Quebec Driving Test: 

Earning a driver’s licence in Quebec is a significant milestone that opens the door to independence, employment opportunities, and freedom to travel. However, to become a safe and responsible driver, every new learner must complete the official licensing process. This involves written knowledge exams, practical training, and a final road test. Quebec follows a graduated licensing system designed to help learners build skills step by step before they are fully licensed.

Whether you are a new resident, a teenager starting your driving journey, or someone returning to driving after years away from the wheel, this full guide will explain everything you need to know about the Quebec driving test, including the rules, preparation tips, costs, exam format, and how to ensure success on your first attempt.

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1. Overview of Quebec’s Graduated Licensing System

The province manages driver licensing through the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ). Quebec uses a two-stage learner and probationary licence program before granting a full licence. This method helps reduce road accidents among inexperienced drivers by making sure they have sufficient knowledge and practice.

The stages include:

Stage Type of Licence What You Can Do
1 Learner’s Licence (Class 5) Learn to drive while accompanied by a qualified driver
2 Probationary Licence Drive alone with some restrictions
3 Full Class 5 Licence Drive independently with full driving privileges

Each stage has specific requirements and timelines that must be completed before moving forward.

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2. Step-by-Step Process to Get Your Quebec Driver’s Licence
Step 1: Theoretical Training Course

Before taking any knowledge test, you must enroll in a recognized driving school for classroom instruction and driving basics. The structured program includes:

Road rules and traffic signs

Safe driving habits

Risk perception and collision prevention

Practical driving basics

You will also complete guided driving sessions once you pass the first knowledge test.

SAAQ Knowledge Test | FREE Quebec Driving Test Practice

Step 2: Knowledge Test for the Learner’s Licence

The first major exam in the process is the SAAQ Knowledge Test. This written exam evaluates your understanding of:

Quebec road signs and traffic signals

Driving laws and responsibilities

Hazard perception and safe behavior on the road

Format:

Computer-based multiple-choice questions

Divided into sections:

SAAQ Knowledge Test | FREE Quebec Driving Test Practice

Road signs test

You must pass both sections to get your learner’s licence

If you fail one section, you only need to retake that part later.

Age Requirement: Minimum 16 years (parental consent required if under 18)

After Passing:
You receive your Learner’s Licence, valid for 18 months. During this stage:

You must always drive with an accompanying driver who has held a full licence for at least 2 years

You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. if under 19

You must complete practical road training with a certified school

This stage builds the skills needed for solo driving.

To prepare for the knowledge exams, every learner driver in Quebec must study the official Driver’s Handbook published by the SAAQ. This handbook includes all the essential road signs, driving rules, safety practices, and responsibilities that drivers must know before getting behind the wheel. Because the questions on the written test come directly from the handbook, studying it carefully — along with online practice tests — is the most effective way to get ready and build strong driving knowledge for the real exam.

Step 3: Second Knowledge Test – Evaluating Driving Competence

After completing at least:

10 hours of in-car lessons

Phase 2 of the driving course

You must pass another theoretical exam focused on:

Driving techniques

Risk avoidance

Situational awareness

Passing this test reads your readiness for independent driving practice.

Step 4: Gain Driving Experience

Before you can take the road test, you must have held the learner’s licence for a full 12 months and completed:

All theory modules

All practical driving lessons

During this time, build confidence by practicing in different:

Weather conditions (rain, snow, fog)

Road environments (highways, city traffic, rural roads)

Times of day (day/night)

Driving experience is one of the strongest predictors of test success.

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Step 5: The SAAQ Road Test (Practical Exam)

This is the final major hurdle: demonstrating your real-world driving skills.

The road test evaluates:

Observational skills and awareness

Proper use of mirrors and blind-spot checks

Lane control

Obeying speed limits and road signs

Smooth and safe turns

Parking abilities (parallel, angle or curb parking)

Emergency procedures

Duration: Approximately 25–30 minutes

Automatic Reasons for Failure:

Endangering road users

Ignoring stop signs or red lights

Severe speeding violations

Collisions or curb-hitting

Lack of control over the vehicle

Good preparation is essential to avoid these mistakes.

If you pass, you will receive your Probationary Licence.

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3. Probationary Licence Stage

The probationary licence acts as a bridge between supervised learning and full driving freedom.

Duration: Minimum 24 months

Restrictions:

Zero alcohol and drug tolerance while driving

Follow Class 5 passenger restrictions (especially for drivers under 19)

Drive safely to avoid accumulating demerit points

No cellphone handheld use while driving

Any serious offence may restart your probationary period or result in a licence suspension.

Once you complete this stage successfully without major violations, you can apply for your Full Class 5 driver’s licence.

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4. What to Expect on Test Day
Documents to Bring

Appointment confirmation

Valid identification with photo

Learner’s Licence

Proof of completed driving course (if requested)

Vehicle Requirements

The car used in the exam must be:

Fully registered and insured

Road-worthy with no major warnings

Containing winter tires during winter exam dates

Clean and functioning properly (handbrake, signals, lights)

An unsafe vehicle can result in immediate cancellation of the test.

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5. Preparing for Success – Top Tips

Study the Quebec Driver’s Handbook thoroughly
Take free online practice tests to mimic the knowledge exam format
Practice frequently with an experienced driver
Focus on smooth braking, speed control, and signaling
Learn parking techniques well before test day
Remain calm and confident during the exam

Many learners fail due to stress rather than lack of skill—practice helps reduce anxiety.

You can take advantage of online practice tests to improve memory and understanding of rules. Mock exams help you adapt to question formats and identify knowledge gaps.

6. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are the most frequent reasons candidates lose marks or fail:

Forgetting shoulder-check before lane changes

Hard braking or accelerating quickly

Not observing right-of-way at intersections

Rolling stops

Driving too slow or too fast

Poor parking control

Misreading traffic signs

Safe driving is not just about controlling the vehicle—it’s about predicting and reacting effectively to your surroundings.

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7. Costs Involved (Approximate)
Item Estimated Price
Driving school full program $900 – $1,200+
Knowledge test fee $12–$12.50 per section
Learner’s Licence Around $25
Road Test $30–$35
Probationary Licence Around $100 for 24 months

Prices can vary depending on location and service providers.

8. Why Quebec’s Licensing System Is Effective

Quebec prioritizes safety by ensuring drivers do not rush into real-world driving without sufficient education. The process:

Reduces collisions involving young drivers

Builds confidence through stages

Encourages legal and responsible behavior

Promotes lifelong road safety habits

Learning to drive is not just a responsibility—it’s a skill that protects lives.

SAAQ Knowledge Test | FREE Quebec Driving Test Practice

9. Final Word: Drive Safe, Prepare Smart

The Quebec driving test might seem challenging at first, but with proper preparation and a positive mindset, success is completely achievable. Understanding the rules of the road, practicing consistently, and respecting others while driving will help you excel in both exams and continue to be a safe driver throughout your life.

Take your time to learn, don’t rush, and make sure to enjoy the journey. Passing the Quebec driving test isn’t just about getting a licence—it’s about gaining the confidence to explore the province and beyond with independence and safety.