Phone us now
From Canada: 902 880 0264
From the UK: 001 902 880 0264

Lifestyle - Driving

Moving to a new country can be stressful; once you land there is a myriad things to consider. We hope you find the following information both useful and time saving.

Driving in Nova Scotia

Driving in Canada is on the Right. A new immigrant to Nova Scotia can drive on their UK licence for up to 90 Days. Most vehicles will be automatic. Generally importing cars from the UK which are less than 15 years old is impractical and we would advise against, as conversion would prohibit this as a practical option.

A Nova Scotian Licence lasts for 5 years before a paid renewal is required (without taking another test). Insurance is mandatory as is keeping relevant documentation with you in your car at all times. http://www.gov.ns.ca/snsmr/rmv/other/id_req.asp

Nova Scotia operates a graduated learner driver system for brand new drivers 16 and older. http://www.gov.ns.ca/snsmr/rmv/licence/gradlic.asp

All registered vehicles must undergo a yearly safety inspection at an official inspection station. A blue badge which goes on your windscreen is issued when your vehicle passes this inspection and is stamped to the end of that month for the following year.

Vehicle registration proves ownership of a vehicle (http://www.gov.ns.ca/snsmr/paal/rmv/Paal271.asp) whereas a vehicle permit gets you your licence plate and needs to be renewed every 2 years and every year for some other vehicles and Motorbikes (http://www.gov.ns.ca/snsmr/paal/rmv/paal272.asp)

Driving Tests

Booking your driving test as soon as possible is important as you only have 90 days to drive on your UK licence. Your first step will be to get the Nova Scotia driving handbook (http://www.gov.ns.ca/snsmr/rmv/licence/handbook.asp). Reading this is vital to passing your test. The driving test falls into two parts

Knowledge Test
Practical test

The knowledge test is of a multi choice format; the first 20 questions are based on sign recognition (80% pass mark), the second 20 questions are on the rules of the road (80% pass mark). Once this exam is passed you can book your practical driving test (appointment only).

Testing includes:

Stopping and starting, both on a level road and on a hill.
Changing gears in vehicles not having automatic transmissions, both on a level road and on a hill.
Making left and right turns.
Backing.
Following another vehicle properly.
Giving proper signals.
Parallel and /or angle parking.
Observing and complying with traffic control devices (signs, signals, and pavement markings).
Making lane changes.

Tips:

Stop at appropriate markings and do not let your car wander forward to get a better view.
Look over your shoulder when making any manoeuvres.
Keep to speed limits religiously.

Once you pass your test you will get documentation to take to the Registry of Motor vehicles to obtain your Nova Scotian Licence.

Driving tests and locations (http://www.gov.ns.ca/snsmr/contact/service_locations.asp?service=Driver_Exams)