Getting your Nova Scotia learner licence

By the end of this topic you can

• You can check that you meet the age and consent rules before you apply.
• You can gather the identification and forms you need.
• You can describe what the vision screening checks.
• You can list the steps from paying for the test to getting your temporary licence.
• You can explain when you are legally allowed to start driving.

What you need to know and understand

• You must be at least 16 years old.
• If you are under 18, one parent or legal guardian must give written consent, either by signing section 2A of the application in person or on a consent form you bring.
• A parent can withdraw consent in writing before you turn 18, and you could then lose your licence.
• The vision test checks colour perception, a field of vision of at least 120 degrees, sharpness of at least 20/40, and distance judgment.
• You must pay for the knowledge test before you sit it. It was $15.03 including tax as of November 2026.
• After you pass, the learner's licence fee was $25.10 (no tax) as of November 2026, and you get a 30-day temporary document.
• A learner's licence is valid for 2 years.

Before you go: what to bring

You can walk in or book an appointment at an Access Nova Scotia or Registry office. A verbal test can be arranged in advance if you are not comfortable with a written test.

• Proof of identification and age. Check the current ID list with Service Nova Scotia before your visit.
• A signed parental or guardian consent form if you are 16 or 17 and the parent is not coming with you.
• Your knowledge test receipt if you paid in advance, or a way to pay on the day.
• Glasses or contact lenses if you need them to see clearly.
• No outstanding fines or reinstatement fees. These must be paid before you can take the test.

From application to temporary licence

In person, the vision test, ID check and consent come before the knowledge test. The knowledge test can also be taken online on a desktop or laptop with a webcam. If you pass online, you still visit an RMV or Access Nova Scotia office to finish the vision test, ID check, consent, fee and photo.

1. Fill in the Application for Driver's Licence form.
2. Pass the vision screening. If you fail it, you will be given a form for an optometrist or ophthalmologist to complete.
3. Pass both parts of the knowledge test: rules of the road and Nova Scotia highway signs.
4. Pay the learner's licence fee and have your photo taken.
5. Receive a temporary document valid for 30 days. Your card arrives by mail within about 14 days.

When you can actually drive

Passing the tests is not a licence. You may drive only once you hold the temporary document or card, and only under the learner rules: a supervising driver in the front passenger seat, no other passengers and zero alcohol.

If you need glasses to pass the vision test, your licence will carry a condition that you wear them whenever you drive. Your card is marked with a large L so police know you are a learner.

Common mistakes

• Arriving without the consent signature when you are under 18. The application will not be accepted.
• Leaving an old fine unpaid. Outstanding fines or reinstatement fees stop you taking the test.
• Driving home after an online pass. You are not licensed until the office issues your temporary document.
• Leaving glasses at home on test day and failing the vision screening.
• Trying to take the online test on a phone or tablet. It needs a desktop or laptop with a webcam.

Test yourself: Getting your Nova Scotia learner licence

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• How to Get a Driver’s Licence in Nova Scotia
• Nova Scotia Learner’s Licence Rules
• Nova Scotia Road Test