IN
Your Quebec Class 5 learner's licence starts a mandatory 12-month process.
Your Quebec Class 5 learner's licence starts a mandatory 12-month process. You must follow specific rules, complete training, and pass two SAAQ tests to get your probationary licence.
| Milestone | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Learner's licence issued | The 12-month learner holding period starts. |
| After at least 10 months | You can take the SAAQ knowledge test. |
| After at least 12 months | You can take the road test after completing the recognized driving course and meeting the other road-test requirements. |
| After passing the road test | You receive a probationary licence for 24 months. |
You must hold your learner's permit for 12 months before taking the road test. The 10-month mark is when you become eligible for the SAAQ knowledge test.
For example, a learner in Laval was rejected from their road test because their 12-month holding period ended on a Tuesday, but they scheduled the test for the prior Friday. The SAAQ computer system flagged the date, and they had to reschedule for two months later.
No. SAAQ recommends a minimum of 50 hours of accompanied practice, but 50 logged hours are not a fixed road-test eligibility requirement. The mandatory pieces are the learner holding period, the recognized driving course, the SAAQ knowledge test, and the other road-test requirements.
A learner is in the 4-demerit-point bracket. A 4-point offence can put you at the revocation threshold once the conviction and points are entered on your record. Driving unaccompanied carries 4 points, so it can delay your licensing progression.
The Quebec learner's permit guide has full eligibility details.
| Requirement | Rule for Class 5 Learner's Licence |
|---|---|
| Supervising Driver | Must sit beside you, hold a valid Quebec Class 5 licence, and have at least 2 years of fully licensed experience; probationary time does not count. |
| Driving Curfew | No driving between midnight and 5 a.m. |
| Blood Alcohol | Zero tolerance (0.00% BAC). |
| Electronic Devices | Holding or using a prohibited portable electronic device while driving is not allowed. Hands-free use is legally permitted, but SAAQ discourages it because it is distracting. |
A common mistake is letting a supervisor with a licence for only 20 months accompany you. The SAAQ requires a full 24 months. If stopped, this can lead to a fine and 4 demerit points, risking suspension of your learner's permit.
After you are eligible, book the knowledge test and road test through the appropriate SAAQ online service. For the road test, bring your driving-course attestation with you rather than relying only on it being visible in the system.
Nadia took bus 25 to her Terrebonne SAAQ appointment. A route detour added 22 minutes. She arrived past the appointment window. Her slot was cancelled. She rebooked and left 45 minutes earlier the second time.
Do you need to bring your driving-course attestation to the Quebec road test? Yes. SAAQ's current road-test instructions tell you to present the attestation. If you attended more than one driving school, bring an attestation from each school. See the Road Test Documents guide for the full checklist.
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