Permis PrêtSAAQ road test (Class 5): how does it work?
Requirements, booking, the vehicle, what is assessed and what can make you fail on the spot, based on the SAAQ’s official pages.
Short answer: the road test is done on the road, in your own vehicle, and takes about 30 minutes (allow about one hour for the whole appointment). The evaluator looks at independent driving, visual checks, vehicle control, confident and courteous driving, and obeying the rules; you need 75% to pass. According to the SAAQ, a mistake like failing to stop at a red light or stop sign, driving over the speed limit or driving against traffic can make you fail automatically. The SAAQ doesn’t give a complete list of these mistakes.
Who can take the test?
The SAAQ sets three requirements (“Passenger vehicle (Class 5)” page, road test section):
- you have held a learner’s licence for at least 12 months on the test date;
- you have passed the SAAQ knowledge test;
- you have passed the driving course at a driving school recognized by the SAAQ.
The Regulation respecting licences says the same for the probationary licence: at least 12 months with a learner’s licence and an attestation that you passed the theory and practical parts of the course (s. 22).
Booking and managing your appointment
- Book online in SAAQclic, the SAAQ’s online services platform.
- If you can’t make it, cancel or reschedule at least 48 hours ahead in SAAQclic; otherwise a cancellation fee applies.
- On the day, go to the service outlet you chose and pay for the test. As of 2026-10-29 the SAAQ lists $33.75 for the road test, and $107.96 for the probationary licence (24 months) if you pass. Check current fees on saaq.gouv.qc.ca.
Documents and vehicle
Bring your learner’s licence, the vehicle’s valid, signed registration certificate, a paper copy of the proof of liability insurance and your driving course attestation. For a rental car you need the rental contract or receipt.
The SAAQ doesn’t provide a vehicle: yours must be safe and in good mechanical condition. The evaluator checks, among other things, the windshield and windows, turn signals, brake lights and headlights, mirrors, wipers, brakes (including the parking brake), horn, muffler, speedometer, head restraints, seat belts and tires. If the vehicle doesn’t meet the standards, the test can’t take place and you have to book another appointment.
No passengers or animals may be in the vehicle during the test. The SAAQ puts a removable “Examen de conduite” sign on the vehicle.
What the evaluator looks at
The SAAQ says the test assesses your ability to drive safely, cooperatively and responsibly. Before you start, the evaluator explains how the test will go. The main skills assessed:
| Skill | What it means |
|---|---|
| Independent driving | Observe the situation, make the right decision, perform the manoeuvre at the right time |
| Performing visual checks | Check over your shoulder when turning and changing lanes; scan your surroundings |
| Controlling the vehicle | Control your vehicle and speed, keep it properly positioned in the lane, keep a safe space around other road users |
| Driving with confidence and courtesy | Drive at close to the speed limit (the French page says “se rapprocher des limites de vitesse permises”) and use your right-of-way |
| Obeying traffic rules | Make mandatory stops (red light, stop sign), keep to the speed limit, respect the right-of-way |
The SAAQ page doesn’t describe the route, any specific manoeuvres you must perform, or a detailed scoring grid.
Automatic failure: what the SAAQ actually says
The SAAQ’s English page says you may automatically fail “if you make a mistake like failing to stop at a red light or stop sign or driving over the posted speed limit or against traffic.” The word “like” shows these are examples: neither this page nor the SAAQ’s policy on competency tests gives a complete list of automatic-fail mistakes, and we don’t make one up.
Cheating also means failing. During the road test you may not have any electronic device with you (phone, smart watch, smart glasses, camera, etc.) or film, record or photograph anything. Any act of cheating, corruption or intimidation results in a failure, with a 90-day wait before the retake, or 180 days for a repeat.
Results, passing mark and retakes
- Passing mark: 75 out of 100 for the Class 5 road test (SAAQ policy PO-PM 05, Schedule I; the English page says 75%).
- After the test: pass or fail, the evaluator tells you your strengths and what to improve. If you pass, you pay for the probationary licence.
- If you fail: you can retake the Class 5 road test after 28 days, counted from the day of the failure (policy PO-PM 05, section 1.5 and Schedule II). The wait is 90 or 180 days for cheating.
- SAAQ tip: bring someone with you on test day so you can leave if you fail (a learner driver must be accompanied by someone who has held a licence for at least two years, Highway Safety Code, s. 99).
No amount of preparation guarantees a pass: the test judges how you drive on the day.
Key points for the test
- At least 12 months with a learner’s licence, the knowledge test passed and the driving course passed.
- Your own vehicle, in good condition, with no passengers or animals; documents in hand.
- About 30 minutes on the road; passing mark 75 out of 100.
- Automatic-fail examples given by the SAAQ: not stopping at a red light or stop sign, speeding, driving against traffic. They are only examples.
- Shoulder checks when turning and changing lanes are one of the assessed skills.
- If you fail: retake after 28 days.
Original questions with explanations and sources, “Driving techniques” section.
Practise for free
See also
- Free SAAQ practice test: 15 questions
- Learner’s licence in Quebec: what are the steps?
- What are the probationary licence rules in Québec?
- Retaking the SAAQ knowledge test: how long do you wait?
- Blind spots: how do you check them, and when?
Official sources
- SAAQ, “Passenger vehicle (Class 5)”, road test section (requirements, booking, fees, passing mark, retake, automatic failure, cheating), and the French page « Auto (classe 5) », section « Examen pratique de la SAAQ » (documents, vehicle, main skills assessed)
- SAAQ, “Examens de compétence” policy (PO-PM 05, 2025-12-15, French), section 1.5 and Schedules I and II
- SAAQ, “Tricherie aux examens de compétence” policy (PO-PM 15, French)
- Regulation respecting licences (CQLR c. C-24.2, r. 34), s. 22
- Code de la sécurité routière (Highway Safety Code, CQLR c. C-24.2), s. 99
General information page, current as of 2026-10-29. If in doubt, the official text prevails. Rules and fees can change: check saaq.gouv.qc.ca and legisquebec.gouv.qc.ca.