How licensing works in PEI
PEI’s Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program has three stages. You start with an instruction permit (Class 7), move to a Class 5 licence with restrictions after a road test, and then to a Class 5 licence with reduced restrictions before you leave the program. The whole program takes at least three years, or two years and 275 days with a certified driver education course.
| Stage | Decal | Minimum time | Main rules |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1: instruction permit (Class 7) | L | 365 days before the road test (275 with driver education) | Supervised driving only |
| Stage 2: Class 5 with restrictions | G | 365 days | One non-family passenger; night limits under 21 |
| Stage 3: Class 5 with reduced restrictions | G | 365 days | Passengers up to the number of seatbelts |
Stage 1: instruction permit rules
- Accompanying driver: fully licensed for at least four years, sitting in the front seat at all times, with blood alcohol under 50 mg per 100 mL.
- Zero alcohol and drugs for you.
- Passengers: only the accompanying driver’s immediate family, and never more than the seatbelts.
- Night: if you are under 21, no driving from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m.
- No hand-held devices, including phones and headphones.
- Any offence with demerit points suspends your permit for at least 30 days.
Stage 2 rules
- One passenger who is not immediate family; the rest must be immediate family, up to the number of seatbelts.
- Zero alcohol and drugs, and no hand-held devices.
- Night: under 21, no driving from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. unless a licensed driver with at least four years of experience and a blood alcohol level under .05 is with you. You can ask for a work-related exemption.
Stage 3 rules
Passengers up to the number of seatbelts, zero alcohol and drugs, and no hand-held devices. After 365 days, you leave the program automatically.
Putting the rules together
- You are 17 with an instruction permit. Your father, licensed for 25 years, sits beside you, and your younger sister rides in the back. Allowed: she is the accompanying driver’s immediate family.
- Same trip, but a school friend wants a ride. Not allowed: your friend is not the accompanying driver’s immediate family.
- You are 20 with an instruction permit and want to practise at 2 a.m. Not allowed: drivers under 21 may not drive from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m.
- You are 21 and left the GDL program last month. Zero tolerance still applies to you until you turn 22.
Getting your instruction permit
- Be at least 16, apply for the instruction permit, show your ID and pay the fee.
- Pass the written test, the road signs test and the vision screening test.
- Have your photo taken and receive your “L” decal.
- Practise with a qualified accompanying driver, following Stage 1 rules.
- Complete the Novice Driver Course or a certified driver education program and wait the required time.
- Book and pass a road test with Highway Safety to receive your Class 5 licence and “G” decal.
Demerit points to know
Convictions with demerit points can lead to suspension or probation in any stage, and some offences can also lead to vehicle impoundment. PEI’s GDL guide gives these examples:
- 12 points: a blood alcohol level above zero (for GDL drivers), driving 80 km/h or more over the limit, or failing to stop for a school bus.
- 9 points: racing, stunts, or driving 60 to 79 km/h over the limit.
- 3 points: improper passing, failing to yield, failing to report an accident, or speeding by less than 30 km/h over the limit.
Test-day tips
- Bring your ID and the fee, and your glasses or contacts if you need them.
- Read every answer before choosing. Watch for numbers like 1 a.m., 365 days and four years.
- When unsure, choose the safest and most legal answer.
Keep studying
This guide covers PEI’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 Prince Edward Island Driver’s Handbook for full details.