A passenger vehicle owned by a visitor may be driven in Nova Scotia for personal, non-business purposes for a period of 90 days (on a valid, out-of-province licence) without being registered in the province. This 90-day period is determined from the date on which the passenger motor vehicle was first operated in Nova Scotia in any registration year. This exemption is permitted only once in any one year.

A person who becomes a resident of Nova Scotia must apply for a Nova Scotia Driver's Licence and register their vehicle with the Registry of Motor Vehicles within 90 days.

Any out-of-province licence you hold must be surrendered when you apply for a Nova Scotia licence. If you hold a valid unrestricted licence issued by another province or territory of Canada you may not have to take a driver's exam. If your licence is restricted or is from another country you may be required to pass the vision test and written and driving exams.

Any non-resident wishing to obtain a Nova Scotia driver's licence valid for driving a school bus must pass the vision test and written and driving exams.

Identification Requirements

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