Nunavut graduated licensing stages

By the end of this topic you can

• You can name the licence class a Nunavut learner starts with and the class you test for next.
• You can state the minimum ages for Class 7 and Class 5.
• You can explain who is allowed to supervise a learner.
• You can describe how a restricted B or G licence differs from a standard licence.

What you need to know and understand

• Class 7 is the learner's licence and lets you drive a Class 5 or Class 6 vehicle only while learning.
• You must be at least 15 for Class 7 and at least 16 for Class 5 or Class 6.
• Commercial Classes 1 to 4 need you to be at least 18.
• A learner must be accompanied by someone with a valid licence for that vehicle and at least 2 years of experience on a Class 5.
• The territory's manual asks first-time drivers to practise for at least four weeks on a learner's licence before the road test.
• Nunavut also issues restricted licences marked B (Nunavut only) or G (within 100 kilometres of your home community).

Two steps, not three

Nunavut's Traffic Safety Act allows the government to create a graduated licensing system, but the current Driver's Licence Regulations set out a simpler path. You pass a written test and a vision check for Class 7, practise with a qualified supervisor, then pass a road test to move up to Class 5 for cars and light trucks, or Class 6 for motorcycles.

1. Turn 15 and apply for a Class 7 learner's licence (written knowledge test, vision test, identification).
2. Practise with a supervisor who meets the experience rule, for at least four weeks before your first road test.
3. From age 16, book and pass the road test in the right type of vehicle.
4. Receive your Class 5 or Class 6 licence, with any conditions printed on it.

Who can sit beside a learner

The person with you must hold a valid licence that covers the vehicle you are driving. If that licence is a Class 5, they need at least two years of experience driving that type of vehicle; for Classes 1 to 4 it is three years. The supervisor's job is to instruct you, not just to ride along.

Motorcycle learners have extra limits: no riding after sunset and no riding in a speed zone of 70 km/h or more. The instructor may follow on another vehicle as long as they have two years of riding experience and keep you in view.

Standard or restricted licence

The Government of Nunavut publishes a separate Restricted to Nunavut Driver's Manual for residents who only plan to drive in the territory. A licence with a B endorsement is valid in Nunavut only; a G endorsement limits you to within 100 kilometres of your home community. If you may study, work or travel in the south, the standard licence is the better choice. Our deeper guides on learning to drive in Nunavut and on the restricted licence explain both options.

Common mistakes

• Assuming Nunavut copies Ontario's G1 and G2 system. Learn the Class 7 to Class 5 path instead.
• Practising with a friend who has only just passed. Your supervisor needs at least two years on a Class 5.
• Booking a road test too early. Plan at least four weeks of real practice first.
• Choosing a restricted licence without thinking about future travel outside the territory.

Test yourself: Nunavut graduated licensing stages

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 Nunavut
• Nunavut Restricted Driver’s Licence
• Driving in Iqaluit and Nunavut