So I was told re: International Dr Lic against UAE Dr Lic.....but that is for expired licenses. You still need an address in Canada so if you Have rental property use that.
However, if you have a valid driver's license from another country for a certain number of years, - just like here in UAE - you can get a Canadian driver's license in exchange. As for insurance - get a letter from your insurer here detailing the #of years of no claims and Canadian insurers [i'>may[/i'> take it under consideration.
Having a Canadian driver's license is seen as one "tie" to Canada which may have an impact on how Revenue Canada views your non-residency status. Renewing it may raise flags with them.
Email your province's Dept of Motor Vehicles and ask about exchanging a valid UAE license for a Canadian one should you return for example, tomorrow.
I was going to get a new dr license as I am home at the moment and I was told....get an international drivers license then apply for the new license here. Things might have changed since 2005? not sure but if your license has expired for so many years then it is right you go back to graduated license and more importantly your car insurance will reflect this!!! huge!!! It was also suggested that if you are applying in another Province that you get your driving record from the previous Prov to cover your bum :). As someone said though, if it has not expired then fine but remember it is another flag and if you end up with lots of flags yo could be paying taxes on earnings when you finally become a resident again.
There is a time limit on what tests will have to be done. I think if the license is under 2 years expired, you can simply renew, over 3 years, it's an eye test, 5 years it may be a road test. Over 10 and you're back to square one - hello graduated licensing :)
Check on the website, just google it. As for being able to renew it it depends on your status - are you claiming non-residence? If you are, you're not supposed to have a license, health card - any ties to Canada - those 2 can be deemed ties to Canada and you'll be subject to income taxation - fun!!!
If you are out of country and paying income tax then you have a residence and pay taxes and can renew without issues - not sure what the laws are exactly though for this scenario.