A driver's license is a card which allows you to operate a motor vehicle legally. A driver's license is issued by the provincial authorities where you reside but allows you to drive anywhere in the Canada and the United States.

You don't need a driver's license just for driving. A driver's license is also the major form of official identification in Canada and also in the USA. If you write a check, use a credit card, open a bank account or conduct any type of business where proof of identity is needed, you may be asked for your driver's license. Since there are many people who chose not to drive or own a car, the Motor Vehicles Department or similar provincial agency can also issue picture identification (ID) cards that have the same function for proof of identity as a driver's license, but don't require to pass any driving test. (this type of card does not authorize you to drive a motor vehicle)