I'll share some information about certain aspects of obtaining documents in Canada.
For instance, a driver's license.
Obtaining a driver's license in Canada serves multiple purposes beyond just allowing you to drive a vehicle. In essence, it can be considered an internal passport with registration.
Driver's licenses in Canada include information such as address, gender, height, weight, eye color, and date of birth.
Contrary to the initial assumption that a driver's license is necessary only for those who plan to drive, it turns out that it plays a significant role beyond that.
Certain activities and services may require the presentation of a local document, and while a permanent resident card might suffice for some purposes, it doesn't cover everything.
For instance, in your case, obtaining a driver's license became essential as it serves as a prerequisite for obtaining medical insurance in some instances.
From this list, I didn't have any other documents. That's how things work in Canada.
Here are the main actions (that I know of today) that you can perform with these rights:
- Confirm your identity
- Confirm your age in bars/restaurants/alcohol stores
- Obtain medical documents
- Get a credit card from the bank
- Travel within the country by plane, train
- Rent accommodation
- Expand the limits of using crypto ATMs.
A bit about the license.
It is issued after passing a test. You need to go to the "Registries," something like a small multifunctional center.
There, you'll need to pay $17, and this will give you one attempt to take the test with 30 theoretical questions.
Preparation for the test is done independently at home. You can download various apps and read the official guide. There are also many free practice tests available.
You'll be asked to provide a document confirming your presence in Canada (permanent residency card, electronic permanent residency, work visas, etc.), your passport, and a bank statement with an address.
Then, you take the test, with a maximum allowance of 5 mistakes. After passing, they check your eyesight and take a photo. In 1-2 weeks, you'll find a plastic card in your mailbox.
Right after the test, they'll issue temporary permits valid for 30 days on paper. Additionally, you'll need to pay around $96 for a 5-year plastic card.
And the most interesting part in Canada is that the system is structured in such a way that:
So, by obtaining these permits, you can only learn to drive. You can drive independently either with a person who has a full Class 5 license or at a driving school (where there are some bonuses in the form of insurance discounts).
To drive independently, you can do so only after holding these permits for a year and passing a road test in your own car.
Alternatively, you can continue using this card for your entire life, as there is no obligation to obtain another category.
