Your guide to mastering the Quebec driver’s licence journey—from structured skill development to financial considerations
Whether you’re a newcomer eager to explore the roads or a resident looking to enhance your daily commute, understanding the ins and outs of the licensing process is essential. From the foundational steps of obtaining a learner’s permit to the eventual mastery of the road test, this article will break down the necessary details and provide a comprehensive guide to acquiring your driver’s licence in Quebec.
To obtain a driver’s licence in Quebec, you must be at least 16 years old and have valid identification, such as a birth certificate or permanent resident card. The first step is to pass a vision test at a Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) office. Following this, you will need to pass a knowledge test on road signs, rules, and driving skills. Once you have passed the knowledge test, you can schedule a road test to demonstrate your driving abilities.
It is important to complete the Association québécoise des transports (AQTR) driver training class, as it is a mandatory requirement for new drivers in Quebec. The AQTR course covers essential driving skills and safety regulations to prepare you for the road test. The SAAQ website provides information on how to schedule the road test, which can be done online or by calling their office. Upon successful completion of the road test, you will be issued a Quebec driver’s licence.
Requirements for Quebec Driving licence
The licensing process in Quebec also includes participation in the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program, which consists of three levels:
- Learner’s licence
- Probationary licence
- The full driver’s licence
To begin the process, applicants must pass a written knowledge test to obtain a learner’s licence.
If vision correction is needed before taking the exam, individuals can acquire glasses or contact lenses from various optometry clinics and eyewear retailers across Quebec. Once requirements are met and the necessary steps are completed, individuals can obtain a Quebec driver’s licence and enjoy the privileges of driving legally on Quebec roads.
Stages of Quebec Driver’s Licensing
In Quebec, obtaining a driver’s licence involves several stages that must be completed before individuals can legally operate a motor vehicle. The process is designed to ensure that new drivers acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to be safe and responsible on the road.
Register for a driving course: To register for a driving course, you will need to complete four modules of Phase 1 at an AQTr-recognized driving school. These modules cover essential topics such as traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. After completing the modules, you will need to pass a knowledge test to demonstrate your understanding of the material.
Once you have successfully passed the test, you can then apply for a learner’s licence, which allows you to practice driving under the supervision of a licenced driver. The learner’s licence is valid for 18 months, during which time you can gain valuable driving experience and prepare for the next phase of your driving education.
Learner’s licence: In Quebec, obtaining a learner’s licence requires passing a knowledge test, a vision test, and filling out a Declaration of Illness or Impairment form. The learner’s permit comes with various restrictions, such as driving only with a licensed driver or accompanying driver, zero alcohol and drug consumption, and no use of handheld electronic devices while driving. A first-time driver should particularly respect speed limits as prescribed on the road signs. The maximum speed limit is 30 Kilometres per hour in school zones and 50 Kilometres per hour in cities.
The learner’s licence by novice drivers must be held for a minimum of 10 months before the driver can progress to a probationary licence. During this time, the driver must also complete a mandatory driving course. Once the learner’s licence requirements and time period have been satisfied, the driver can then apply for a probationary licence.
Probationary licence: In Quebec, to obtain a probationary licence, an individual must be at least 16 years old, have completed a driving course and passed a knowledge test after having studied the driving course on the SAAQ website. To qualify, you should hold your learner’s licence for at least 12 months. The driving course consists of 24 hours of theory and 15 hours of practical training. After completing the course, the individual must pass a knowledge test and a road test. You can study the driver handbook and take the requisite practice tests.
Once the probationary licence is obtained, there are several restrictions in place. These include a limit of 4 demerit points before a licence suspension, zero alcohol or drugs while driving, a limit on the number of passengers, and a prohibition on using electronic devices while driving.
Additionally, there is a mandatory time frame for holding a probationary licence, which is a minimum of 24 months for individuals under the age of 25, and 12 months for individuals over 25. Once this time frame and all other requirements are fulfilled, the probationary licence can be exchanged for a regular driver’s licence.
Full licence: To be eligible for a Class 5 licence, individuals must have held a Learner’s Licence for at least 10 months, successfully completed an approved driving course, and maintained a good driving record for two years. Additionally, individuals must be at least 16 years old and pass a written knowledge test and vision test.
Once these requirements are met, there is no road test necessary to obtain a Class 5 licence. However, individuals must provide proof of auto insurance before being issued the licence. It is important to note that a Class 5 licence comes with certain restrictions, including the inability to drive between midnight and 5 a.m. for the first year, and the inability to have any alcohol in their system while driving.
Any infractions or violations during the two years on the road can result in the revocation of the licence. Additionally, individuals must maintain valid auto insurance coverage throughout the duration of holding a Class 5 licence.
Every province or city may have its own rules for getting a driver’s licence.
How to get your driver’s licence in Quebec as a newcomer?
To obtain a driver’s licence in Quebec from scratch, individuals must be at least 16 years old. Before applying, they must pass a vision examination and enroll in a driver’s training course with a certified driving school. After completing the course, they can then apply for a learner’s licence at their local SAAQ office.
The next step is to pass a knowledge examination, which tests the individual’s understanding of road signs, laws, and safe driving practices. Upon passing, they will receive their learner’s licence and can begin the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program. This program consists of three stages: learner’s, probationary, and full licence. Each stage has specific requirements and restrictions that must be followed.
After completing the GDL program, individuals can then book and take the SAAQ road test. This test evaluates their driving skills and ability to follow traffic laws and signals. Upon successful completion, they will be issued a full driver’s licence.
It’s important to adhere to the GDL program and take the SAAQ road test seriously, as they ensure that new drivers have the necessary skills and experience to drive safely on Quebec roads.
How do you apply for a driver’s licence exchange?
To apply for a driver’s licence exchange at the SAAQ, you will need to gather several required documents. These include your valid foreign driver’s licence, proof of Canadian citizenship or right to stay in Canada, and proof of residency in Québec. If your driver’s licence is not in French or English, you will also need to provide a translation. Additionally, make sure to meet the eligibility requirements, such as being aged 16 or older, holding a valid licence, and being a resident of Québec.
Once you have all the necessary documents, contact the SAAQ to schedule an appointment. This appointment will be held at a designated service outlet, where you will begin the process of the driver’s licence exchange.
The cost of obtaining a Quebec driver’s licence varies depending on the type of licence and the additional services required. The fee for a learner’s permit as of 2021 is $58.49, while the cost of a probationary licence is $115.46. Additional fees apply for services such as the written knowledge test ($11.10) and the practical driving test ($27.45). For those seeking a motorcycle licence, there are extra costs associated with the required courses and tests.
Fee structure: How much does it cost for a driver’s licence in Quebec?
In Quebec, the fee structure for obtaining a driver’s licence includes several costs. In summary:
| Particulars | Cost ($CAD) |
| Knowledge test | 11.70 |
| Learner’s licence | 72.58 |
| Road test | 29.25 |
| Probationary licence | 181.06 |
| One-year licence | 98.73 |
| Yearly licence renewal fee | 87.28 |
It’s important to note that these fees are subject to change, and additional administrative fees may apply. Overall, individuals seeking a driver’s licence in Quebec should be prepared for these costs throughout the process.
What if you are moving to Quebec from a country with previous driving experience and with a reciprocal arrangement?
If you are an international driver, the list of eligible countries include Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, the Isle of Man, Japan, the Netherlands (including Sint Maarten, Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba and Sint Eustatius), South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom (including England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland), United States.
All you need to do is exchange your current licence from your home country. You need to have at least two years of legitimate driving experience and a proof of residence or right to stay in Quebec.
How do I get started? Follow the steps below to get this process done:
- Book an appointment at any Quebec service outlet
- Get your existing driver’s licence and proof of residence in your home country for at least three years
- Pay $98.73 CAD as the fees
If you have less than two years of driving experience in any of the countries listed above, you will need to apply for a probationary licence, pass a knowledge test and a road test. Two years thereafter you can apply for a full Class 5 Driver’s licence
What if you are moving to Quebec from a country without any reciprocal arrangement?
If you plan to move from a country that does not have any reciprocal arrangement with Quebec, you need to have a foreign driver’s licence that is equivalent to a Class 5 driver’s licence in Quebec for at least a year. You will then be expected to complete a knowledge test and a road test.
