What kind of Canadian drivers' license do we need to rent a car in the USA?
My boyfriend and I are planning a roadtrip to California in June. We'll both be 26 at the time, and we both have drivers' licenses - just different kinds. Mine is a Class 5 license, which is the "full license" standard in our home province of BC. His is a Class 7, which is the "new driver" license, and comes with a few restrictions.
If we're going to be on the road for a week, it would be great if I didn't have to be behind the wheel the whole time. Will we have any difficulty renting a car with him as an additional driver, if he doesn't have the full Class 5 license?
Best Answer
You should not run into any trouble renting a Car.
Some notes about driving in the US: Most states recognize canadian drivers licenses, you can check the rules for every state here: http://www.usa.gov/Topics/Motor-Vehicles.shtml.
It is usually a good idea to get an international drivers permit (IDP), which as far as I remember does not contain the License class.
See: http://travel.gc.ca/travelling/documents/international-driving-permit
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Can I rent a car in the U.S. with a Canadian license?
Is a Canadian driving license valid in the USA? Yes, as a citizen of Canada, you can rent and drive a car within the US borders, provided you have a valid Canadian driving license.Can you drive an American car with a Canadian license?
Most drivers wonder, \u201cCan you drive in the USA with a foreign license?\u201d Yes. You can drive with a Canadian issued license in the U.S. without being a resident. However, it's best to apply for your SSN early on so that you don't experience delays with the DMV.What driving Licence Do I need to hire a car in USA?
What documentation do I need? All you need to drive in North America is a valid driving licence from your country of residence, as well as an International Driver's Permit if your licence is not in English.Can a non U.S. citizen rent a car?
You may need both your license and an IDP to rent a car in the U.S. If you're planning to rent one, find out the rental company's policies and other requirements in advance. Beware of international driver's license scams.Driving in Canada: How to get a Driver Licence In Ontario
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Answer 2
I just phoned ICBC. You can drive with an N. You need to sometimes provide your drivers abstract as they are not familiar with N licenses in the states and what they mean. Some companies will allow you to rent a car, others will be unsure and deny. Legally, you can drive with an N, but still must display your sign and follow all restrictions.
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