How licensing works in New Brunswick
New Brunswick uses a graduated licence with two levels. You start at Class 7 Level 1, move to Level 2 after a road test, and then apply for a full Class 5 licence. The graduated period lasts at least two years.
| Stage | Minimum age | Minimum time | How to move on |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class 7 Level 1 | 16 (consent under 18) | 12 months, or 8 with a recognized driving school | Pass a road test |
| Class 7 Level 2 | 16 years 8 months with driver training, 17 without | 12 months | Apply for Class 5 (no road test) |
| Class 5 | — | — | — |
Level 1 rules
- Drive only with one person who holds a Class 5 or better licence and has at least 3 years of experience, sitting in the front passenger seat.
- No other passengers.
- No driving between midnight and 5 a.m.
- Zero tolerance for alcohol and drugs.
Level 2 rules
- If you are under 21, no driving between midnight and 5 a.m. unless a Class 5 (or better) driver with 3 years of experience is with you. Work and education trips are exempt. For other reasons, apply in writing to the Registrar of Motor Vehicles.
- No more than 3 passengers, with only one in the front seat.
- Zero tolerance for alcohol and drugs.
Penalties that send you back to the start
- Breaking the zero-tolerance rule while driving: 1-year suspension, then you restart the graduated period.
- Losing all your demerit points: 3-month suspension, then you restart with no credit for a passed road test or driver training course.
To finish, you need 24 uninterrupted months in the graduated system, with at least 12 in Level 2. There is no final road test, but you must apply for your Class 5 licence. If you do not apply, you could face graduated licence sanctions.
Putting the rules together
- You are 17 and in Level 1. Your mother, who has driven for 20 years, sits beside you, and you want to give a friend a ride at 7 p.m. Not allowed: Level 1 drivers carry no passengers except the accompanying driver.
- You are 18 and in Level 2, driving home from a late work shift at 1 a.m. Allowed: work trips are exempt from the night rule.
- You are 22 and in Level 2, driving home at 2 a.m. after visiting friends. Allowed by the night rule, because it applies only to drivers under 21. The passenger limit and zero tolerance still apply.
The learner’s written tests
The written tests for a learner’s licence include a road sign recognition exam and a rules of the road knowledge exam. Choose one way to take them: online or in person at your local Service New Brunswick (SNB) office. Book through the driver examination booking service or by calling TeleServices.
- Online: pay first, then use the access code you receive. You can save the code to use later.
- Retakes: wait one day after a first failed attempt and one week after a second. After three failed attempts, book an in-person appointment with an SNB driver examiner.
- After you pass: wait at least four business days before visiting an SNB office (except on Campobello).
At Service New Brunswick
- Proof of identification and proof of residency.
- A completed consent form if you are under 18.
- A vision test: 20/40 in your best eye.
Stop Yield Do not enter School bus stop ahead
Test-day tips
- If testing online, find a quiet place and keep your access code handy.
- Read every answer before you choose. Many wrong answers look almost right.
- If you are unsure, pick the safest legal choice.
- Bring glasses or contacts to SNB if you need them for the vision test.
Keep studying
This guide covers New Brunswick’s own licensing rules. The general rules of the road, such as right-of-way, signals, lanes, parking and school buses, are in the national Canada driving study guide. Read it too, and use the New Brunswick Driver’s Handbook for full details.