How licensing works in the NWT
The Northwest Territories uses a graduated licensing system with three stages. You start with a Class 7 learner’s licence, then drive on a probationary Class 5 (5P) licence, and finally upgrade to a full Class 5.
| Stage | Minimum age | Minimum time | How to move on |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class 7 learner | 15 | 1 year | Finish without a suspension and pass the Class 5 practical exam |
| Class 5P probationary | 16 | 12 months suspension-free | Visit a driver and vehicle office in person |
| Full Class 5 | — | — | — |
Class 7 learner rules
- Supervisor: fully licensed, with at least 24 months of experience on a full Class 5 licence.
- Hours: no driving between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.
- Passengers: none except the supervisor.
- Alcohol: zero blood alcohol for both you and your supervisor.
- Demerits: keep your points below 6, or your driving privileges may be suspended.
Probationary (Class 5P) rules
- At least one year as a probationary driver, suspension-free.
- No more than one front-seat passenger, and no more passengers than seatbelts.
- Zero blood alcohol.
- No upgrades to commercial classes 1, 2, 3 or 4.
- An impaired driving conviction or 6 or more demerit points can lead to a suspension.
Moving to a full Class 5 is not automatic. When your 12 suspension-free months are done, visit a driver and vehicle office in person to upgrade.
The written knowledge exam
To get your Class 7, you pass a vision screening and a written knowledge exam. The exam is based on the Driver’s Manual and covers safe driving practices, driving laws and road signs. Book the exam ahead of time and bring photo ID.
Driver and Vehicle Services has an online page where you can book, cancel or rebook written and practical exams.
Rules that are specific to the NWT
Speed limits
- 50 km/h inside a settlement or municipality, unless posted.
- 90 km/h on a primary highway outside a settlement, unless posted.
School and playground zones
In school zones the speed is generally 30 km/h unless otherwise posted. The posted limit applies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week unless the sign shows specific times. You may not pass another vehicle in the zone while it is in effect. Playground zones follow the same rules.
School zone: usually 30 km/h, all day, every day unless times are posted. Playground zone: same rules as a school zone.
Seat belts
Wearing a seat belt is the law, even in a vehicle with airbags. Wear the lap belt low and snug over your hips and the shoulder belt across your chest and shoulder. Never tuck the shoulder belt behind your back or under your arm.
Putting the rules together
- You are a learner, and your supervisor has had a full Class 5 licence for three years. You want to drive to a hockey game at 10 p.m. with a friend. Not allowed: learners carry no passengers other than the supervisor.
- You are a learner driving home at 11:30 p.m. with your supervisor. Not allowed: learners may not drive between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.
- Your 12 suspension-free probationary months are over. You still need to visit a driver and vehicle office to get your full Class 5.
Motorcycle learners
Motorcycle learners must also be 15 and may not ride between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. Their supervisor needs at least 24 months on a full Class 6 licence and may ride with them or follow in another vehicle.
Test-day tips
- Bring photo ID and your glasses or contacts if you need them for the vision screening.
- Read each question fully before you look at the answers.
- Watch for NWT numbers: 11 p.m. to 6 a.m., 24 months, 6 demerit points, 90 km/h.
- When unsure, choose the safest and most legal answer.
Keep studying
This guide covers the NWT’s own licensing rules and speed zones. 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 NWT Driver’s Manual for full details.