1. Who Needs an NL Driver’s Licence

New Residents

• If you move to Newfoundland and Labrador and become a resident (living in the province), you must exchange your existing driver’s licence within 3 months of establishing residency. Government of Newfoundland and Labrador

• Residents are generally defined as people who have lived in NL for at least 90 days. Government of Newfoundland and Labrador

Visitors

• If you’re visiting and hold a valid licence from another province, you may drive on it for up to 3 months without getting an NL licence (you must be at least 16). Government of Newfoundland and Labrador

Newfoundland drivers license

2. New Drivers (Graduated Licensing)

Newfoundland and Labrador uses a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) Program for people who don’t already hold a valid licence. Government of Newfoundland and Labrador

Steps to Get Your Licence

1. Learner’s Permit (Class 5 Level I)

   • Minimum age: 16. Government of Newfoundland and Labrador

   • Must pass a written knowledge test (you can do this online via MyGovNL) and a vision test. Government of Newfoundland and Labrador

   • Learners must drive only with a supervising driver. icandrive.ca

2. Novice Licence (Class 5 Level II)

   • After at least 12 months as a learner (or 8 months with an approved driver education course), you can take a road test. icandrive.ca

3. Full Licence (Class 5)

   • After completing Level II and staying incident-free (no major infractions), you qualify for a full Class 5 licence with no learner restrictions. icandrive.ca

Newfoundland drivers license

3. Exchanging a Licence from Another Jurisdiction

Canada & United States

• Licences from other Canadian provinces/territories and the U.S. can be exchanged without written, vision, or road tests if:

  • Your licence is valid (not suspended/cancelled).

  • You’re 17+ years old. Government of Newfoundland and Labrador

Countries with Reciprocity

NL has agreements with several countries (e.g., Austria, France, Germany, Ireland, Japan, UK, Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, Ukraine), which allow licence exchange without additional testing. Government of Newfoundland and

Newfoundland drivers license

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Other Countries

• If your licence is from a country without a reciprocity agreement, you must complete the GDL process (written, vision, and road tests). Government of Newfoundland and Labrador

Newfoundland drivers license

 4. Licence Classes (Examples)

Here are some common licence classes in NL:

• Class 5 – Passenger vehicles & light trucks (standard car licence) Government of Newfoundland and Labrador

• Class 4 – Taxis, ambulances, small buses Car Deal Canada

• Class 3 – Trucks, larger vehicles Car Deal Canada

• Class 2 – Larger buses Car Deal Canada

• Class 1 – Full commercial vehicles (tractor-trailers, etc.) Car Deal Canada

• Class 6 – Motorcycles (with learner/novice levels) Government of Newfoundland and Labrador

Newfoundland drivers license

5. Licence Renewal & Medicals

• Licences typically expire every 5 years and must be renewed before expiration. Car Deal Canada

• Medical reviews may be required for older drivers or commercial licence holders to ensure fitness to drive. Government of Newfoundland and Labrador

 Key Documents & Requirements

When applying or exchanging your licence, you’ll generally need:

• Proof of identity

• Proof of residency

• Your current driver’s licence

• Visit a Motor Registration Division office (book appointments online) Government of Newfoundland and Labrador

Newfoundland drivers license

 Helpful Tips

• Make a MyGovNL account to take the written test online and manage renewals. Government of Newfoundland and Labrador

• Taking a driver education program can shorten the learner period and may reduce insurance costs. icandrive.ca