

Newcomer students must develop a habit of reading. There is a strong focus in Canadian classrooms on critical and analytical thinking skills. And the best and most sure-fire way to develop these skills is to read first-rate books. 

Children’s Book Reading Tips

Sometimes it’s a challenge to get your child interested in reading. As a parent, you must get involved in your child’s reading process.

By practicing at home, your child will be able to talk about their reading experiences in class. Their teacher will be very impressed! 

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Reading these popular book series will also bring your children closer to their classmates, as it is likely that their classmates are indulging in these books too. Talking about books is a great starting point for new friendships!

1. Captain Underpants by Dav Pilkey

Parents often hesitate about this series. It’s understandable. The jokes can be gross and immature, and often the plots do not make sense. But for a young reader, Pilkey’s silly humour and outrageous storylines can often be just the thing to draw them into the world of books.

They can move on to more serious literature later. But, for now, let them read Captain Underpants. The series follows George Beard and Harold Hutchins, two creative best friends who make comic books together. A string of events results in one of their comic book heroes, Captain Underpants, becoming real, and the boys have many exciting adventures with their superpowered creation. 

DreamWorks has made this book series into a film. Netflix has also produced a funny cartoon series. Use these as a reward. For example, if your child reads all twelve of the books, then they can watch the movie and the cartoon. 

Book Series

2. A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket

Here is another popular book series that Netflix has faithfully adapted. A Series of Unfortunate Events follows the—obviously—unfortunate trials and tribulations of the three Baudelaire children.

The Baudelaires, heirs to an enormous fortune, are being pursued wherever they go by the greedy and monstrous Count Olaf, who is determined to get his hands on them, and their money, at any cost. This series has a wide range of intriguing—and outright bizarre—characters, settings, and plotlines. Your child will be hooked fast. 

3. Goosebumps by R. L. Stine

The series tagline says it all: “Readers beware, you’re in for a scare!” And there are over sixty different “scares” for a horror-loving reader to choose from. It is recommended that your child should be at least ten years old before they start reading these books, which sometimes have frightening and disturbing content. But once they get started, they won’t be able to stop. They will be pulled into a thrilling world of ghosts, monsters, evil ventriloquist dolls, haunted amusement parks, and even time travel! R.L. Stine has written something for everyone. 

Parents should be aware of the fact that these books do not always have happy endings. These types of books are known as “cautionary tales,” and are meant to teach children tough life lessons. The child protagonists in the books often make terrible mistakes and face gruesome consequences. Discuss these consequences with your child, to see what they’ve learned from these stories.

4. The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis 

Perfect for a fantasy lover, C.S. Lewis The Chronicles of Narnia transports readers into a magical world of evil witches, talking animals, dragons, sea voyagers, and Aslan, the wise lion king who oversees it all. This popular book series is also perfect for introducing your child to the concept of “world-building” in fiction. C.S. Lewis is famous for his skill in creating an entirely make-believe world, populated by make-believe people and creatures. 

However, this make-believe world has some very real problems, such as family conflicts, battles for political power, war, freedom, famine, death, and the passage of time. So parents should prepare to have some mature conversations with their children about the topics in the books. 

Book Series

5. Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery 

This book series has recently had a big resurge in popularity, thanks to its successful Netflix adaptation “Anne.” This tale of a brave, talkative, and intelligent orphan girl who is adopted into a rural Prince Edward Island community is a beloved Canadian classic.

The selling point of this series is the protagonist herself, Anne Shirley. Anne is whip-smart, resourceful, optimistic, and devoted to her family and friends. She is also ambitious and looks to the future, instead of dwelling on her difficult past. She is not only one of Canada’s biggest cultural icons, but also a role model for children in troubled times. Her story is still relatable, even more than a century after it was published. 

This series uses more complicated and advanced language. At this point, your child should already be an intermediate reader and have the skills to look up and absorb new words. Make yourself available to help your child take on new ideas, but also applaud their efforts to do research on their own. 

Book series for children

Reading is essential to developing a child’s mind, and with a steady reading schedule, and lots of praise, your child will become an accomplished reader. And maybe, one day, they will be an accomplished writer too, with their own bestselling book series! 

Rights as a renter

Knowing your rights as a renter in Canada is essential. When you arrive in Canada, renting suitable housing will be a top priority. And knowing your rights as a renter will ensure that you can enjoy your home free from hassles.

Newcomers to Canada often rent homes for a while before they buy a home.  As a newcomer, it’s essential to know:

Renting a home in Canada can be a daunting task. When searching for a rental home, you’ll find that some listings are detailed while others can be ambiguous so it’s important to gather all the information you need. Our Rentals for Newcomers site is a practical and easy-to-navigate site to help you make an easier transition to life in Canada when it comes to finding housing! And you can even determine the average cost of rentals in each city. This is helpful since rental prices change often.

Important Questions to Ask the Landlord

It’s good practice to ask landlords questions about the property before you rent it. This can clarify any doubt and prevent misunderstandings in the future. Here are some important questions to ask before you rent the property: 

Moving homes can be expensive. So it’s important to ask the right questions to help you decide if you can afford the property and want to rent it.

Know Your Rights as a Renter

Each province and territory has Landlord and Tenant legislation and the rules and regulations vary by province.  For example, in Ontario, Canada’s largest province, the legislation is called the Residential Tenancies Act. This legislation is in place to protect renters.

Learn more about how to search for rental housing in Canada. Join our free webinar.

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Settle in Canada with Confidence and Ease

The Landlord and Tenant Board in Ontario provides information about the  Residential Tenancies Act in Ontario and aims to resolve disputes between landlords and tenants. In this way, the tenant has a say and can be heard. And this is an important benefit to renters. The site provides free and accurate information for renters.

Of particular help is a list of various forms that landlords and tenants can use for things such as:

There are specific guidelines when it comes to giving notice. For example, a tenant has to give their landlord a formal written notice using Form N9. This form indicates that you plan to end your tenancy and vacate the property. In Ontario, you must give a minimum notice of 60 days that you intend to leave.

It might seem confusing, so it’s helpful to become familiar with the laws in the province where you live related to your rights as a renter. When you know your rights as a renter, this will protect you from landlords taking advantage of you.

To start, look up the rental laws for the province you wish to locate and visit their website.

Landlord Tenant Boards in Canada:

Alberta: Residential Tenancies Act

British Columbia:  Residential Tenancies

Manitoba: Residential Tenancies Branch

New Brunswick: Residential Tenancies Tribunal

Newfoundland: Landlord & Tenant

Nova Scotia: Residential Tenancies Program

Ontario: Landlord and Tenant Board

Prince Edward Island: Landlord and Tenant Act

Quebec: Régie du Logement

Saskatchewan: Landlords and Tenants

Responsibilities and Rights as a Renter or Landlord

It’s helpful to become familiar with your responsibilities and rights as a renter and those of the landlord. The landlord is the owner of the house or building that you live in. If you rent in a large building such as a condo or apartment complex, there may be a property manager or superintendent to collect rent and manage the building. 

Vancouver, False Creek

Landlord and tenant responsibilities can vary in different provinces and territories. So it’s important to review the requirements for the province or territory where you plan to rent a home.

Tenant Responsibilities:

Here are some of the key tenant responsibilities:

Tenants are not allowed to:

Landlord Responsibilities:

Here are some of the key landlord responsibilities:

Landlords are not allowed to enter the property without providing notice and receiving the tenant’s permission.

Signing a Lease

Once you find your new home, the next step is to sign a lease with your landlord. The lease allows you to live in a home for which you pay rent. 

A lease is a written rental agreement outlining the terms you and your landlord agree to.  A lease is a legal document, so it’s important that you read and understand it.  You can ask someone to go over it with you, such as a relative, friend, staff member at an immigrant-serving organization, or even a lawyer.

When you sign a lease, you share personal information with the landlord. Signing a lease gives the landlord consent to collect personal information and use it for renting purposes only. Landlords must comply with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA). PIPEDA is Canada’s federal private-sector privacy law.

Most leases include:

What Landlords Can Ask You:

Landlords can legally ask:

Landlords cannot ask you:

Rent Increases and Rights as a Renter

Notice of Rent Increase

When you renew your lease, your landlord may increase the rent to offset rising maintenance costs. The landlord can increase the rent at the time of renewal. However, it must be within the province’s rental increase guidelines. To learn more about the provincial rent increase guidelines, click on the links provided in the section: Landlord Tenant Boards in Canada.

One of your rights as a renter is that the landlord must provide you with written notice 90 days before the increase takes effect.

Rents tend to remain the same during the term of the lease. However, a landlord can submit an application to the Board for rent increases during the lease term if the taxes, utilities, and operating costs have increased significantly.

When you know more about renting a home in Canada, you can select housing that best meets your needs. And, knowing your rights as a renter will allow you to live peacefully and with few hassles. Because moving can be expensive it’s important to select the right rental property to save additional moving expenses.

For more information about settling in Canada, check out our upcoming webinars!

 

Benefits of volunteering

The benefits of volunteering for newcomers to Canada are many. Importantly, volunteer work can help you learn more about your local community. And, volunteering is an important part of Canadian culture.

Every day, Canadians donate their time, energy, and money to help certain causes that they feel strongly about. They give back to their communities, without expecting anything in return.

According to the recent Statistics Canada report, over 12.7 million Canadians volunteered their time in 2018. They contributed a total of 1.6 billion hours of their time. This is equivalent to almost 858,000 full-time jobs carried out throughout the year.

Because many of Canada’s non-profit and charitable organizations have limited budgets, they rely on volunteers to achieve their objectives. So volunteers play an essential role in local communities.

As a newcomer, you may find that you do not know a great many people once you arrive here. Making friends as an adult can be a little challenging for some. Especially when there are cultural differences to overcome. Volunteering can provide the backdrop to a comfortable and easy introduction to many like-minded people.  This is a very popular way for both newcomers and Canadian born people to make friends.  The best thing is to get yourself out there to talk to people and get to know fellow Canadians.

Get Started to Volunteer

There are a plethora of opportunities available that contribute to the benefits of volunteering. It can be confusing as to which organization you should volunteer for and in what capacity.

First, make a list of the skills you want to gain. Think about the causes you are interested in. Then, decide how much time you can set aside for volunteering.

Some examples of volunteer roles include:

Some examples of causes include:

Applying for a volunteer position is just like applying for a job. You will be asked to submit a resume, so have one ready. Depending on the focus area you are volunteering for, you might be asked to provide references. When working with vulnerable persons, you will have to undergo a background check.

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Earth Day Canada: Discover its History & Activities to Join

Five Benefits of Volunteering

Volunteering benefits the people you are helping and also benefits you. Here are some of the benefits of volunteering

1.    Network with Others

Volunteering is a great way to socialize, meet new people, and make new friends. Even though you come from diverse backgrounds as other volunteers, you share a common passion for giving back to society. This helps you develop personal and professional relationships with other volunteers. Volunteering will strengthen your ties to your local community and Canadian society.

2.    Enhance Mental and Physical Health as a Benefit of Volunteering 

When you help others and make a difference to society, you will feel good about yourself.

While volunteering, you are constantly interacting with other volunteers. This will help you develop a strong support system and combat depression and loneliness. Reduce your stress and anxiety by working with children and animals because they can instantly elevate your mood.

Whenever you find yourself stuck with nothing meaningful to look forward to, think about why you are volunteering. This will help you find your purpose in life. And volunteering can make you feel good knowing that you are helping others and showing that you care about your new community in Canada.

3.    Volunteer as a Family Activity

Children can also benefit through volunteering. Children learn through observation. As a parent, you can be a good role model by showing your children how you are making a difference in society. Your children will learn compassionate and positive behaviour from you. This will motivate them to sign up as volunteers. Similarly, they will gain valuable Canadian work experience while they are studying.

benefits of volunteering for children

Your children will also get a chance to interact with other volunteers. They will make new friends and this will make it easier for them to adapt to Canadian culture.

When you move to Canada, you might want to keep expenses low and have fun as a family. Volunteering as a family is a great way to spend quality time together without spending any money.

4.    Advance Your Career as a Benefit of Volunteering

This might come as a surprise to you when some employers ask you for Canadian work experience or a Canadian portfolio of work. You might wonder, how can I gain Canadian work experience if nobody gives me a chance to work in Canada? This is the biggest benefit of volunteering for newcomers. You can gain work experience and build a Canadian work portfolio by volunteering.

While you are looking for a job in your field, volunteering experience on your resume will bridge the gaps and show activity.  As well, you’ll stand out among other applicants as it demonstrates to employers that you’re interested in other things and causes.

In addition, if you want to learn a new skill, you can get your feet wet by volunteering. Some roles require that volunteers have certification like first-aid, CPR, etc. If this is within your area of interest, the non-profit organization may give you the resources to gain these certificates.

If you want to volunteer to gain Canadian work experience, it’s important to volunteer strategically. Think about what it is that you want to achieve to get the most out of your volunteer experience.

5.    Improve Your Language Skills

If English or French is not your first language, you will get a chance to speak with volunteers in English or French. While interacting with other volunteers, your language and communication skills will improve. So you’ll also gain the confidence to speak with others and have a meaningful conversation.

Volunteering might be unheard of in several societies. However, in Canada, it is a way of life. Volunteering will be fun and rewarding and not another chore, as long as you enjoy doing what you do.

Now that you have learned more about the benefits of volunteering, you can find local volunteer opportunities, by visiting: 

https://volunteer.ca/

https://charityvillage.com/

For more information about living, working, and banking in Canada, check out our upcoming webinars!

Looking for the perfect Vancouver neighbourhood? Trying to find a neighbourhood that suits your lifestyle and needs for a rental? Whether you seek a neighbourhood that is close to work or one with a strong sense of community, you have great choices.

All Vancouver neighbourhoods have a different style to match the rental you desire. Yaletown is a higher-end downtown neighbourhood, whereas Kitsilano is a trendy neighbourhood close to the water. Depending on your preferences for lifestyle and location, the rental rate can vary greatly.

1. West End Vancouver Neighbourhood (Downtown)

The West End of Vancouver (located on the west side of downtown) is a wonderful and diverse neighbourhood to live in. it is an attractive place for entrepreneurs and business-minded individuals. If you seek a Vancouver neighbourhood situated close to the office while staying within the energy of the people, this is the one for you!

To learn more about moving to Vancouver, Download our FREE ebook today!

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2. Yaletown Neighbourhood (Downtown)

Although Yaletown may be the best place to live in terms of location, it is one of the more expensive and already occupied Vancouver neighbourhoods. Yaletown is definitely one of the trendiest neighbourhoods to live in but will cost you a pretty penny to live there.

3. Killarney Neighbourhood

According to Vancouver Magazine, Killarney is an area that still has the opportunity to find a home for families. Vancouver is exploding with people, making it hard to find a starter home for many people. This neighbourhood is ideal for young families looking to stay integrated into the Vancouver culture, and is an ideal space to start up!

4. Kitsilano Neighbourhood

Located conveniently close to Kits Beach (one of the best city beaches in the world according to a number of international travel magazines), Kitsilano is a popular area to live. Compared to other neighbourhoods, Kitsilano has a mix of outdoor recreation opportunities as well as a focus on organic foods and healthy living.

Kitsilano neighbourhood

5. Fairview Neighbourhood

Fairview is a popular area filled with a number of tourist attractions that draw attention to the neighbourhood. In particular, this Vancouver neighbourhood has Granville Island. Granville Island is a small island located in the middle of the city. Described as an urban oasis, this attraction contains plenty of restaurants, stores, cafes, and other small businesses.

6. Kerrisdale Neighbourhood

The Kerrisdale neighbourhood is an area filled mainly with residents who have been there for many years. The area is a great option for retired individuals or those looking for a slower pace of life. The neighbourhood is often recognized for its popular Kerrisdale Village (also known as “The Village”). Kerrisdale Village is a shopping area located in the center of Kerrisdale that contains some of Vancouver’s best shops.

7. Riley Park Neighbourhood, Vancouver

Many will know Riley Park because of the Olympic Centre and Nat Bailey Stadium that reside within it. This thriving area is home to various types of shops and food venues to keep anyone engaged and entertained. Of course, Riley Park consists of more than the greenspace and the attractions that make it well known. Riley Park has numerous communities that span from 16th to 41st street.

8. Marpole Neighbourhood

Close to the international airport in Richmond, the Marpole neighbourhood is a bustle of activity. Being the main gateway to the airport results in higher traffic, but aside from the busy street, it is a great Vancouver neighbourhood to consider. Marpole has a number of residential areas that are family-oriented. The availability of nightlife is less than that of busier neighbourhoods, but instead, the area has more substantial yards and homes.

9. Lynn Valley North Vancouver Neighbourhood

Being one of the northern Vancouver neighbourhoods, Lynn Valley is a popular area for those looking to be away from the busyness. According to the District of North Vancouver, the central hub of the neighbourhood is gaining momentum and will be undergoing some large transformations. Be sure to check out this neighbourhood soon, as its popularity will only increase!

10. University of British Columbia Neighbourhood

The University of British Columbia (UBC) has become one of the popular Vancouver neighbourhoods to live in. The school itself is an attractive feature to draw students and teachers to the area. Over the years, the area has become an increasingly popular place to call home. Located in the west of Vancouver, there has been an increase in residential buildings, services, and other shops built.

exercise and mental health

 

Exercise and mental health are important to manage after after arriving in Canada. Overall, Canadians greatly value physical well-being. So each city provides health and fitness clubs and sport-based community centres. We’ll look at some options for you to maintain both your physical and mental health.

Some of the private, brand-name clubs may have high membership fees. However, they may also provide a pool, private training, saunas, tanning booths and a more private environment. So it this is important to you, you may want to consider if it fits your budget.

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Getting your driving license in Canada is something you should do as soon as possible when you arrive. You might already have a driving license from your home country and most likely you will be able to use it to drive in Canada for a certain period of time after you arrive (for example, 90 days if you reside in Ontario). If you want to use your foreign driving license, you should get an International Driving Permit in your home country before you leave.

Otherwise, I suggest you start the process of obtaining your Canadian driver’s license as soon as possible. Another benefit of having a valid driver’s license is that it can also be used as an official piece of Canadian identification when necessary.

As I mentioned before, the process of getting a driving license in Canada depends on the province where you reside and on your driving background. In general, you will have to pass a written exam that tests your knowledge of rules and signs, pass the vision test, and pass one or two driving tests. I’m going to talk about it in greater detail below so bear with me.

 

Driving experience

If you have at least one year of driving experience from your home country, you might be able to fast-track getting your full license in Canada. However, you need to meet certain requirements to be able to get a full license. The process will depend on the country where your driving license was issued and how long you have been driving.

If your driving license was issued in the country that has an exchange agreement in place with the province where you reside, you will be able to simply exchange it for a Canadian driving license. If your license was not issued in any of these countries, you might still be able to fast-track and get credit for previous driving experience.

In Ontario, you are allowed to self-declare one year of driving experience. All you have to do is to show a valid, original foreign driving license.

If you want to claim more than 1 year of driving experience, you will need an official letter from the foreign issuing authority, which confirms that the license is authentic. The letter needs to be translated into English or French.

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Settle in Canada with Confidence and Ease

Driving in Canada: 10 Essential Facts to Know

Where do I start to get my drivers license in Canada?

If you have never had a driving license in your home country, you will need to learn how to drive by taking a driving course. Learning to drive in Canada will include learning Canada’s driving laws and, of course, acquiring the necessary skills to drive a vehicle.

Your journey to driving in Canada will start with passing the driving theory exam which will test your knowledge of road rules and traffic signs. In addition to that, you will need to pass a vision test. If you succeed with both, you will get the G1 Driving Licence.

There are a number of restrictions for those who have a G1 Driving License and the most important one is that you can drive only when there is another fully licensed driver in the vehicle. The accompanying driver has to have a minimum of four years of experience as such and sit in the passenger seat.

Moving on

In order to graduate from your G1 to a G2, you will have to pass a road test which will test your basic driving skills. Be advised, that the test can be taken after you’ve been a G1 driver for 12 months unless you took an approved driver’s training course when you were learning how to drive. This will allow you to save 4 months and go for G2 after only 8 months!

After 12 months of driving with a G2 driving license and before its expiry date, you take the test which covers more advanced driving skills such as parallel parking and driving on a highway. Once you pass it, you will get a full G license.

There are plenty of tools available to learn to drive in Canada, such as the Official Driver’s Handbook (Ontario) that you can purchase in any grocery store or drugstore, online training tests, and a variety of driving schools.

For more information about living and working in Canada, check out our free webinars! We’ll help you to achieve success in Canada!

Frequently Asked Questions


Can I rent a car with my foreign driver’s licence in Canada? Do I need to have a letter of authentication if I have an Indian/UK/ Middle East driver’s licence?


In order to rent a car, you must have a credit card as well as a valid driver’s license.
Driver’s licences and permits fall under Provincial jurisdiction so you must check this out based on where you intend to live. In Ontario, if you’re new to Canada, have been driving for more than two years, and come from the United States, Austria, Belgium, France, Great Britain, Germany, Switzerland, Korea or Japan, you are allowed to exchange your driver’s licence for a Canadian one without taking the road test. However, you must pass the knowledge and vision tests for your province.

All other newcomers applying for a licence, who originated from countries not mentioned above, must present a valid foreign driver’s licence, pass a vision and written knowledge test regarding their province or territory’s traffic rules, pay all applicable fees and provide acceptable proof of identity in order to obtain a Canadian licence.
I suggest obtaining an International Drivers Permit or Licence in your home country which allows you to drive in some Provinces. Generally, you are allowed 3 months driving with an international drivers licence.  This includes those who want to rent a car.

While on the subject of driving, please do check out our driving section on the website it will tell you how you can save up to 40% on insurance in Canada IF you get documents before you leave!


I’ve just started driving here in Montreal (I’m from Belgium) and I find the traffic to be a bit crazy. I’m worried about getting in an accident. Can you tell me about the laws when you get in an accident?


Canadian law requires that drivers involved in a motor vehicle accident must provide assistance to any injured party. If there is serious damage to any vehicle or any personal injury, call 911 or the local emergency number immediately. You must specify whether you want the police, fire and/or ambulance to attend at the scene.

In some cases, if the collision is minor and there are no injuries, the police may not attend the scene. Instead, you may be asked to report the incident at a police station. If possible you should obtain a copy of the police report or at least the police incident number in order to proceed with an insurance claim.
Remember that cars involved in minor accidents should be moved off the road and out of the way of traffic, if possible, to avoid further accidents. If you are involved in an accident, do not leave until you have exchanged names, addresses, licence plate numbers and telephone numbers, as well as insurance particulars, with all other drivers involved in the accident. It is also recommended that you obtain the names and phone numbers of witnesses to the accident.

If you leave the scene of an accident in which you are involved, before providing your name and other particulars, you could be charged with an offence known as “leaving the scene of an accident,” more commonly known as “hit and run.”

If you need to have your car towed away from the scene, make sure you know where it is being taken and how much it will cost, before you agree to it being removed. Do not sign any blank form that authorizes unspecified repairs to your vehicle. As soon as possible, notify your insurance company and provide them with the incident number from the police, as well as the names and contact numbers of the other drivers and witnesses involved. It is also helpful to draw a diagram of the scene showing all vehicles and street names.
Contact the public transit organizations, provincial ministries of transportation, provincial motor vehicle licensing offices or insurance associations listed in the telephone book for further details on driving in Canada.
See also: Prepare for the unexpected by understanding your insurance
 


I’ve been driving a used car in Toronto for a couple of years now and have just gotten a raise and want to get a new car. What should I be aware of here in Canada when buying a new car?

If you decide to buy a new car but don’t have the full amount in cash, the two options are to lease or to make payments to own. You may choose to lease a vehicle for a predetermined period instead of buying. At the end of the term, you may walk away from the car or buy it depending on the lease agreement you have signed. Most leases carry a mileage limit, meaning you may be charged extra if you rack up more mileage than is stipulated. Make sure you ask what kind of penalty you would face if you want to terminate the lease before the lease period is up.

A benefit of leasing is if you own your own business or are self-employed, you can claim lease payments as a tax deduction.

If you choose to buy, be aware that interest on a car loan for newcomers can reach high percentages. Many car dealers will offer you a loan as an incentive to purchase one of their cars, but it would be best to shop around (both for a car and financing) before you commit. Also, ask what penalty you would face if you were to pay off the loan before the period elapses.


I’ve just moved to Vancouver and am thinking of buying a car. What do you recommend?


At least until you become familiar with the city and the rules of the road, my advice is to save your money and take public transit. Car operation and upkeep cost a lot of money, whether new or used. Even with a trouble-free vehicle, the cost to maintain it (fuel, monthly payments, insurance, registration and other expenses) can set you back thousands of dollars each year.

When you are ready, I suggest purchasing a used car until you settle into a good-paying job. My first car cost me $1,000 and while it was not the prettiest car in the lot, it took me for my interviews and for grocery shopping, which was the main intention.

Here are some tips when purchasing a used car:

When buying from a used car dealer, try to obtain an extended warranty that covers parts and labour for repairs, for a set time period. Check with the motor vehicle office to see if there is a lien against the car for any amounts of money loaned against it. In the case of a private deal (from an individual seller), it would be wise to have the car checked by the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA). This verifies the vehicle’s ownership and accident history.

Be aware that stolen vehicles are sometimes sold privately. If you inadvertently purchase one, authorities could confiscate it and you may have to face police questioning or worse — conviction for stolen property.

Transferring the title or ownership of a vehicle is straightforward. If you are purchasing from a car dealership, transfer documents will be handled for you. In a private purchase, the buyer and seller must go to an insurance company to arrange the transfer, the insurance, payment of the provincial tax, where applicable, and pickup of a new license plate. 


I have a driver’s license from Hong Kong, but I’m wondering how it works to get a license here in Canada?


Your foreign driver’s license may be valid for only three to six months after you arrive in Canada. So it is wise to get an international driver’s license before you leave your home country. Regardless, you will eventually need to take a driving test to obtain a Canadian driver’s license.

Licenses are issued by the province or territory in which you live. In order to receive a license, you must pass several tests: a vision test, a written examination and a road test. In some provinces, a minimum of 30 days is required between writing the knowledge test and taking a road test.

I drove in my homeland for 24 years and yet I still flunked the knowledge test and barely passed the road test here, so I’d recommend studying for your test and taking some driving lessons again. It will make the process easier.
Also, you must be at least 16 years old before you can be tested for a driver’s license in Canada. Some provinces have a graduated licensing system whereby young drivers can be restricted to driving only in daylight hours during their probation period.

When applying for a driver’s license, the following documents may be necessary for proof of name, signature and address: ¦A passport ¦A Permanent Resident (PR) Card ¦Proof of address (bank statement or other public office received mail) ¦A driver’s license from your home country, but an international driver’s license is best

Incidentally, a driver’s license is one of the best pieces of identification you can have since it shows your photograph, signature and address.