Relocation Nova Scotia

 

If you don’t want to rely on the limited public transport in Nova Scotia (that’s if you’re living outside Halifax Regional Municipality) you will need to buy a car!

Vehicle License

When you first purchase a vehicle is not licensed (no number plate or motor vehicle permit ).  To licence the vehicle, you will need to visit your local Access Nova Scotia office who, amongst other government services,  arrange for the licensing of all vehicles.  For your vehicle licence, you will need to produce:

your vehicle insurance (see below for our recommended insurance company)

transfer of title or Form 8E (this is arranged by the dealership)

you will also need to provide identification

Once all this has been done, the documentation accepted you will be provided with:

• a Certificate of Registration (which needs to be kept securely and safely, as this is your proof of ownership)
• a bright and shiny new vehicle licence plate, which needs to be affixed to the rear of your vehicle (try Wal Mart or Canadian Tire for the fixing screws!)
• a sticker with a month, two years in the future, signifying that you have paid for two years road tax, which needs to be affixed in the appropriate place on the licence plate

 

 

Driving License

All new residents who want to drive in Nova Scotia are required to obtain a Nova Scotia driving licence within 90 days of moving to the province.

To obtain yor licence you will need to pass a written test and a vision test, followed by a road test. There are some exceptions to this depending on where you have previously held your license and you may just be able to exchange your current one for a Nova Scotian one. You will be able to see if this applies to you by checking out the Access Nova Scotia website.

You must provide the vehicle for your road test and the examiner will check the vehicle to ensure it is road worthy, he or she will also examine your current drivers licence, vehicle insurance, vehicle permit and test fee receipt.

Once you have passed the road test you will then be given your Class 5 drivers license, which entitles you to drive in Nova Scotia and is renewable every 5 years.

If you are nervous about driving or taking your driving test in Nova Scotia then book an assessment session with Ha's.  They will give you an honest opinion on your driving skills and identify any areas that you might need to work on in order to pass the Nova Scotian driving standards requirements.

Several of our clients having worked with Ha's Driving School have gone on to successfully pass their test.

 

Driving Test

This examination will test your actual driving skill. You must attend the test with a vehicle that is in good mechanical condition, the vehicle will be checked by the examiner before you take your test. You must have your Learner's licence or a valid licence issued by your home country, a Road Test Receipt, a valid Motor Vehicle Permit and a valid insurance liability card, in the vehicle owner's name, to show the Driver Enhancement Officer.

The driving test includes such operations as:

• Stopping and starting, both on a level road and on a hill.
• Changing gears in vehicles not having automatic transmissions, both on a level road and on a hill.
• Making left and right turns.
• Backing
• Following another vehicle properly.
• Giving proper signals.
• Parallel and /or angle parking.
• Observing and complying with traffic control devices (signs, signals, and pavement markings)
• Making lane changes

 

The examination will be conducted over a course of at least 3 kilometers and, where possible, in traffic. The exam will also test your ability to apply your knowledge of the rules of the road, to recognize road signs, and to react properly to actual driving conditions.

Find more details here

Breakdown Recovery Assistance

The Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) is one of the best known automotive groups within Canada providing breakdown recovery services.

CAA offers a range of membership options to suit your individual needs.

In addition to Emergency Roadside Assistance, CAA membership provides an ever-expanding range of products and services offering members choice and savings for their Automotive, Travel and Insurance needs.

Check out their website for more information regarding the services they have to offer.