Citizenship and Immigration Canada
www.cic.gc.ca
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Welcome to Canada: What you should know
Transportation
- Using public transportation
- Getting a driver’s licence
- Use of seat belts
- Car seats for children
- In case of an accident
- Residency obligations for permanent residents
- Travelling out of town
- For more information
Using public transportation
Getting around in Canada is fairly easy. Although many Canadians drive a car, most cities have public urban transportation systems, including buses, streetcars and trains, and some of the larger cities also have subways. You can board these systems at regular stops along their routes. Some let you pay with cash; others require tickets. If you don’t have a ticket for the bus, you must pay with the right amount of money (the exact fare). This is because the driver does not carry any change. Once you get settled, you may want to buy a monthly pass or a package of tickets to save money. You can buy subway tickets at the subway station.
If you have to take several buses or the subway for a single trip, you do not need to pay each time. Simply ask the driver for a transfer, or pick one up from the machines on the subway platform.
If you are not sure where to board the bus or the streetcar, just ask someone or follow the crowd. It’s usually at the front of the bus, where you show your pass to the driver. When using public transportation, Canadians line up.
Maps of routes and schedules are usually available from the public transit company in your area, and there may also be a telephone information line. You may want to ask someone for the name of the transit company where you live, and then look it up in your telephone book.
Getting a driver’s licence
You need a valid driver’s licence to drive a car in Canada, and these are issued by the province or territory where you live. Your foreign driver’s licence may be valid for a short time after you arrive in Canada, but eventually you will need to take a Canadian driving test to remain licensed. This will help you to learn the rules of the road in Canada. You may also want to obtain an international driving permit. Find out more from your provincial ministry of transportation or from your provincial motor vehicle licensing agency.
Driving lessons are available from private companies, for a fee. You may want to have a few lessons before you take your test. Look in the yellow pages under “Driving Instruction.”
Remember: It is a legal requirement to carry your driver’s licence with you whenever you drive. You should also carry your car registration and vehicle permit with you. It is good advice to carry a copy of your car insurance certificate.
Use of seat belts
You and your passengers must wear seat belts at all times when you are driving in Canada. This is the law. The use of a seat belt can save your life in an accident and you can be fined for not wearing one.
Car seats for children
Babies and children who are too small to wear seat belts safely must be placed in car seats whenever you drive. These can also help to save lives in case of an accident. There are different types of car seats for different ages and weights. For example, infants must be placed in special seats that face the back of the car. Children over 18 kg need a booster seat.
In case of an accident
In case of a car accident, call 911 or your local emergency number right away if you need medical help. Stay where you are and get someone to call the police. You should report the accident immediately to your car insurance company. It is also important to exchange your name, address and telephone number as well as your insurance and driver’s licence numbers with the other driver.
Residency obligations for permanent residents
From time to time, you may wish to leave Canada, for example to visit your relatives, take a vacation, or travel for business. As a permanent resident, you must meet certain residency obligations to maintain your status. You can find information about these obligations at www.cic.gc.ca/english/newcomers/index.asp. Before you leave, telephone the CIC Call Centre for more information at 1‑888‑242‑2100 or TTY 1‑888‑576‑8502 (in Canada only).
Travelling out of town
Buses, trains and planes travel throughout Canada. For out-of-town trips, contact travel agencies, airline companies or bus lines. For information about train travel, contact Via Rail. The telephone numbers are listed in the yellow pages of the telephone book.
For more information
Contact the public transit organizations, provincial ministries of transportation, provincial motor vehicle licensing offices or insurance companies listed in the telephone book.