The Government of Prince Edward Island and the Government of Japan have signed a reciprocal driver licensing agreement that allows citizens to have their licences renewed in either country without being retested, says Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal Ron MacKinley.
“This reciprocal licence agreement will make it easier for Japanese people to make the transition to life on the Island, and for Islanders to make the transition to life in Japan,” said Minister MacKinley. “Prince Edward Island shares a special relationship with the Japanese people and this agreement helps strengthen our already strong ties.”
The agreement was endorsed by the provincial government this month after a request from the Japanese government earlier this year.
The provincial government has signed reciprocal licence agreements with a number of countries overseas over the last number of years including France, Australia, Korea, the United Kingdom, Austria, Switzerland, Northern Ireland, Germany and the Isle of Man. The agreements make it easier for Canadian and foreign nationals to have their passenger vehicle licences renewed outside their home countries, and puts an Island drivers licence on par with drivers licences from other jurisdictions. That means no retesting or recertification when it comes time to renew a licence outside someone’s native jurisdiction.
“In today’s world it’s important that we remove barriers for people who seek work here in Canada, and for Islanders who seek work in countries like Japan,” said Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal Ron MacKinley. “I’m very pleased that the province continues to sign agreements like these with countries all over the world.”