Can you drive in Quebec with a Bangladeshi license?
Can you drive in Quebec with a Bangladeshi license? See IDP and translation rules, plus the steps for visitors and new residents.
Yes, with an IDPas a visitor, for up to 6 months
- Visitingup to 6 months on your current licence
- Moving here6 months to switch to a local licence
- IDPrequired
What we verified for this route
Visitor driving rule
Verified July 11, 2026 by Andrei ZakhareuskiVisitors can drive in Quebec with a valid Bangladeshi licence for six consecutive months if the licence covers the vehicle being driven.
SAAQ says non-residents may drive in Quebec for six consecutive months with a valid licence issued outside Quebec, provided it authorizes the vehicle being driven. After that, a non-resident must hold an international driving permit to keep driving in Quebec.
International Driving Permit
Verified July 11, 2026 by Andrei ZakhareuskiQuebec recommends an IDP before arrival if the Bangladeshi licence is not in French or English; after six months, non-residents need a valid IDP to keep driving.
For visitors and students, SAAQ recommends getting an international driving permit before coming to Quebec if the licence is not written in French or English. For non-residents staying longer than six months, SAAQ says a valid IDP must be carried with the original foreign licence.
New resident deadline
Verified July 11, 2026 by Andrei ZakhareuskiNew residents can drive passenger vehicles on a valid Bangladeshi licence for the first six months after settling in Quebec, then need a Quebec licence.
SAAQ says new residents whose principal residence is in Quebec must obtain a Quebec licence. During the first six months after settling, they may drive a passenger vehicle, motorcycle, moped or scooter if their outside-Quebec licence is valid and covers that vehicle.
License exchange
Verified July 11, 2026 by Andrei ZakhareuskiBangladeshi licences are handled through SAAQ's foreign-licence process; a direct no-test exchange should not be assumed.
SAAQ separates Canadian, United States, agreement-jurisdiction, and other foreign licence paths. For the non-agreement foreign licence path, the applicant requests recognition of driving experience and SAAQ determines the steps needed to obtain a Quebec licence.
Testing requirements
Verified July 11, 2026 by Andrei ZakhareuskiKnowledge and road tests should be expected when converting a Bangladeshi licence in Quebec unless SAAQ recognizes an exemption for the specific licence path.
For foreign licences outside the straightforward Canadian or United States exchange paths, SAAQ describes applicable proficiency tests and says applicants may need to pass knowledge and road tests before obtaining a Quebec licence. Exact test requirements depend on the licence class and recognized driving experience.
Translation requirements
Verified July 11, 2026 by Andrei ZakhareuskiDocuments for a Bangladeshi licence that are not in French or English need an official or certified translation for the Quebec licence process.
SAAQ asks for an official or certified translation of required documents written in a language other than French or English. For the foreign licence process, SAAQ notes that an international driver's permit is not considered an official translation of the licence.
Documents to bring
Verified July 11, 2026 by Andrei ZakhareuskiPrepare the Bangladeshi licence, proof of status or right to stay, proof of Quebec residence, issuing-country residence proof if needed, translations, and fees.
SAAQ lists the foreign driver licence, proof of Canadian citizenship or right to stay, proof of residence in Quebec, proof of residence in the issuing country if the licence has been held for less than three years, and official/certified translations for documents not in French or English. SAAQ may request additional documents when scheduling the appointment.