How licensing works in Yukon
Yukon uses graduated licensing. You start with a learner’s licence, get a novice licence after you pass the road test, and apply for a full licence after at least 18 months as a novice.
| Stage | How you get it | Minimum time |
|---|---|---|
| Learner | Be 15, pass the written and vision tests | 6 months and 50 hours of practice before the road test |
| Novice | Be 16 and pass the road test | 18 months |
| Full | Apply at a Motor Vehicles office | — |
Learner rules
- Co-driver: must be with you at all times and have held a minimum class 5 licence for at least 2 years.
- Zero tolerance for alcohol and drugs, for you and your co-driver.
- Hours: drive only between 5 a.m. and midnight.
- L sign on the back of the vehicle every time you drive.
- Passengers: 2, including your co-driver. More are allowed if they are immediate family, such as parents, grandparents, siblings or children.
- No electronic devices, hand-held or hands-free.
- Everyone must wear a seatbelt. No towing.
- Vehicle limits: up to 4,000 kg gross vehicle weight and up to 7 seats.
Novice rules
- A co-driver (class 5 for at least 2 years) must be with you between midnight and 5 a.m. Midnight work exemptions may apply.
- Zero tolerance for alcohol and drugs, for you and your co-driver.
- No electronic devices, hand-held or hands-free. No towing.
- Vehicle limits: up to 4,000 kg and up to 9 seats, including the driver.
The written and vision tests
You take the written test at any Motor Vehicles office. Study the Yukon Driver’s Basic Handbook first. Bring valid identification and proof of Yukon residency. If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must come with you and show proof of identity.
- Retakes: you can try again as early as the next day, paying the fee again.
- Vision test: required. If you do not pass, you need further testing by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. Any glasses or contact lens restriction is shown on your licence.
- Once you pass both tests, you receive your learner’s licence.
Getting ready for the road test
You can book the road test at a Motor Vehicles office when you are at least 16, have held your learner’s licence for 6 months and have 50 hours of driving practice. Bring a safe vehicle with valid insurance and registration. The Tuning Up for Drivers handbook helps you prepare.
Putting the rules together
- You are a learner, and your co-driver got their class 5 licence one year ago. Not allowed: the co-driver needs at least 2 years.
- You are a learner driving with your co-driver, your mother and your two sisters. Allowed: extra passengers are fine when they are immediate family.
- You are a novice driving home alone from a late work shift at 1 a.m. Possibly allowed, if a midnight work exemption applies to you.
- You are a novice and want to tow a small trailer to the lake. Not allowed: novices may not tow.
- You are a learner and your phone rings while you are driving with your co-driver. Do not answer, even hands-free. Let it ring or pull over safely.
- You are a learner driving a 15-passenger van for a club trip. Not allowed: learners may drive vehicles with up to 7 seats only.
Test-day tips
- Bring ID, proof of residency and the fee. Bring a parent or guardian if you are under 18.
- Wear your glasses or contacts if you need them.
- Read every answer before you choose. When unsure, pick the safest legal answer.
Keep studying
This guide covers Yukon’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 Yukon Driver’s Basic Handbook for full details.