The Prince Edward Island road test
The road test is how you move from a Stage 1 Instruction Permit to a Stage 2 Class 5 licence in Prince Edward Island. There is one Class 5 road test; after it, you move through the later GDL stages without another test.
The handbook describes the test as a sample of your ability to carry out everyday driving tasks properly and safely, so steady, legal driving matters more than anything fancy.
By the end of this topic you can
- You can check that you are eligible to book.
- You can prepare a vehicle that will pass the pre-test check.
- You can list the skills the examiner assesses.
- You can explain the different process for driver education students.
What you need to know and understand
- You must have held your permit for 365 days, or 275 days with driver education, and finished the Novice Driver Course or driver education.
- Book driving exams through an Access PEI location. Driver education students are usually tested by their driving school.
- You supply the vehicle, and it must pass the examiner's safety check first.
- Bring the pink insurance card and a valid copy of the vehicle registration.
- A vehicle with a rejected inspection sticker is not accepted for a road test.
- The examiner will not coach you during the test, so ask any questions before you start.
- If you fail, the province says you must wait at least 14 days before your next road test, with no extra fee to retake it. Confirm current fees when you book.
The pre-test vehicle check
The examiner checks your vehicle before the drive, and no test is given in a vehicle that is unsafe or missing required equipment. Check these items at home the day before:
- Valid licence plate and a valid inspection sticker.
- Headlights, brake lights, signal lights and horn.
- Rear-view mirror, seatbelts, wipers, windshield and window glass.
- Muffler, brakes, tires and a working speedometer.
- Your yellow L decal on the windshield.
What the examiner assesses
Afterwards the examiner reviews your drive and suggests ways to improve. Avoid unnecessary chat during the test so you stay focused. Ask Access PEI who may ride with you, as the handbook and newer testing forms describe different arrangements.
- Starting, stopping and turning.
- Parking.
- Obeying traffic signs and signals.
- Controlled, partly controlled and uncontrolled intersections.
- Anticipating potential hazards.
- Your attitude toward other road users, and the other safe practices in the handbook.
Driver education route
If you complete a certified driver education program, the driving school conducts your Class 5 road test unless Highway Safety randomly selects you for its own evaluation. After passing with the school you must get your Class 5 photo licence from Highway Safety or Access PEI within 30 days, or you may need a retest by a Highway Safety examiner and pay the fees again. You may also be asked to take a second, free road test with a Highway Safety examiner during your probation.
Common mistakes
- Arriving with a burnt-out brake light or an expired inspection sticker, which ends the test before it starts.
- Rolling through stop signs. Make a full stop at the line or before the crosswalk.
- Forgetting shoulder checks when pulling away, changing lanes or parking.
- Driving too slowly out of nerves and holding up traffic. If you do fail, use the 14-day wait to practise the faults the examiner noted.
Test yourself: The Prince Edward Island road test
Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.
Loading questions…
Go deeper
Sources: Prince Edward Island Driver's Handbook, Government of Prince Edward Island, Highway Safety Division (text revised 2011, February 2022 posting); Highway Traffic Act Graduated Driver Licensing Regulations, Government of Prince Edward Island (Legislative Counsel Office consolidation); Getting an Instruction Driver's Permit in PEI, Government of Prince Edward Island (Access PEI). Independent guide, not affiliated with any licensing agency. Always check the latest official rules with your province or territory.