5 Steps to Obtaining a Driver’s Licence

In Quebec, all new drivers are required to take a driving course for operating a passenger vehicle (Class 5). To undertake the steps to obtaining a driver’s licence, you must be at least 16 years old and if you are under age 18, have the written consent of your father, mother or guardian.

Step 1: Registering for a driving course

Since January 17, 2010, all new drivers have to register to a driving school that is recognized by the AQTR (Association québécoise du transport et des routes). The new Road Safety Education Program includes 24 hours of theoretical training and 15 hours of on-road training for a total of 39 hours of training.

To get the learner’s licence, you have to successfully pass Phase 1 of the driving course, which includes five theoretical modules.

Step 2: Obtaining a learner’s licence

Once you have passed the five theoretical modules of Phase 1, you get the passenger vehicle learner’s licence. This licence, which you are required to use for a minimum of 12 months, is issued with a particular set of restrictions:

be accompanied at all times while driving: by a driving instructor during the mandatory driving course or by a person who has held a valid passenger vehicle driver’s licence for at least two years;
have fewer than 4 demerit points;
never drive after drinking any alcohol.

Step 3: Passing the knowledge test

Once you have held a learner’s licence for at least 10 months, you can then make an appointment with the SAAQ for the knowledge test.

Successful completion of this test is essential for moving to the next step. If you fail, you must wait at least 28 days before retaking the knowledge test.

Step 4: Passing the road test

To get a probationary licence (last step before getting your driver’s licence), all new drivers have to pass the SAAQ road test. To take this test you must have:

successfully completed a theoretical and practical driving course at a driving school recognized by the AQTR;
held a Class 5 learner’s licence for at least 12 months;
passed the SAAQ knowledge test.

Step 5: Obtaining a probationary licence

Once you have successfully passed the road test, you can get a probationary licence. This licence, which is valid for 24 months, is the last step before getting a Class 5 driver’s licence.

With the new Road Safety Education Program, the SAAQ aims to reduce the number of traffic violations and accidents involving young drivers. All AQTR-certified driving schools are required to teach this new program. There are driving schools all across Quebec: to find one in your region, simply visit the www.aqtr.qc.ca.