Permis PrêtLearner’s licence in Quebec: what are the steps?
From the first class to the Class 5 driver’s licence, in order and with the minimum waiting periods.
Short answer: you first enrol in a driving course at a school recognized by the SAAQ. After phase 1 of the course, you get your learner’s licence, which you hold for at least 12 months. The SAAQ knowledge test can be taken after at least 10 months as a learner, and the road test after at least 12 months and the end of the course. Then comes the probationary licence, for 24 months.
Basic requirements
- Be at least 16 (Code de la sécurité routière, Quebec’s Highway Safety Code, s. 67).
- Under 18: written consent from a parent or guardian, on the SAAQ form.
- Have your main residence in Quebec, and Canadian citizenship or the right to stay in Canada for more than 6 months.
Source: SAAQ, “Auto (classe 5)” page, “Admissibilité” section; Guide de la route, ch. 1, “Les exigences de base”.
The steps, in order
| Step | When | What you need |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Enrol in a driving course | At the start (possible before 16 for the theory part) | A driving school recognized by the SAAQ |
| 2. Phase 1 of the course | Before the learner’s licence | 4 theory modules, then pass the school’s evaluation |
| 3. Learner’s licence | After phase 1 | Appointment at a service centre: school certificate, vision test, illness or functional deficiency declaration, ID documents, fees |
| 4. SAAQ knowledge test | At least 10 months after getting the learner’s licence | 75% in each of the three parts |
| 5. SAAQ road test | At least 12 months with the learner’s licence | Knowledge test passed and a certificate showing you completed the whole driving course |
| 6. Probationary licence | After the road test | Valid 24 months |
| 7. Driver’s licence | After 24 months with a valid probationary licence | Go to the SAAQ |
Sources: SAAQ, “Auto (classe 5)” page; Guide de la route, ch. 1, “Étapes à franchir pour obtenir un permis de conduire de la classe 5”; Regulation respecting licences, s. 22. In all, plan on at least 12 months as a learner, then 24 months of probation.
The driving course
The mandatory course follows the Road Safety Education Program (Programme d’éducation à la sécurité routière). It has four phases, alternating theory modules and on-road sessions, and focuses on visual scanning, anticipating risks, dangerous behaviour (speed, alcohol or drugs, distraction) and sharing the road (Guide de la route, ch. 1, “L’inscription au cours de conduite”). Passing the SAAQ knowledge test does not exempt you from finishing all the course’s modules and on-road sessions.
Learner’s licence rules
- Always accompanied: by a driving-school instructor or by someone who has held a valid licence of the right class for at least 2 years, seated beside you and able to help (s. 99). A probationary licence holder cannot act as the accompanying driver.
- No driving between midnight and 5 a.m. (s. 99).
- Zero alcohol (s. 202.2).
- 4 demerit points lead to revocation of the licence, with no new licence for at least 3 months (s. 191.2).
- Validity: the learner’s licence is valid for 18 months. If you haven’t obtained your probationary licence by then, you can apply for a new one, valid 12 months (SAAQ, “Auto (classe 5)”).
Key points for the test
- Driving course is mandatory, at a recognized school.
- Knowledge test: after 10 months with the learner’s licence.
- Road test: after 12 months and the end of the course.
- Accompanying driver: 2 years of licence, seated beside you; no driving from midnight to 5 a.m.
Original questions with explanations and sources, “Highway Safety Code” section.
Practise for free
See also
- Class 5 knowledge test: how many questions?
- Retaking the knowledge test: the waiting period
- Probationary licence rules
- Demerit points and the learner licence
Official sources
- SAAQ, “Auto (classe 5)” (French page), sections “Admissibilité”, “Obtention du permis d’apprenti conducteur”, “Examen théorique de la SAAQ” (consulted 2026-10-28)
- Code de la sécurité routière (Highway Safety Code, CQLR c. C-24.2), ss. 67, 99, 191.2 and 202.2
- Règlement sur les permis (Regulation respecting licences, CQLR c. C-24.2, r. 34), s. 22
- SAAQ, Guide de la route (4th ed., 2024, French), ch. 1, “Pour obtenir un premier permis de conduire” (basic requirements, driving course, learner’s licence, knowledge and road tests)
General information page, current as of 2026-10-28. If in doubt, the official text prevails. Rules can change: check saaq.gouv.qc.ca and legisquebec.gouv.qc.ca. For the fees, see the SAAQ page.