How licensing works in Quebec
Quebec’s path to a Class 5 licence runs through a driving course, a learner’s licence, a probationary licence and finally a regular licence. You must be at least 16, live in Quebec, and be a Canadian citizen or allowed to stay in Canada for more than six months. Under 18, you need consent from a parent or guardian.
| Step | What you do | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Driving course, Phase 1 | Finish four modules (each with 2 hours of classroom theory) and pass the school’s knowledge test (Module 5) | Before the learner’s licence |
| Learner’s licence | Practise with an instructor or an experienced accompanying driver | Valid 18 months |
| SAAQ knowledge test | Pass all three sections at 75% | After at least 10 months as a learner |
| Road test | Pass at 75% | After at least 12 months as a learner |
| Probationary licence | Keep a clean record | 24 months |
Getting your learner’s licence
Once you pass the driving school’s Module 5 test, you can apply to the SAAQ for your learner’s licence. Bring two accepted official documents, the driving school’s Phase 1 attestation and the payment. If you are a minor, also bring the consent form from your parent or guardian, which is on the SAAQ website.
Learner’s licence rules
- Drive only with a driving school instructor or a person who has held a valid licence of the right class for at least 2 years.
- No driving between midnight and 5 a.m.
- Zero alcohol.
- You are in the 4-demerit-point bracket, so keep fewer than 4 points.
Probationary licence rules
- Keep fewer than 4 demerit points and follow the zero-alcohol rule for 24 months.
- If you are 19 or younger and in your first 12 months, passenger limits apply between midnight and 5 a.m.: 1 passenger aged 19 or younger in the first 6 months, then up to 3.
- Immediate family members do not count, and the limit is lifted when a person who has held a full licence for at least 2 years sits beside you.
The SAAQ knowledge test
The SAAQ knowledge test is entirely multiple choice and has three sections. You need 75% in each section. It usually takes 30 to 60 minutes.
- The Highway Safety Code: the rules of the road.
- Road signs, pavement markings and traffic signals.
- Passenger vehicle behaviours and techniques: safe driving skills.
- Booking: online through SAAQclic. People who need accommodations can book by phone.
- ID: bring your learner’s licence or a piece of photo ID.
- Languages: audio recordings of the questions are available in French and English. Spanish, Mandarin or Arabic may be requested where available.
- Retakes: wait at least 28 days and retake only the sections you failed.
The SAAQ guide Driving a Passenger Vehicle explains safe driving behaviours and techniques. Read it alongside your driving course material.
Stop (Arrêt) Yield School zone Roundabout ahead
The road test
You can take the road test after holding your learner’s licence for at least 12 months. The pass mark is 75%. Some mistakes cause automatic failure, such as running a red light or a stop sign, or speeding. If you pass, you receive your probationary licence.
Test-day tips
- Check that you have held your learner’s licence long enough on the test date.
- Bring your learner’s licence or photo ID.
- Use the audio recordings if reading is slow for you.
- Read every answer before choosing. Pick the safest legal option when unsure.
- Keep track of your time, but do not rush the last section.
Keep studying
This guide covers Quebec’s licensing steps and the SAAQ test. 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 SAAQ’s official guides for full details.