Newcomers · Driving
Driving in Ontario on a Kenyan licence.
You can drive on your Kenyan licence when you first arrive, but not for long. Here's how to get your Ontario licence, and how to get credit for the years you drove at home.
Last checked October 20, 2026. Rules change, so confirm on the linked page before you go or pay anything.
1. Your first 60 days
When you move to Ontario, you can drive on your valid Kenyan licence for 60 days. After that you need an Ontario driver's licence. Start the process early, because the tests take time to book.
Source: Government of Ontario, "Exchange an out-of-province driver's licence"
2. Kenya has no licence exchange, so you take the tests
Some countries have an agreement that lets drivers swap their licence for an Ontario one. Kenya isn't one of them, so you go through Ontario's tests:
- A vision test and a knowledge (written) test.
- The G2 road test.
- At least 12 months later, the G road test, for your full licence.
Source: Government of Ontario
3. Getting credit for your driving in Kenya
Since July 1, 2026, Ontario gives credit for up to one year of driving experience from a country without an exchange agreement. To get it, you show your valid, original Kenyan licence and an authentication letter. Ontario says the letter must:
- be an official letter from the foreign government or agency that issued the licence,
- confirm that the licence is authentic, and
- be in English or French.
This matters if your current licence card is newer than your driving experience, for example a renewed or replaced card. Ontario's own example: if your licence was issued 6 months ago but you have been driving longer, the letter lets you get credit for your full experience, up to 12 months.
Source: Government of Ontario, "Proof of driving experience from countries without exchange agreements"
4. The High Commission's verification letter
The Kenya High Commission in Ottawa authenticates and verifies Kenyan driving licences by mail. Send:
- Your current, valid original Kenyan licence, plus one photocopy. If it has expired, renew it online through eCitizen first.
- A formal letter asking for the verification.
- Copies of your passport, Kenyan ID, alien certificate or refugee ID.
- If you hold the newer, wallet-size licence: proof of your earlier driving, such as old renewal slips or a copy of your old licence.
- Mail to
- Kenya High Commission, 415 Laurier Avenue East, Ottawa, ON K1N 6R4. Send it by courier.
- Fee
- CAD $20, not refundable
- How to pay
- A money order, bank draft or certified cheque, payable to "Kenya High Commission". Bring or send the exact amount: fees aren't refunded.
- Return envelope
- Include a prepaid, self-addressed Canada Post Xpresspost envelope with a tracking number. Other couriers need a computer-generated label.
- Questions
- +1 613-563-1773 · balozi@kenyahighcommission.ca · Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Eastern
An incomplete application is sent back to you, so check every item on the list before you mail it.
Source: Kenya High Commission, "Authentication/Verification of Kenya Driver's License"
5. Applying at DriveTest
You apply in person at a DriveTest centre. Bring:
- Original ID showing your legal name and date of birth.
- Your original, valid Kenyan licence.
- Any original documents that prove your driving experience, in English or French, such as the authentication letter.
- The fee. You'll fill in an application form there, saying how long you have been driving.
Since May 11, 2026, you also declare that Ontario is your main home and that you are in Canada legally.
Source: Government of Ontario · Find a centre and book tests at DriveTest
Never driven on snow and ice? Read our winter driving tips before your road test.
This guide is general information. Rules change, so confirm with DriveTest and the Kenya High Commission before you apply or pay.