Non-French Speakers Taking the Quebec Road Test: Hand Signals and Dual-Pedal Car Rules (2026)

The SAAQ road test is conducted in French or English. If you do not speak either language, you must use a dual-pedal vehicle and follow hand signals.

For Quebec Class 5 learner permit rules and practice tests, see Shoro.ai Quebec Learner Permits.

What Language Is the Quebec SAAQ Road Test Conducted In - Any Non-French Options?

Road tests are conducted in French or English only. If you are not proficient in either, arrange a dual-pedal vehicle and the examiner uses hand signals. No spoken-language interpreters are permitted in the car.

• If you cannot understand these commands, you must rent a vehicle with dual pedals (passenger-side brake). The examiner will then use hand signals.
• The written knowledge test is available in five languages: French, English, Spanish, Mandarin, and Arabic.

Example: An applicant in Montreal who speaks only Punjabi must book their road test and arrange for a dual-pedal vehicle from a certified driving school. They will not receive verbal instructions.

Can You Have an Interpreter in the Car During the Quebec SAAQ Road Test?

Spoken-language interpreters are not allowed in the car during the road test. The only exception is for sign-language interpreters for deaf applicants.

• To request an interpreter for the written test, you must book in advance at specific SAAQ service centres. This service is often provided via videoconference.
• For the road test, you cannot request an interpreter. Your accommodation is the hand-signal method with a dual-pedal car.

Example: A student in Quebec City needed a Mandarin interpreter for the written test. They called the SAAQ office on Grande Allee two weeks before their appointment to confirm videoconference interpreter availability, avoiding a rescheduling delay.

Book your written test appointment by phone to verbally confirm interpreter availability at your chosen centre, avoiding a wasted trip if the service is not offered that day.

Written vs. Verbal Instructions and Communication

The written test offers language options. The road test does not.

• ✓ During the road test, you can ask for clarification before a maneuver by saying 'Repeat please?' or 'Repetez s'il vous plait?'
• You must understand key French road signs like 'ARRIET' (Stop).

Example: An applicant in Laval failed their first road test because they hesitated after the examiner said 'Tournez a droite au prochain arret.' They did not understand 'arret' meant stop sign and missed the turning point.

Practice the pre-trip vehicle check in French or English with a friend, ensuring you can name parts like 'frein de stationnement' (parking brake) on the spot to avoid an immediate fail before even driving.

Language Limitations and Universal Hand Signals

If using hand signals, you must know these universal gestures.

• Turn Left: Left arm extended straight out.
• Turn Right: Left arm extended upward.
• Stop/Slow: Left arm extended downward.

The policy exists for safety, ensuring all drivers can respond to emergency personnel and French road signs.

When renting a dual-pedal car, test the passenger-side brake yourself before the exam to ensure it functions. A faulty pedal caused a test cancellation for an applicant in Brossard, resulting in a 28-day wait to rebook.