Getting your New Brunswick learner licence
Your first licence in New Brunswick is a Class 7 Level 1 graduated licence, often still called a learner's permit. It lets you practise driving with a qualified accompanying driver.
Getting it takes some paperwork, a vision screening and the knowledge tests. Knowing what to bring saves you a wasted trip to Service New Brunswick.
By the end of this topic you can
- You can check whether you are old enough to apply.
- You can gather the right identity and residency documents.
- You can arrange a properly signed and witnessed parental consent form if you are under 18.
- You can describe the steps between passing the knowledge test and receiving your licence card.
- You can budget for the main fees.
What you need to know and understand
- You can apply for a Class 7 licence from age 16.
- If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian with legal custody signs the Parental Consent Form, and a non-relative must witness it.
- A parent or guardian can withdraw consent in writing before you turn 18, and the Registrar may then cancel the licence.
- You need at least one identification document and at least two proofs of New Brunswick residency.
- The vision standard is 20/40 in your better eye. If you need glasses or contacts, your licence will say so.
- Test results are valid for six months, so finish the whole process within that time.
- A new photo is taken for every new licence, which is why you apply in person.
From application to licence card
- Study the New Brunswick Driver's Handbook, especially the rules and signs parts.
- Take the knowledge test online or book an in-person test with Service New Brunswick. You choose one option, not both.
- If you passed online, wait at least four business days before visiting a Service New Brunswick centre (Campobello is an exception).
- At the centre, pass the vision screening and show your identity and residency documents, plus the consent form if you are under 18.
- Pay the licence fee and have your photo taken.
- Carry the 30-day temporary document you are given. The card is printed off site and normally arrives by mail in about 14 days.
What it costs
These are the Government of New Brunswick fees listed as of August 2026. Fees change, so check with Service New Brunswick before you go.
- Written test, first attempt: $25
- Written test, rewrite: $15
- Driver's licence (valid four years): $100
- Road test later on, Class 7 or 5: $25 plus HST per attempt
Before you leave the centre
Once your licence is issued you may start practising, but only under Level 1 rules: a qualified accompanying driver in the front seat, no other passengers, no driving between midnight and 5 a.m., and zero alcohol or drugs. Your licence must be with you every time you drive, and you must show it to a peace officer who asks.
If you change your address or name later, the law gives you ten days to tell the Motor Vehicle Branch.
Common mistakes
- Bringing photocopies or the wrong number of residency documents. Check the current acceptable list with Service New Brunswick first.
- Having a relative witness the consent form. The witness must be a non-relative.
- Forgetting your glasses or contact lenses for the vision screening.
- Letting more than six months pass after your tests, which means redoing them.
- Driving straight home alone after getting the licence. Level 1 never allows solo driving.
Test yourself: Getting your New Brunswick learner licence
Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.
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Sources: Driver's licences page, Government of New Brunswick, Motor Vehicle Branch (fees as of August 1, 2026); Driver licence testing page, Government of New Brunswick; Graduated drivers' licences page, Government of New Brunswick; New Brunswick Driver's Handbook, Part 1 Licensing of Drivers, Government of New Brunswick. Independent guide, not affiliated with any licensing agency. Always check the latest official rules with your province or territory.