Rights and Governments

Driver's Licences

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In Quebec, people can start driving a car at 16. But before you get behind the wheel, you need a learner’s licence. Later, you can get your probationary licence and then your “real” driver’s licence.

Where to start? Here’s information about driving courses, exams, steps you have to take with the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) and what’s allowed and not allowed at each step.

Steps

1.  Register for a driving course at a recognized school (French only).

  • If you’re under 18, the driving school usually asks for your parents’ consent.
  • The course is divided into two parts: a theoretical part and a practical part.

2. Take the theoretical part of the driving course.

  • Once it’s done, your driving school gives you a certificate.

3. Go to a Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) service centre.

  • You must be at least 16.
  • You must bring these documents with you:
    • written authorization from your parents if you’re under 18
    • certificate from your driving school

If you meet all the conditions, the SAAQ gives you your learner’s licence.

Allowed and Not Allowed

 You can drive a car!

  • But you must be accompanied by someone who has had a driver’s licence for at least two years.
  • Drinking and Driving: Zero tolerance
  • Demerit Points: If you get four or more in your driving record, you lose your licence.
  • You can’t drive between midnight and 5 am.

1. Your learner’s licence is valid for a year and a half. So as soon as you get it, you should think about the next step: getting your probationary licence.

Steps

4. Take the practical part of your driving course.

5. Take a theoretical exam.

  • To register, contact the SAAQ.
  • You need to have your learner’s licence for at least 10 months before you can write the exam.

6. Take a practical exam.

  • To register, contact the SAAQ

7. Go to a SAAQ service centre. To get your probationary licence, you have to meet these conditions:

  • You’ve had your learner’s licence for at least one year.
  • If you’re under 18, you must bring a written authorization from your parents.

Allowed and Not Allowed

You can drive without being accompanied! However, these restrictions continue to apply:

If you’re under 19, there’s a limit to the number of people 19 years old and under who can accompany you between midnight and 5 am.

The driving course isn’t free!

You also have to pay a fee to take the exams and get your probationary licence from the SAAQ.

2. Your probationary licence is valid for two years. Then you can get your driver’s licence from the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec.

Steps

8. Go to a SAAQ service centre.

  • Before your probationary licence expires, you’ll get a notice from the SAAQ by mail.

Allowed and Not Allowed

Restrictions :

You have to pay fees when you go to a SAAQ service centre.

For any questions about getting your licence, contact the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec.