Quebec Learner's Permit Restrictions: Midnight Curfew, Zero Alcohol, 4-Point Cap (2026)

You cannot drive alone with a Quebec Class 5 learner's licence under any circumstances. A supervisor with a valid Class 5 for 2+ years must be in the front seat. Driving alone adds 4 demerit points and triggers a 3-month suspension.

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

Can You Ever Drive Alone With a Quebec Class 5 Learner's Licence?

You cannot drive alone with a Quebec Class 5 learner's licence. A qualified supervisor must be in the front passenger seat at all times. This is the core supervised driving requirement.

• Driving alone triggers an immediate 3-month licence suspension, a $300'-$600 fine, and 4 demerit points.
• Police can impound the vehicle for 30 days, costing over $1,000 in fees.
• There are no hardship exceptions for driving to school, work, or emergencies.

Book your SAAQ road test appointment the day you become eligible to avoid a 2'-3 month wait, especially at busy centres like Montreal-North or Laval.

Quebec Learner's Permit: Highways Are Allowed, but Midnight to 5 AM Is Banned

Highway driving is permitted with a qualified supervisor present. Learners can drive on any road in Quebec except when violating the midnight to 5 AM curfew. Speed limits and lane rules apply normally.

• ✓ You CAN: Drive on all public roads, including highways (Autoroutes), with your supervisor.
• ✓ You CAN: Transport passengers (friends or family) if seat belts are available and your supervisor is present.
• You CANNOT: Drive between midnight and 5 a.m., even with a supervisor. This is a strict curfew.
• You CANNOT: Use any hand-held or hands-free electronic device while driving.
• You CANNOT: Have any alcohol in your system (0.00% BAC).

Supervisor Requirements and Passenger Rules

Your supervisor must have a valid Class 5 licence held for at least 2 years and be alert in the front seat. Passenger restrictions are minimal, but caution is advised.

• ✗ Your supervisor cannot be a probationary licence holder.
• If your supervisor is texting or using a phone, they can be ticketed for distracted driving. As the learner driver, you are responsible for controlling the vehicle and can also face penalties for inattention.
• ✓ You can drive with friends in the car, provided your supervisor is present. However, driving schools strongly recommend limiting early practice to family to reduce distraction.

Does Quebec's Midnight-to-5-AM Curfew Apply Even With a Supervisor in the Car?

Yes. No driving between midnight and 5 AM under any circumstances for Class 5 learners, even with a supervisor in the car. Exceptions exist only for work or medical emergencies with documented proof.

• ✓ Freeway/Highway Driving: Allowed with a supervisor. Practice is essential for the road test, which often includes highway merging.
• ✗ Night Driving: Prohibited between midnight and 5 a.m. No exceptions.
• School Zones: Speed limits are often 30 km/h during school hours. Fines are doubled.
• ✓ Reserved Lanes (e.g., HOV): You may use them if vehicle occupancy rules are met. Your supervisor counts as a passenger.

A student in Brossard drove friends home at 12:30 a.m. with their supervisor. They were stopped and received a $480 fine and a 3-month suspension for violating the curfew, despite having supervision.

Which Quebec Learner's Permit Violations Trigger Instant Suspension via 4-Point Cap?

Accumulating 4 demerit points suspends your learner's licence immediately. A single cell phone violation (5 points) exceeds the limit. Driving unaccompanied adds 4 points and triggers instant suspension.

• Driving alone or during curfew: 4 points (instant suspension).
• Using a cell phone: 5 points (exceeds cap, instant suspension).
• Speeding 21'-30 km/h over limit: 2 points.
• ✗ Failing to stop for a school bus: 9 points (instant suspension).

A learner in Quebec City checked a GPS on their phone at a red light. The ticket for cell phone use carried 5 demerit points, suspending their licence before they could take their road test.

What Is the Fastest Legal Path to a Quebec Class 5 Learner's Licence at SAAQ?

Complete Phase 1 driving school, pass Module 5 at school, get your learner's licence at SAAQ, hold it 12 months, then book the road test. No shortcuts exist. Adults follow the same path as teens.

1. Complete Phase 1 of the Road Safety Education Program at a certified driving school.
2. ✓ Pass the school's knowledge test (Module 5).
3. Visit an SAAQ service outlet with required documents: proof of address, birth certificate, and the driving school's certificate of completion.
4. ✓ Pass a vision test and pay the fee (approximately $88.35).

Triple-check your documents before your SAAQ appointment. A missing proof of residence document at the Montreal-Cote-des-Neiges office can mean a 4-week rescheduling delay.

Example Rejection: An applicant in Sherbrooke had their parent's proof of insurance instead of a valid Quebec driver's licence as ID for the supervisor consent form. The SAAQ agent rejected the application, requiring a new appointment.