Canada, the United States and over 100 other countries are party to the International Convention on Road Traffic. This Convention is intended to establish uniform reciprocal privileges on matters such as drivers' permits. Iran is also a member of this agreement so it would appear that Canada would accept your Iranian license as a valid license in which to drive on their roadways.

There may be certain conditions associated with this, like obtaining an International Driving Permit (IDP) which would translate your license into other languages, such as English, so that it would be easier for Canadian authorities to know that what your license from Iran said and know that it was valid. Conditions may vary by territory or province so check with the areas of Canada you plan on driving in to see if they have any particular requirements of you while driving there with a foreign license.

For example Quebec states that licence holders from outside Québec may drive a vehicle on a public road in Québec for up to six consecutive months without holding a Québec driver's licence. The following conditions apply:

• your driver's licence must be valid;
• any licence restrictions also apply in Québec;
• you are allowed to operate only the corresponding class of motor vehicle in Québec.

Beyond 6 months, you must hold an International Driver's Permit, which allows you to operate the corresponding class of motor vehicle in Québec for the length of time the Permit and your driver's licence are valid. You must have both in your possession when driving.

Regardless of the length of your stay, if your driver's licence is neither in English or French, getting an International Driver's Permit is highly recommended. You must apply for a Permit in the country that issued your driver's licence, before leaving.