Wondering if L and N drivers can cross the border into our friendly USA neighbours and have an adventure? Yes, you can drive anywhere in Canada & in the U.S. with your L (learner) or N (new driver) license. You just need to follow your restrictions as usual.
L and N Drivers in the USA

The very simple answer to this is YES, absolutely.
Follow Your ICBC Restrictions When Travelling To Faraway Lands
Just be sure to follow all of the same restrictions printed on the back of your driver’s license.
For example, yours might say stuff like: must display the official L -learner- or N -new driver- sign, zero alcohol, passenger restrictions, restrictions around needing to wear glasses or contacts, etc.


What To Do In The States?
The possibilities are endless. I mean, you could start with a little day trip to Seattle or even the Seattle Premium Outlet Mall at Tulalip
. Or if you’re really feeling brave and adventures, drive across the entire country. Or drive around in a circle. Let me know how your adventure goes!
Keep in mind our Canadian dollars aren’t worth quite the same, so bring some extra cash. And also remember that sometimes you may have to pay duty on the way back.
But I am sure it will be worth it.
Some ideas:
- Get more info about L and N drivers here
- Oregon Coast Road Trip
- Olympic National Park
- Seattle Space Needle
- San Juan Islands
- Mount Ranier National Park
- North Cascades National Park
- Mount Saint Helens
- Snoqualmie Falls
- Dirt Fish Rally School (near Seattle)
- Rent a Dune Buggy
- Las Vegas?
- Road trip, through beautiful Washington State and Oregon
Can you drive in the states with a Canadian license?
Yes, Canadians can drive virtually anywhere in the United States, as long as your drivers license is valid. Drivers should be free of any medical conditions that would make it unsafe to be driving. You can drive on your Canadian license for up to three months when visiting our friendly U.S. neighbours. You can also rent a vehicle.
Read more:
- Can a New Drivers License Be Used as a Passport?
- Get your Free ICBC Driving Abstract (driving records)
- Stop Sign vs Stop Line
- School and Playground Zones Guide British Columbia
Recommended accessories:
I’m soon moving to New York state in the next 6 months for university and I just recently acquired a Class 7N license in BC with GLP. I have no plan of going back to Canada to complete the full license since I’m already an international student here and my student Visa will expire late this year. How will my BC class 7N license translate to a New York license and will I have to retake any road tests to get the license?
does a driver with an N still have restriction in USA
Yes, same restrictions as BC.
This is very useful information.great
http://www.allieddrivingschool.com/