Category: All Canadian provinces and territories

Photo: Jerry "Woody", CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A disability does not stop you getting a driver’s licence in Canada. What it changes is the paperwork, sometimes the test format, and sometimes the car. This guide is for learners with a physical, sensory, learning or medical condition, and for their families. It covers medical reporting, oral and audio knowledge tests, on-road assessments, adapted vehicles and the licence conditions that come with them, province by province where governments publish the details.

Key facts

• You must report a medical condition that may affect your driving when you apply. SGI warns that not reporting it could cost you insurance coverage.
• Oral or audio knowledge tests are offered in Alberta (audio, or read aloud by a registry employee or sign language interpreter), Nova Scotia (by appointment), PEI (if you can’t read the written test), Manitoba (audio) and Quebec (audio in French and English).
• BC’s Enhanced Road Assessment is free, takes about 90 minutes, and cannot be passed or failed: RoadSafetyBC uses it to decide licence conditions.
• Equipment such as special mirrors or hand controls can be written onto your licence as a condition. You then drive only with that equipment.
• In Ontario, doctors, nurse practitioners and optometrists must report certain high-risk conditions. A well-controlled condition does not necessarily lead to a suspension.

Step 1: Report your condition when you apply

Every province asks about medical fitness on the licence application. Honest reporting is safer than it sounds: the licensing office decides based on how your condition affects driving, not on the diagnosis alone.

Jurisdiction	How medical fitness is handled
Ontario	Under section 203 of the Highway Traffic Act, physicians, nurse practitioners and optometrists must report high-risk medical conditions, vision conditions and functional impairments. Occupational therapists may report. A mandatory report means a suspension; discretionary reports do not always. The ministry may ask for follow-up medical information or an occupational therapist’s functional assessment. Complex cases go to the Medical Advisory Committee. Most medical suspensions can be appealed to the Licence Appeal Tribunal.
British Columbia	RoadSafetyBC runs driver medical fitness. It may send you a Driver’s Medical Examination Report for your doctor or nurse practitioner to complete. Reports can come from you at an ICBC office, your doctor, police or family.
Saskatchewan	Report any condition that may affect driving on a supplementary medical application, available from every licence issuer, when you apply or renew.
Manitoba	Tell MPI about any disease or disability that may affect your driving. MPI’s Driver Fitness area must approve any required medical report before testing. A disability can also mean being re-tested.
Northwest Territories	The territory can ask for a Drivers Medical Examination Report at any age. It applies the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA) medical standards. In communities without a doctor, a registered nurse can complete the report.
Other provinces and territories	Declare the condition on your application and ask the licensing office which form your doctor must complete.

Tip: book the medical appointment early. A review can take weeks; Ontario says it reviews cases within 30 business days, and most take less time.

Step 2: Take the knowledge test in a format that works for you

Jurisdiction	Options published
Alberta	Audio test through headphones. Oral test in English, read by a registry employee or a professional sign language interpreter.
Nova Scotia	Oral tests by special appointment. Ask when you phone to book.
Prince Edward Island	If you can’t read and understand the written test, you can ask for an oral test.
Manitoba	Audio in English, French and many other languages; choose when you book.
Quebec	French or English, with audio in both.
Ontario	Ask DriveTest about accommodations when you book. The MTO handbook lists DriveTest’s contact numbers (647-776-0331 or 1-888-570-6110).
BC, Saskatchewan, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, territories	Ask the licensing office about the format when you book.

If you have dyslexia, a learning disability or a hearing loss, say so at booking and ask exactly what support is available: extra time, audio, an oral test or an interpreter. Get the answer in writing if you can. Test formats by province: knowledge tests compared across Canada.

Step 3: On-road assessment and adapted vehicles

Driver rehabilitation assessments

If your condition affects how you control a car, a specialist driving assessment usually comes before ordinary lessons. Its job is to show what you can do safely and which equipment and training you need.

• British Columbia: RoadSafetyBC can refer Class 5 and Class 7 drivers with medical conditions to an Enhanced Road Assessment. ICBC runs it: a pre-trip orientation, a 45-minute drive and a post-trip review, about 90 minutes in all, with no fee. Results go into RoadSafetyBC’s decision, which can add licence restrictions. You can ask for a review if your condition improves.
• Ontario: the ministry can ask for a functional assessment by an occupational therapist.
• Quebec: driving evaluation and vehicle adaptation programs are run through the regional public health and social services network (for example, the CISSS de l’Outaouais PCAAV program). Ask the SAAQ or your rehabilitation team for the program in your region.
• Elsewhere: ask your doctor or rehabilitation centre for a referral to a driver assessment program, and ask the licensing office which assessments it accepts.

Adapted vehicles and equipment

Common adaptations include hand controls for braking and acceleration, spinner knobs, left-foot accelerators, extra or panoramic mirrors, and wheelchair access. Learn with the same equipment you will use on test day.

• You usually supply the car for your road test, so the adapted vehicle you learn in is normally the one you test in. The examiner checks it first. See road test car requirements across Canada.
• Some driving schools have adapted cars. Ask before you sign up.
• Service and guide dogs are allowed in ICBC licensing offices and on road tests.

Licence conditions: what they mean and how to change them

If you need equipment or have limits, your licence carries a condition code. Examples from official sources:

• PEI: if your field of vision is very narrow, you may get a licence only if your vehicle has mirrors giving a clear view to the rear and both sides, and your licence then restricts you to driving with that equipment at all times. Corrective lenses also appear as a condition.
• BC: RoadSafetyBC adds restrictions when a driver has a medical condition or functional difficulty, or uses a device or technology to drive. Its Enhanced Road Assessment policy lists restrictions such as automatic transmission only and hand controls only.
• Saskatchewan: restriction codes include A (glasses or contact lenses), B (no night driving) and F (two outside rear-view mirrors).
• Northwest Territories: conditions can include corrective lenses, a restricted area or daylight driving only. The codes are explained on the back of the licence.

Driving without the equipment named in a condition breaks your licence terms. To remove or change a condition, contact your licensing office; you may need updated medical information or another assessment.

Common questions

Can I get a driver’s licence with epilepsy, diabetes or ADHD?

Often, yes, if the condition is controlled. Licensing offices follow medical standards and look at how the condition affects driving. Ontario says a well-controlled condition will not necessarily lead to a suspension. Report it and let your doctor complete the medical form.

Can I take my knowledge test orally?

Yes in Alberta, Nova Scotia (by appointment) and PEI, and audio versions exist in Alberta, Manitoba and Quebec. Elsewhere, ask when you book.

Who pays for hand controls?

You or your funding program. Rehabilitation, workplace or insurance programs sometimes help; ask your rehabilitation team.

Can I take the road test in my own adapted car?

In most provinces you supply the test car anyway, so yes, as long as it is safe, registered and insured and passes the examiner’s check.

Will a condition on my licence raise my insurance?

Insurers price on driving record and experience. Failing to report a condition is the bigger risk: SGI warns it could mean losing insurance coverage.

I’m deaf. Can I take the road test?

Yes. Ask in advance how instructions will be given. Quebec’s SAAQ, for example, says its examiners use hand signals for candidates who lack French or English, which shows that non-spoken instructions are possible. Alberta offers sign language interpreters for the oral knowledge test.

Related: automatic or manual for your road test, and driving aids, learning to drive as an adult, supervising a learner driver. Back to learning to drive in Canada.

Sources

• Government of Ontario, “Medical review for Ontario drivers” and “Reporting a driver for medical review” (ontario.ca)
• Government of Ontario, “Medical Reporting by Healthcare Practitioners: What the law requires” (ontario.ca)
• Government of Ontario, “The Official MTO Driver’s Handbook: Getting your driver’s licence” (ontario.ca)
• Government of British Columbia, RoadSafetyBC, “Driver medical fitness” and “Enhanced road assessment” (gov.bc.ca)
• Government of British Columbia, RoadSafetyBC, “Enhanced Road Assessment Policy” (gov.bc.ca)
• ICBC, “Prepare for your road test appointment” (icbc.com)
• SGI, “Saskatchewan Driver’s Handbook: A guide to safe driving 2026-27”, sections 1 and 2.6 (sgi.sk.ca)
• Manitoba Public Insurance, “Driver’s Handbook: Basic Class 5 Licensing Requirements” (apps.mpi.mb.ca)
• Manitoba Public Insurance, “Testing for your Class 5 licence” (mpi.mb.ca)
• Government of Alberta, “Driver’s knowledge test” (alberta.ca)
• Service Nova Scotia, “Learner’s Licence” (novascotia.ca)
• Government of Prince Edward Island, “Driver’s Handbook”, February 2022 (princeedwardisland.ca)
• Government of the Northwest Territories, “NWT Driver’s Manual” (inf.gov.nt.ca)
• Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec, “Obtaining a Passenger Vehicle Driver’s Licence (Class 5)” (saaq.gouv.qc.ca)
• CISSS de l’Outaouais, “Driving evaluation and vehicle adaptation program (PCAAV)” (cisss-outaouais.gouv.qc.ca)

Photo: Doug Kerr, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Starting to drive at 25, 35 or 60 in Canada? In almost every province and territory, graduated licensing applies to all new drivers whatever their age, so you go through the same learner and novice stages as a 16-year-old. British Columbia is the main exception, with shorter stages from age 25. A few rules, mostly curfews and passenger limits, apply only to younger drivers, and Alberta adds a minimum age of 18 to leave its GDL. This guide shows what changes for adults, what doesn’t, and how to get through faster legally.

Key facts

• Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, PEI and the Northwest Territories all say outright that GDL applies regardless of age. MPI puts it as “16 or 60”.
• BC, aged 25 or older: at least 9 months on your L (not 12) and 12 months on your N (not 24) before the Driving Record Assessment. The N sign and passenger limits stop at 25.
• Age-limited rules: Ontario’s G2 night passenger limit (19 and under), Quebec’s probationary night passenger limit (19 or under), and the night limits in PEI and New Brunswick Level 2 (under 21).
• Quebec’s driving course is compulsory for a first Class 5 at any age.
• Approved driver education shortens the learner stage in several provinces, for adults as well as teens.

Does graduated licensing apply to adults in Canada?

Jurisdiction	Adults in GDL?	What is different with age
British Columbia	Yes, but shorter	25 or older: L for at least 9 months, then 12 safe months on the N before the Driving Record Assessment (replaced the Class 5 road test on 19 October 2026). N sign and passenger limits do not apply from 25.
Ontario	Yes	G1 midnight to 5 a.m. ban applies at any age. G2 night passenger limits apply only to drivers 19 and under. Zero alcohol for all G1 and G2 drivers.
Alberta	Yes	To leave the Class 5-GDL you must be at least 18, with 24 months of probation and 12 clean months. An adult who passes at 30 still needs the 24 months.
Quebec	Yes	Driving course compulsory at any age. Learner and probationary zero alcohol at any age. Night passenger limit only if 19 or under in the first 12 months.
Saskatchewan	Yes	GDL applies regardless of age. Zero alcohol covers anyone who has not held a licence in the last five years, not just young drivers.
Manitoba	Yes	Same stages whether you are 16 or 60.
Nova Scotia	Yes	All three stages, whatever your age.
New Brunswick	Yes	Level 1 curfew applies at any age. The Level 2 night limit applies only under 21.
Newfoundland and Labrador	Yes	Applies to all new drivers.
Prince Edward Island	Yes	The 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. curfew stops at 21; other restrictions stay.
Yukon	Yes	Learner stage of 6 months, then 18 months as a novice. 50 logged practice hours required.
Northwest Territories	Yes	Stages apply to every new driver regardless of age.
Nunavut	Check	At least 4 weeks of practice before a first road test. Ask a Motor Vehicles office about other conditions. A restricted licence may suit local-only driving.

As of November 2026. Stage-by-stage rules: Canadian graduated licensing compared.

How to get your licence faster as an adult (legally)

1. Use driver education credit

Jurisdiction	Learner stage without course	With an approved course
Ontario	12 months on G1	8 months (BDE course of at least 40 hours)
Nova Scotia	12 months	9 months
Newfoundland and Labrador	12 months at Level I	8 months
Prince Edward Island	Check with Highway Safety	First road test after 275 days
Alberta	24 months on GDL	Up to 6 months off probation with a licensed Class 5 course
Saskatchewan	Driver education is mandatory before the Class 5. Adults take SGI-certified training (at least 6 hours in class and 6 in the car)
Quebec	The course is mandatory, so there is no credit to earn

2. Prove any past driving experience

If you ever held a licence, even abroad or years ago, bring the proof. Ontario lets applicants from countries without an exchange agreement claim up to 12 months of foreign driving experience (since 1 July 2026). Saskatchewan may waive the nine-month learner period with proof of experience. BC counts proven non-learner driving towards a full Class 5. See exchanging a foreign or out-of-province licence.

3. Keep a clean record

Every province adds time for tickets. In Alberta, a conviction in your last 12 months delays your exit from GDL. In BC, a prohibition in the N stage wipes your N time. In Saskatchewan, an at-fault collision or conviction restarts the 12-month Novice 2 period.

Practical problems adults run into

Finding a supervisor

Adults often lack a parent who can sit beside them. Your supervisor must meet the province’s rules: for example, a full G with 4 years’ experience in Ontario, age 22 or older in BC, a full Class 5 held at least 3 years in Manitoba, or a full Class 5 held 2 years in Yukon. A partner or friend still in GDL usually cannot supervise. Licensed instructors count as supervisors, so many adults mix paid lessons with practice drives. Our guide to supervising a learner has the full table to show a would-be supervisor.

The curfew and your shift work

Learner curfews in Ontario, Alberta, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador and the NWT have no adult exemption. If you start work early, plan practice drives in the evening. Some novice curfews have work exemptions (Nova Scotia Form APP33, Newfoundland and Labrador proof of work hours, PEI’s exemption form, New Brunswick travel to or from work).

Insurance

Insurers price on experience, not only age, so a first licence at 30 can still be expensive. Alberta says its driver training completion form may also earn an insurance discount; ask your insurer what it accepts. See car insurance for new drivers in Canada.

Test nerves and lesson plans

SGI’s co-pilot manual says an automatic car is easier until the rules and basic control are learned. A sensible plan:

1. Pass the knowledge test, then take two or three lessons with an instructor before practising with a supervisor.
2. Practise in a quiet parking lot until steering, braking and mirrors feel automatic.
3. Move to residential streets, then busier roads, then highways and night driving.
4. Take a mock test with an instructor about a month before your road test.

Choosing the transmission: automatic or manual for your road test in Canada.

Common questions

I’m 30. Do I really need two years on a novice licence?

In most provinces, yes. Alberta needs 24 months of probation, Ontario at least 12 months on G2 before the G test, and Quebec 24 months on a probationary licence. BC is the exception: at 25 or older you need 12 months on your N.

Can I skip the learner stage if I’m an adult?

Not on age alone. You can shorten it with an approved course in several provinces, or with proven past experience.

Do curfews apply to adults?

Some do. Ontario’s G1 curfew and the learner curfews in Alberta, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador and the NWT apply at any age. PEI’s curfews and New Brunswick’s Level 2 limit stop at 21.

Can I have a drink with dinner and drive as an adult learner?

No. Every learner and novice driver in Canada must have zero alcohol, whatever their age.

Do I need a parent’s signature?

No. Parental consent is for applicants under 18 (under 19 in Newfoundland and Labrador).

Is it too late to learn at 60?

No. The rules are the same as for any new driver. If you have a medical condition, report it when you apply; see learning to drive with a disability in Canada.

Related: cost of getting a licence in Canada, BC N licence rules, Alberta Class 5 GDL rules, Quebec’s mandatory driving course, is Ontario BDE worth it? Back to learning to drive in Canada.

Sources

• ICBC, “Learn to Drive Smart, Chapter 9: Your licence” and “Graduated Licensing Program changes” (icbc.com)
• Government of Ontario, “The Official MTO Driver’s Handbook: Getting your driver’s licence” (ontario.ca)
• Government of Ontario, “Get a G driver’s licence: new drivers” (ontario.ca)
• Government of Alberta, “Get a driver’s licence: steps”, “Class 5 driver’s licence” and “Class 5 driver training” (alberta.ca)
• Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec, “Obtaining a Passenger Vehicle Driver’s Licence (Class 5)” (saaq.gouv.qc.ca)
• SGI, “Saskatchewan Driver’s Handbook: A guide to safe driving 2026-27” (sgi.sk.ca)
• Manitoba Public Insurance, “Driver’s Handbook: Graduated Driver Licensing” and “Basic Class 5 Licensing Requirements” (apps.mpi.mb.ca)
• Service Nova Scotia, “Learner’s Licence” and “Newly Licensed Driver” (novascotia.ca)
• Government of New Brunswick, “Graduated licences” (gnb.ca)
• Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, “Graduated Driver Licencing Program” (gov.nl.ca)
• Government of Prince Edward Island, “Driver’s Handbook”, February 2022, and GDL brochure (princeedwardisland.ca)
• Government of Yukon, “Get a driver’s licence” (yukon.ca)
• Government of the Northwest Territories, “NWT Driver’s Manual” (inf.gov.nt.ca)
• Government of Nunavut, “Apply for a driver’s licence” (gov.nu.ca)

Photo: Ken Lund, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

If you hold a learner or novice licence in one Canadian province and drive in another, two sets of rules apply: your home licence conditions travel with you, and the visited province’s traffic law applies on its roads. Moving is different. Once you become a resident you must switch to the new province’s licence within its grace period, and your graduated licensing stage may change. This guide covers both situations.

Key facts

• Visiting: Saskatchewan’s handbook says a visitor’s licence gives the same privileges it does at home (Class 1 excepted). Read the other way, your home restrictions come with you too.
• Local road law always applies: speed limits, phone laws, winter tire rules and school bus rules belong to the province you are in.
• Moving: grace periods are 60 days in Ontario, 90 in BC and Saskatchewan, up to 120 in PEI and Yukon, up to six months in Quebec and 30 in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.
• Learner licences are the hardest to transfer. BC issues a Class 7L, and PEI exchanges only Atlantic Canada learner permits directly.
• Novice time usually counts. Ontario may credit under-two-years experience into G2, and BC counts your proven non-learner time.

Visiting another province: whose rules apply?

Think of it as layers.

1. Your licence conditions (home province). Supervisor, curfew, passenger limits, zero alcohol, no phones and any sign you must display. These come from the licence you hold. Saskatchewan’s handbook says a visitor’s existing licence gives “all of the same privileges” it does at home, so it does not give you more than that.
2. The visited province’s traffic law. Speeding, phones, right of way, move-over speeds, school buses and winter equipment. If the local rule is stricter, follow it.
3. Your insurance. Public insurers such as ICBC and SGI cover driving anywhere in Canada; private policies usually do too, but check that you are listed.

Examples

• Ontario G1 visiting Quebec. You still need an accompanying driver who meets Ontario’s rules (full G, 4+ years’ experience, under .05 BAC), and the Ontario midnight to 5 a.m. ban still applies to you. On the road, Quebec’s Highway Safety Code applies, including its rules on right turns at red lights (see right turn on red in Quebec).
• BC N visiting Alberta. Keep your N sign, your one-passenger limit and the total device ban, which is stricter than Alberta’s own rule for its drivers. Alberta’s distracted driving law applies too.
• Alberta Class 7 visiting BC. Keep your Alberta supervisor rules (18 or older with a full Class 5) and the midnight to 5 a.m. curfew. BC traffic law applies on BC roads. BC’s L sign rules are written for BC learners; displaying a learner sign anyway is a sensible courtesy.
• Nova Scotia 5N visiting New Brunswick. Your one front-seat passenger rule and the midnight to 5 a.m. limit (unless a supervisor is with you) still apply.

What about L and N signs when visiting?

Sign rules belong to your home licence: BC requires L and N signs, Newfoundland and Labrador learners display a “NOVICE DRIVER” sign, and PEI Stage 1 drivers use a yellow L decal. Keep yours on when you visit. If your province does not require a sign, check with the visited province before you drive there. A sign helps other drivers give you room.

Moving to another province mid-GDL

Once you live in a new province, you must exchange your licence within its grace period. What happens to your stage depends on the province.

Moving to	Grace period	How your learner or novice time is treated
Ontario	60 days	Ontario has exchange agreements with every province and territory. With under two years’ experience you may get credit and enter Level Two (G2), and take the G2 exit test once you reach two years in total.
British Columbia	90 days	A full Class 5 needs proof of at least 24 months of non-learner driving (12 if you are 25 or older). With less, you get a Class 7 (N). An out-of-province learner’s licence becomes a BC Class 7L.
Saskatchewan	90 days	A valid licence from another province or territory, or one expired less than five years ago, exchanges without tests. GDL applies to new drivers regardless of age.
Quebec	Up to six consecutive months	Licences from another province, valid or expired less than three years ago, exchange without the driving course. Some cases need SAAQ exams.
Prince Edward Island	Up to 120 days	Only valid learner permits from Atlantic Canada exchange directly. Learners from elsewhere pass the written and vision tests first.
Northwest Territories	30 days	Licences from elsewhere in Canada are accepted as the same class without testing.
Yukon	120 days	A licence from elsewhere in Canada exchanges for the same class without testing. Vision screening applies to everyone, and driving experience elsewhere may be credited with proof.
Nunavut	30 days	An outside licence that expired more than a year ago means re-examination. Temporary permits are not issued.
Alberta, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador	Check with the licensing office	Ask how many months of your learner or novice stage will be credited before you surrender your old licence.

As of November 2026. Full detail, including licences from outside Canada, is in exchanging a foreign or out-of-province licence.

Checklist before you move

1. Get a copy of your driving record from your current province. It proves when you started each stage.
2. Keep any driver education certificate. It can affect your stage length in the new province.
3. Don’t book your road test in the old province the week you leave without checking whether the new province will recognize the result in time.
4. Book the exchange appointment early in the grace period.
5. Update your insurance when you move. Your old public insurer’s cover is for residents of that province.
6. Learn the new province’s restrictions. After the exchange, its GDL rules are the ones that apply to you.

Students and seasonal workers

Saskatchewan says full-time students at approved institutions, and their families, don’t have to exchange their licence while they live there to study. The Northwest Territories exempts students at NWT institutions from its 90-day rule for Canadians. Other provinces set their own rules, so check before term starts. See international students and newcomers driving in Canada.

Common questions

Can a G2 driver drive in another province?

Yes. Your G2 conditions still apply, such as zero alcohol and the late-night passenger rule if you are 19 or under, and so does the local traffic law.

Can I drive in Ontario on an Alberta learner’s licence?

As a visitor, keep every Alberta Class 7 condition, including a supervisor who meets Alberta’s rules, and follow Ontario traffic law. If you move to Ontario, contact ServiceOntario or DriveTest about how your learner time transfers.

Do I lose my GDL time if I move?

Not usually for novice time: Ontario credits experience into G2, and BC counts proven non-learner driving. Learner time is less portable. BC and PEI, for example, put out-of-province learners into their own learner stage.

Which rule applies if my home province allows hands-free and the visited one bans it for new drivers?

Follow the stricter rule. Your home licence sets the minimum you must obey, and local law can add to it.

Can I keep my old licence as a backup after moving?

No. Your old licence is surrendered or becomes invalid when the new one is issued.

Does a ticket in another province count at home?

It can. Ontario, for example, adds demerit points for convictions in other provinces and territories as if they happened in Ontario.

Related: driving in the US on a Canadian learner or novice licence, Canadian graduated licensing compared, moving to BC, new to Ontario. Back to learning to drive in Canada.

Sources

• SGI, “Saskatchewan Driver’s Handbook: A guide to safe driving 2026-27” (sgi.sk.ca)
• Government of Ontario, “The Official MTO Driver’s Handbook: Getting your driver’s licence” (ontario.ca)
• Government of Ontario, “Understanding demerit points” (ontario.ca)
• ICBC, “Learn to Drive Smart, Chapter 9: Your licence” (icbc.com)
• ICBC, “Driving outside B.C.” (icbc.com)
• Government of Alberta, “Class 7 learner’s licence” and “Get a driver’s licence: steps” (alberta.ca)
• Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec, “Exchanging a driver’s licence” (saaq.gouv.qc.ca)
• Government of Prince Edward Island, “Driver’s Handbook”, February 2022 (princeedwardisland.ca)
• Government of the Northwest Territories, “NWT Driver’s Manual” (inf.gov.nt.ca)
• Service Nova Scotia, “Newly Licensed Driver” (novascotia.ca)

Photo: dherrera_96, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

This page is for Canadian learner and novice drivers (G1, G2, L, N, Class 7, 5-GDL, Novice 1 and 2, and the rest) thinking about a road trip south. The short answer: a novice licence such as a G2 or an N is generally treated as a valid Canadian licence, but your home graduated licensing conditions still apply in the United States, and so does the law of every state you drive through. A learner licence is riskier, because it only lets you drive with a qualified supervisor, so check the state’s own rules before you cross.

Key facts

• Check with your provincial licensing office, and with the state you are visiting, before a learner or novice drives in the US.
• Your licence conditions, such as zero alcohol, passenger limits, night limits and no-phone rules, are attached to your licence. Treat them as travelling with you.
• US state traffic law applies on top of your conditions. Where the two differ, follow whichever is stricter.
• ICBC says Autoplan insurance covers you anywhere in Canada and the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii. SGI’s Personal Auto Injury Insurance also covers Saskatchewan residents injured anywhere in Canada or the US.
• Ontario adds demerit points for convictions in New York and Michigan as if the offence happened in Ontario. On a G1 or G2, that can feed into novice suspensions.

Can I drive in the US with a G2, N or other novice licence?

In most cases, yes. A novice licence lets you drive alone in Canada, and US states generally let visitors drive on a valid licence from home. Two sets of rules then apply at once:

1. Your home conditions. The restrictions printed on or attached to your licence are conditions of that licence. Keep to them in every state.
2. The state’s traffic law. Speed limits, phone laws, right-turn-on-red rules, school bus rules and alcohol limits are set by each state. Some states also restrict their own young drivers. Check the motor vehicle agency of each state on your route.

Which home conditions matter most on a US trip?

Licence	Conditions to keep in the US
Ontario G2	Zero alcohol and drugs. If you are 19 or under, the midnight to 5 a.m. passenger limit (one passenger aged 19 or under in your first 6 months, then up to three).
BC N	Zero alcohol and drugs, the N sign, one passenger unless a supervisor aged 22 or older is beside you (immediate family exempt), and no electronic devices at all, hands-free included.
Alberta Class 5-GDL	Zero alcohol and drugs, and no more passengers than seatbelts.
Saskatchewan Novice 1 and 2	Zero alcohol, no hand-held or hands-free phones, and the Novice 1 passenger limits.
Manitoba Intermediate (5I)	Zero alcohol and drugs, and the passenger limits by time of day.
Quebec probationary	Zero alcohol. If you are 19 or under and licensed less than 12 months, the midnight to 5 a.m. passenger limit.
Atlantic and northern novice licences	Zero alcohol, plus your passenger and night rules. Newfoundland and Labrador and PEI have night limits with exemptions. Yukon novices need a co-driver from midnight to 5 a.m.

As of November 2026. Full province-by-province detail is in Canadian graduated licensing compared.

Can I drive in the US on a G1, L or Class 7 learner licence?

Treat this as a “check first” situation. A learner licence only allows driving with a qualified supervisor beside you, and that supervisor has to meet your home province’s rules (for example, a full G with at least 4 years’ experience in Ontario, or a supervisor aged 22 or older in BC). Whether a particular state accepts a Canadian learner licence at all is for that state to say.

The practical options:

• Let your supervisor drive across the border and through unfamiliar areas, and practise at home.
• If you do want to practise in the US, contact the state’s motor vehicle agency before the trip and ask whether it recognizes an out-of-country learner licence.
• Keep every home condition anyway: the supervisor, curfew, passengers, zero alcohol and highway limits. In Ontario, for example, a G1 driver may not use 400-series highways or high-speed expressways unless the supervisor is a driving instructor.

Does my car insurance cover me in the US?

Insurer	What the official page says
ICBC (BC)	Autoplan covers you anywhere in Canada and the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii. BC residents keep Enhanced Accident Benefits for injuries from a crash outside BC. ICBC suggests Extended Third Party Liability because some places allow the other driver to sue, and Basic limits may not cover a large claim.
SGI (Saskatchewan)	Personal Auto Injury Insurance covers Saskatchewan residents injured in collisions anywhere in Canada or the US. Basic plate insurance includes up to $200,000 in liability coverage. SGI warns that driving in the US or another province is one situation where you will likely face a liability claim based on fault.
MPI (Manitoba) and SAAQ (Quebec)	Check the US coverage of your Autopac or private property-damage policy before you go.
Private insurers (Ontario, Alberta, Atlantic provinces, territories)	Read the “territory” clause in your policy or ask your broker. Confirm that a learner or novice listed on the policy is covered outside Canada.

Whatever your insurer, the liability limit is the number to look at. US injury claims can be far larger than Canadian minimums, and extra liability coverage is usually cheap compared with the risk. More on this in car insurance for learner and new drivers in Canada.

Do US tickets count back home?

They can. Ontario says demerit points are added to your record, just as if the offence happened in Ontario, for convictions in other provinces and territories and in New York and Michigan. For a G1 or G2 driver, that matters twice over: a speeding conviction of 30 km/h or more over, or a careless driving conviction, brings novice sanctions starting at a 30-day suspension. Other provinces have their own arrangements, so assume a US conviction can reach your record and your insurance. See Ontario demerit points for new drivers.

What to carry when you drive across the border

• Your valid Canadian driver’s licence (the card, not a photo of it).
• The travel documents the border agencies require for everyone in the car.
• The vehicle registration and proof of insurance. In Ontario, the handbook says you must give police your liability insurance card after a collision.
• If the car belongs to a parent or someone else, their registration and insurance documents, plus their contact details.
• Your insurer’s claims phone number. SGI, for example, runs an out-of-province claims line.

Driving differences that catch Canadian new drivers out

• Miles per hour. US speed limits are in mph. 1 mph is about 1.6 km/h, so 55 mph is about 89 km/h and 65 mph is about 105 km/h. Many speedometers show both scales: learn where mph is on yours before you go.
• Phone laws vary by state. Your home rule is the floor. If you hold a BC N, a Saskatchewan novice or a Yukon novice licence, you may not use a phone at all, even hands-free.
• School buses. Stopping rules differ between states, especially on divided roads. When in doubt, stop.
• Right on red rules and signs vary by state and city. Read every sign at the light.
• Alcohol. State limits for adults do not matter to you: your home zero-alcohol condition still applies.

Common questions

Can I drive to the US with a G2 in Ontario?

Generally yes, as long as you keep your G2 conditions, such as zero alcohol and, if you are 19 or under, the late-night passenger limit, and obey the law of each state. Convictions in New York and Michigan carry Ontario demerit points.

Can a BC N driver drive in Washington State?

An N is a valid BC licence, so in general yes. Keep your N sign and your passenger and device restrictions, and follow Washington law. ICBC Autoplan covers driving in the US.

Can I practise on my learner licence in the US with my parent?

Only if the state accepts your licence, which you should confirm with that state’s motor vehicle agency. Your parent must also meet your home supervisor rules. Many families simply let the supervisor drive in the US.

Do I need an International Driving Permit for the US?

Check with the state you are visiting whether you need one, especially for a long stay.

Will a US speeding ticket affect my insurance?

It can. Ontario adds points for New York and Michigan convictions, and insurers can see convictions on your record. Deal with the ticket by its deadline rather than ignoring it.

Does SGI cover me if I crash in North Dakota?

SGI’s injury coverage applies anywhere in Canada or the US, and it has an out-of-province claims department. Because liability depends on where the crash happened, SGI recommends considering more than the basic $200,000 liability coverage.

Related: driving in another province on a learner or novice licence, Ontario G2 rules, BC N licence rules, Saskatchewan Novice 1 and 2 rules. Back to learning to drive in Canada.

Sources

• SGI, “Saskatchewan Driver’s Handbook: A guide to safe driving 2026-27”, sections 2.2 and 2.7 (sgi.sk.ca)
• ICBC, “Driving outside B.C.” (icbc.com)
• ICBC, “Learn to Drive Smart, Chapter 9: Your licence” (icbc.com)
• Government of Ontario, “Understanding demerit points” (ontario.ca)
• Government of Ontario, “The Official MTO Driver’s Handbook: Getting your driver’s licence” and “Dealing with emergencies” (ontario.ca)
• Government of Ontario, “Get a G driver’s licence: new drivers” (ontario.ca)
• Government of Alberta, “Get a driver’s licence: steps” (alberta.ca)

Photo: Derek Hatfield, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Can international students drive in Canada? Usually yes, on a valid licence from home, for a limited time or for as long as you study. The rules are provincial, so they change at each border. This guide sets out how long a home licence and International Driving Permit (IDP) last in each province, when you have to switch, and how to start a learner’s licence if you have never driven.

Key facts

• Several provinces let full-time students keep driving on their home licence while they study, including BC (with a student exemption), Alberta, Saskatchewan and Quebec.
• Ontario lets visitors drive on a valid home licence for up to 3 months. After that, a visitor from another country needs an IDP from home, which cannot be obtained once you are in Canada.
• If you settle as a resident, you must exchange your licence within the deadline: 60 days in Ontario, 90 in BC, Alberta and Saskatchewan.
• Whatever licence you use, the car must be insured for you to drive it.

How long can you drive on a foreign licence? Province by province

Province or territory	Visitors	Full-time students	New residents must exchange within
Ontario	Up to 3 months on a valid home licence. Over 3 months, carry an IDP from your home country as well	No separate student rule published; the visitor rules apply	60 days
British Columbia	Up to 6 months as a tourist	Can keep driving on your licence with a valid student exemption (full-time at a designated BC institution)	90 days
Alberta	Up to one year. Carry an IDP if your licence is not in English	Can keep your home licence while studying at an accredited Alberta institution or in a co-op program	90 days
Saskatchewan	Same privileges as at home, except Class 1	Full-time students at approved institutions (and their immediate family) do not have to exchange	90 days
Quebec	Check with SAAQ	SAAQ material says students and trainees can drive on a valid licence of the right class during their studies, and should be able to prove student status if asked. Confirm with SAAQ	Up to six consecutive months of driving on a valid licence
Prince Edward Island	Check with Access PEI	Check with Access PEI	Up to 120 days
Northwest Territories	Check with Driver and Vehicle Services	Students at NWT institutions are exempt from the rule that Canadians staying over 90 days must switch	30 days
Other provinces and territories	Ask the licensing office	Ask the licensing office	Ask the licensing office before you arrive

As of November 2026. Your licence must be valid and of the right class for the vehicle. A licence that is not in English or French may need a translation or IDP.

When do you have to switch to a provincial licence?

• Your status changes to resident. For example, you get permanent residence, finish your studies and stay to work, or stop studying full time. The new-resident deadline then applies.
• Your home licence expires. Renew it at home, or apply for a provincial licence.
• You want a licence for ID or for insurance reasons. Many students choose to exchange anyway. You surrender your home licence when you do. You cannot hold two.

Whether you exchange without tests depends on your country. Ontario, BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Quebec each keep a list of countries they have agreements with. If yours is not on the list, you take the knowledge and road tests, and you may get credit for past experience. Since 1 July 2026, Ontario lets applicants from countries without an agreement claim up to 12 months of foreign driving experience. Details: exchanging a foreign or out-of-province licence.

Never driven? Getting a learner’s licence as a student

You enter graduated licensing like anyone else: pass a knowledge and vision test, then drive under learner rules. Immigration documents are usually accepted as ID:

• Ontario: a study or work permit is listed as acceptable ID for the G1 test.
• British Columbia: most Government of Canada immigration documents count as primary ID, but you also need secondary ID.
• Saskatchewan: your licence can be set to expire when your immigration documents do.
• Everywhere: bring originals, not copies, and check the current ID list before you go.

Minimum learner stages still apply, so a one-year program may not be long enough to reach the road test. Plan with your province’s timeline in learning to drive in Canada.

Insurance and renting a car as a newcomer

• Driving someone else’s car: the owner’s insurer must know you drive it. Insurers rate each driver separately, and some may treat foreign experience differently. Ask before you drive.
• Bringing a car to BC: students with a vehicle registered and insured in another Canadian province or the US apply for ICBC’s student exemption within 30 days of arriving. The fee is $30, and you need an enrolment letter and proof of insurance.
• Buying a car: you register and insure it in your province. In BC, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, basic insurance comes from the public insurer. See car insurance for new drivers in Canada.
• Renting: rental companies set their own minimum age and licence rules. Check the terms before you book, and carry your IDP if your province expects one.

Common questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit in Canada?

It depends where you are. Ontario requires one for visitors from another country staying over 3 months. Alberta recommends one if your licence is not in English. Get it in your home country before you leave.

Can I drive in Canada on my home licence for my whole degree?

In BC (with a student exemption), Alberta, Saskatchewan and, per SAAQ material, Quebec, generally yes, while you remain a full-time student. In Ontario, the visitor rules apply. Check with your province.

Can I get a G1 in Ontario on a study permit?

Yes. A study permit is on Ontario’s accepted ID list for the knowledge test, and then the normal G1 rules apply.

Will my driving experience from home count?

Sometimes. Countries with an exchange agreement can skip tests, and Ontario now credits up to 12 months for other countries. Bring proof of experience, such as a driving record from home.

Can I drive in the US on my Canadian learner’s licence?

See driving in the US on a Canadian learner or novice licence.

What if I move to another province mid-degree?

Check the student rules in the new province. Your licence stage may be treated differently there: see driving in another province on a learner or novice licence.

Related: new to Ontario, moving to BC, exchanging a foreign licence in Quebec.

Sources

• Government of Ontario, “Drive in Ontario: visitors”, updated 14 May 2021 (ontario.ca)
• Government of Ontario, “Exchange a foreign driver’s licence” and “Official MTO Driver’s Handbook: getting your driver’s licence” (ontario.ca)
• ICBC, “Moving from outside Canada” (icbc.com)
• ICBC, “Moving to B.C.” (icbc.com)
• ICBC, “Insurance for students, military personnel and tourists” (icbc.com)
• Government of Alberta, “Exchange non-Alberta licences” (alberta.ca)
• SGI, “Saskatchewan Driver’s Handbook: driver’s licence” (sgi.sk.ca)
• Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec, “Canadian or foreign student or trainee” and “Valid driver’s licence” (saaq.gouv.qc.ca)
• Government of Prince Edward Island, “Driver’s Handbook”, February 2022 (princeedwardisland.ca)
• Government of the Northwest Territories, “NWT Driver’s Manual” (inf.gov.nt.ca)

Photo: Bull-Doser, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

This guide is for parents and other adults who sit beside a learner driver in Canada. It covers who is allowed to supervise in each province and territory, how much practice to log, and a staged plan from an empty parking lot to night and highway driving. The rules on the supervisor bind you as well as the learner, so check your own licence and alcohol limit first.

Key facts

• Every jurisdiction requires a fully licensed supervisor beside the learner. Most require 2 to 4 years’ driving experience.
• Some provinces set an alcohol limit for the supervisor too: under .05 in Ontario, Manitoba and PEI, and zero in Yukon, the NWT and Newfoundland and Labrador.
• Yukon requires 50 logged practice hours. ICBC suggests at least 60 hours in BC, and SGI recommends at least 36 in Saskatchewan.
• People still in graduated licensing cannot supervise in Alberta, Nova Scotia, Saskatchewan or the NWT.

Who can supervise a learner? Requirements by province

Jurisdiction	Supervisor must have	Supervisor alcohol limit
Ontario (G1)	Full G or higher, at least 4 years’ experience, the only other person in the front seat	Under .05
Quebec	A licence held for at least 2 years	Check with SAAQ
British Columbia (L)	Age 22 or older, a Class 1 to 5 licence, no zero-alcohol restriction	No separate limit is set in the GLP rules; the supervisor’s own licence must not carry a 0 BAC/BDC restriction (Learn to Drive Smart 2026, ch. 9)
Alberta (Class 7)	18 or older, full Class 5 (not GDL), in the front passenger seat	Check with a registry agent; the supervisor must be fully licensed (non-GDL)
Saskatchewan	Valid Class 5 from a Canadian or US jurisdiction held at least 12 months in the last three years, not in GDL, in the front seat and able to take over	Check with SGI
Manitoba (5L)	Class 5F held at least 3 years, in the front seat	Under .05 and must pass a drug screen
Nova Scotia	A regular licence (not graduated), in the front seat	Check with Service Nova Scotia
New Brunswick (Level 1)	Class 5 or higher with 3 years’ experience, in the front seat	Check with Service New Brunswick
Newfoundland and Labrador	At least 4 years’ Class 5 experience, in the front seat	0% BAC
Prince Edward Island (Stage 1)	A valid licence held at least 4 years, in the front seat	Under .05
Yukon	A full-privilege licence for the 2 years immediately before. Practice hours with an unqualified co-driver do not count	Zero alcohol and drugs
Northwest Territories	At least 24 months on a full Class 5	Zero
Nunavut	Check with a Motor Vehicles office	Check with Motor Vehicles

As of November 2026. Where a cell says “check”, confirm the supervisor’s limit with the licensing office. Criminal Code limits apply to anyone in control of a vehicle, so the safest rule is to have no alcohol at all before you supervise. See Canadian graduated licensing compared for the learner’s own curfew and passenger rules.

How many practice hours should a learner log?

Jurisdiction	Hours	Status
Yukon	At least 50	Required before the road test
British Columbia	At least 60	Recommended by ICBC
Saskatchewan	At least 36 (one hour a week over the 9-month learner stage)	Recommended by SGI. Hand the log to the examiner at the road test
Everywhere else	Check with your licensing office	Log anyway: it shows you what is missing

For each session, log the date, the time of day, the road type, the weather and the skills practised. SGI suggests reviewing the log to spot gaps such as night, rain or ice.

A staged practice plan, from parking lot to highway

1. Stage 1: empty parking lot, daylight. Seat, mirrors and belt, starting and smooth stopping, steering, backing up, and signals. SGI’s co-pilot manual says to start here. It also says an automatic car is easier until the rules and basic control are learned.
2. Stage 2: quiet residential streets. Right and left turns, stop signs, scanning intersections, speed control, and parking at the curb.
3. Stage 3: busier town roads. Traffic lights, lane changes with shoulder checks, one-way streets, pedestrians and cyclists, and parallel parking.
4. Stage 4: rural roads and higher speeds. Following distance, passing judgment, gravel shoulders and wildlife. In Ontario, G1 drivers cannot use 400-series highways or high-speed expressways unless the supervisor is a driving instructor.
5. Stage 5: harder conditions. Rain, dusk and night (within your learner curfew), then the first snow on a quiet road. SGI says to add bad weather gradually as skills improve.
6. Stage 6: test-style drives. Plan a route like the road test and stay silent apart from giving directions. Afterwards, go over the faults together.

If the learner is in driver education, ask the instructor what has been taught so far. Teach the same methods. PEI and SGI both warn that teaching differently confuses the learner.

Giving instructions without the stress

• Agree the plan before you start: where you will go, for how long, and the word you will use for “pull over now”.
• Keep it to the two of you, with phones and radio off.
• Give directions early and briefly: “At the next lights, turn left.” New drivers need more time than you to prepare.
• Sit ready to act. SGI suggests sitting where you could grab the wheel, pull the parking brake gradually, shift to neutral or brake.
• Praise more than you criticize, and end each session on something that went well.
• Model what you teach. Wear your belt, keep to the limit and never drive impaired. PEI notes that GDL drivers can be suspended for seatbelt tickets, and can be charged for an unbelted passenger.

When to stop a session

• Either of you is stressed, angry or tired. SGI says learning stops under high stress and carrying on is dangerous.
• Traffic ahead is beyond the learner’s skill. Pull over and swap or wait.
• Weather worsens beyond what you planned for.
• The learner would break a GDL condition, such as the curfew.

Common questions

Can a G2 or N driver supervise a learner?

No. Ontario needs a full G, BC needs age 22 and no zero-alcohol restriction, and Alberta, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia and the NWT exclude anyone in GDL.

Can I supervise with a licence from another country?

Saskatchewan accepts a Canadian or US Class 5. Other provinces generally expect a valid licence recognized there. Check with the licensing office if your licence is foreign.

Do I have to stay sober as a supervisor?

In Ontario, Manitoba and PEI your BAC must be under .05. In Yukon, the NWT and Newfoundland and Labrador it must be zero. Zero is the safe choice everywhere.

Is a driving school better than practising with a parent?

They do different jobs. Lessons teach correct technique, while supervised practice builds hours. PEI’s guide says formal lessons do not replace behind-the-wheel practice.

Can the supervisor sit in the back?

No. Every province that sets the rule requires the supervisor in the front passenger seat.

Can a parent refuse consent for a learner’s licence?

Yes. Applicants under 18 need parental consent. PEI’s guide says parents can withhold it, or withdraw it at any time until 18.

Related: learning to drive in Canada, Ontario G1 rules, BC learner licence rules, Yukon novice drivers and the 50-hour log, winter driving in Canada.

Sources

• Government of Ontario, “Get a G driver’s licence: new drivers” (ontario.ca)
• ICBC, “Learn to Drive Smart, Chapter 9: your licence” (icbc.com)
• Government of Alberta, “Class 7 learner’s licence” (alberta.ca)
• SGI, “A guide to supervising new drivers: The co-pilot’s manual 2026-27” (sgi.sk.ca)
• Manitoba Public Insurance, “Driver’s Handbook: Graduated Driver Licensing” (apps.mpi.mb.ca)
• Service Nova Scotia, “Learner’s (Beginner’s) Licence” (novascotia.ca)
• Government of New Brunswick, “Graduated licences” (gnb.ca)
• Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, “Graduated Driver Licensing Program” (gov.nl.ca)
• Government of Prince Edward Island, Highway Safety Division, “Co-pilot: A Guide for Parents and Guardians of New Drivers”, January 2023 (princeedwardisland.ca)
• Government of Yukon, “Get a driver’s licence” (yukon.ca)
• Government of the Northwest Territories, “NWT Driver’s Manual” (inf.gov.nt.ca)
• Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec, “Accompanying rider guide” (saaq.gouv.qc.ca)
• Government of Nunavut, “Apply for a driver’s licence” (gov.nu.ca)

Photo: Adam Moss, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

How many questions are on the learner’s test in Canada? It depends on the province. British Columbia asks 50 questions, Alberta 30, and Nova Scotia and the Northwest Territories 20 rules plus 20 signs. For several provinces, check the question count with the licensing office. This table compares every province and territory on question count, pass mark, retest rules and languages, using official pages only.

Key facts

• Pass marks published by governments range from 80% (Ontario, Nova Scotia, NWT, Nunavut, Yukon, BC) to 85% (Newfoundland and Labrador).
• Several jurisdictions mark the signs and rules sections separately. In Nova Scotia and the NWT, a high score on one part cannot make up for a low score on the other. Nunavut also marks its parts separately.
• BC and Newfoundland and Labrador let you take the test online. New Brunswick offers an online option too.
• For Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Quebec, New Brunswick and PEI, check the question count and pass mark with the licensing office when you book.

Knowledge test format by province and territory

Jurisdiction	Questions	Pass mark	Retest rule	Online?
Ontario (G1)	Check with DriveTest; two or three sections (signs, rules)	80% overall	Within a year you redo only failed sections	No, at a DriveTest centre
British Columbia	50	40 correct	$15 per test; check retest timing with ICBC	Yes, with webcam, or at an office
Alberta (Class 7)	30	25 correct	Once per day, fee each attempt	No, at a registry agent
Quebec (SAAQ)	Check with SAAQ; three sections	Check with SAAQ	Wait at least 28 days	No, at an SAAQ service centre
Manitoba	Check with MPI; 30-minute limit	Check with MPI	7 days in GDL	No
Saskatchewan	Check with SGI; Basic part and Sign part	Check with SGI	Once per day; rewrite only the failed part; passes valid one year	No
Nova Scotia	20 rules + 20 signs	16 on each part	Fail one part and you retake only that part (online, straight away; in person, next day)	No
New Brunswick	Check with Service New Brunswick; rules and sign recognition	Check with Service New Brunswick	Wait 1 day, then 1 week; after a third fail, in person only	Yes, or in person
Newfoundland and Labrador	Check with Motor Registration	85%	Check with Motor Registration	Yes, in English, through MyGovNL
Prince Edward Island	Check with Access PEI; rules and sign recognition	Check with Access PEI	Wait at least 7 days, no extra fee	No
Yukon	Check with Yukon Driver Services	80%	As early as the next day ($20 each)	No
Northwest Territories	20 rules + 20 signs, 30 minutes	16 on each part	Book and pay for a new test	No
Nunavut	At least 20, including sign identification	80%	Rewrite only the part you failed	No

As of November 2026. Formats change, so confirm when you book.

Which languages can you take the test in?

Jurisdiction	Languages and support
Ontario	Many languages; paper at all DriveTest centres, computer at some
British Columbia	12: English, French, Arabic, Cantonese, Croatian, Farsi, Mandarin, Punjabi, Russian, Spanish, Ukrainian, Vietnamese
Alberta	Class 7 in 25 languages, including Cree, Somali, Oromo, Amharic, Tagalog and Punjabi. Audio and oral tests are available. A translator is possible after three attempts, or straight away if your language is not offered
Quebec	French or English, with audio. New residents can ask for Modern Standard Arabic, Spanish or Mandarin
Manitoba	English, French and 28 other languages, with audio
Nova Scotia	Oral tests by special appointment
Newfoundland and Labrador	Online in English. French and Ukrainian at Motor Registration offices. Interpreters only with Registrar approval
PEI	Oral test available if you cannot read the written test
Other jurisdictions	Ask the licensing office when you book

What every knowledge test in Canada covers

• Signs and signals: shapes, colours, regulatory, warning, school, construction and guide signs, and traffic lights.
• Rules of the road: right of way, speed limits, passing, parking distances, school buses, emergency vehicles, railway crossings.
• Your licence: GDL conditions, demerit points or rating scales, and zero alcohol.
• Safe driving: following distance, winter conditions, impairment and distraction.

The questions come from your province’s own handbook, so study that book, not another province’s. Where you cannot confirm the count, know the whole handbook rather than aiming for a minimum score.

How to use separate-part marking to your advantage

1. In Nova Scotia and the NWT, practise signs and rules as two separate tests. A weak signs score fails you even with perfect rules answers.
2. In Saskatchewan, a fail on one part only means rewriting that part, so do not panic after a bad section.
3. In Ontario, a pass needs 80% overall. If you fail, retry within a year and you only redo the sections you failed.
4. Learn the numbers each handbook loves: default speed limits, school bus stopping distances, parking distances and your GDL limits.

Common questions

How many questions are on the G1 test?

Check the question count with DriveTest. It says the test has two or three sections and needs 80% overall. See the Ontario G1 knowledge test.

Which province has the hardest learner’s test?

Newfoundland and Labrador has the highest published pass mark at 85%. BC’s 50 questions make it the longest published test.

Can I take my learner’s test online at home?

In BC, yes, on a webcam-monitored computer. Newfoundland and Labrador and New Brunswick also offer online tests. Everywhere else you test in person.

Can I take the test in my first language?

Often. Alberta offers 25 languages and Manitoba 30. Quebec’s choice is narrower. Check the table above.

Do I also need a vision test?

Yes. Every jurisdiction screens your vision when you apply for a learner’s licence.

If I move provinces, do I retake the knowledge test?

Usually not for a full licence, which exchanges. Learner’s licences are treated differently. See exchanging an out-of-province licence.

Related: learning to drive in Canada, ICBC knowledge test, Alberta Class 7 knowledge test, Nova Scotia learner’s test, cost of a licence in Canada.

Sources

• Government of Ontario, “Get a G driver’s licence: new drivers” (ontario.ca)
• DriveTest, “G1 knowledge test” (drivetest.ca)
• ICBC, “Preparing for your driver licensing tests”, form MV2022 (icbc.com)
• ICBC, “Take the online knowledge test” (icbc.com)
• Government of Alberta, “Driver’s knowledge test” (alberta.ca)
• Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec, “Preparing for the tests” (saaq.gouv.qc.ca)
• Manitoba Public Insurance, “What you need to know about driver testing” and “Class Licence System” (mpi.mb.ca)
• SGI, “Saskatchewan Driver’s Handbook 2026-27” (sgi.sk.ca)
• Service Nova Scotia, “Learner’s (Beginner’s) Licence” (novascotia.ca)
• Service New Brunswick, “Knowledge test” (snb.ca)
• Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, Motor Registration Division, “Licence application process” (gov.nl.ca)
• Government of Prince Edward Island, “Driver’s Handbook”, February 2022 (princeedwardisland.ca)
• Government of Yukon, “Get a driver’s licence” (yukon.ca)
• Government of the Northwest Territories, “NWT Driver’s Manual” (inf.gov.nt.ca)
• Government of Nunavut, “Driver’s Licence Regulations” and “Nunavut Driver’s Manual” (gov.nu.ca)

Photo: Raysonho, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

This guide answers how much it costs to get a driver’s licence in Canada, province by province. Government fees for the tests and licence are usually a few hundred dollars or less in total. The big costs are lessons, any mandatory course, and the insurance you pay once you drive. The fees below are official figures, so check each one with the licensing office before you pay.

Key facts

• Knowledge test fees range from $12 (Manitoba) to $47 (Northwest Territories), as of November 2026.
• Most provinces charge again for every retest, and most charge a fee if you miss a road test without notice.
• Driver education is mandatory only in Quebec and Saskatchewan. Elsewhere it is optional, but it can shorten your learner stage.
• Insurance is the largest ongoing cost. See car insurance for new drivers in Canada.

Driver’s licence fees by province and territory

Jurisdiction	Knowledge test	Learner licence	Road test(s)	Notes
Ontario	Part of the $159.75 G1 package. Retest $16.00	Part of the G1 package (which also covers the G2 road test and a 5-year licence)	G2 retest $53.75; G road test $91.25	DriveTest figures dated 2019. Cancel a road test 48 hours ahead or you lose the fee
British Columbia	$15 (online or in office)	$10 (Class 7L photo licence)	Listed on ICBC’s fees page	$25 fee if you miss a road test without 48 hours’ notice or a valid reason
Alberta	Paid at a registry agent for each attempt	Registry fee	Paid at a registry agent	Registry agents set their own charges. Ask for the total when you book
Quebec	See SAAQ rates	See SAAQ rates	$32.00 (2024 SAAQ table)	The probationary licence is listed at $58.10 for 24 months. SAAQ fees are indexed each year
Manitoba	$12	$20 a year plus a base driver premium of up to $45	$35 (Class 5)	MPI class licence chart, October 2026
Saskatchewan	$25 written (SGI 2017 schedule; check the current fee with SGI)	Check with SGI	$55 road test (SGI 2017 schedule; check the current fee with SGI)	Each failed road test is paid for again
Nova Scotia	$15.03	$25.10	$52.54	Handbook $9.75. First Class 5N licence $66.95
New Brunswick	$25 plus HST first attempt; $15 a rewrite	Check with Service New Brunswick	$25 plus HST per attempt	Service New Brunswick
Newfoundland and Labrador	Check with Motor Registration	$60 (Class 5I)	$78 (Class 5)	Fees policy dated 21 December 2023. Pay at least 24 hours before the road test
Prince Edward Island	Check with Access PEI	Check with Access PEI	Check with Access PEI	No extra fee to rewrite the knowledge test after 7 days
Yukon	$20 per attempt	Check with Motor Vehicles	$20	Retest the knowledge test as early as the next day
Northwest Territories	$47 (Class 7, signs test included). Confirm the fee with Driver and Vehicle Services, as a second, lower fee schedule is also shown	Check with Driver and Vehicle Services	$47 (Class 5)	Book and pay in advance
Nunavut	$30 (Class 5, 6 or 7 exam)	Licence: $70 for 5 years	Check with Motor Vehicles	Driver’s Licence Regulations, Schedule E

All figures are as of November 2026 unless a date is shown.

Driving course costs: mandatory vs optional

Province	Course	Required?	What it does
Quebec	Road Safety Education Program at a recognized school (24 hours of theory, 15 in-car sessions)	Yes	Needed before your learner’s licence and the road test. Schools set their own prices
Saskatchewan	High school program (30 h in class, 6 h in car) or SGI-certified instructor (6 h plus 6 h)	Yes, before the Class 5 road test	Proof is checked at the road test
Ontario	Approved beginner driver education (BDE)	No	Can cut the G1 wait from 12 to 8 months. Any insurance discount is up to the insurer
British Columbia	ICBC-approved GLP course	No	Taken as a learner, it can cut the N stage from 24 to 18 months for under-25s with a clean record
Alberta	Licensed Class 5 driver training (at least 15 h class, 10 h in car for learners)	No	May lower insurance rates and shorten the probationary stage
Nova Scotia	Class 5 driver education (25 h theory, 10 h driving)	No	Cuts the learner wait from 12 to 9 months

Course prices are set by schools, not governments, and they vary widely. Get a written breakdown before you sign up. In Alberta, a school must give you its rates, hours and refund policy in writing on request: see Alberta driving lessons: the full price and refund policy.

Retest and missed-appointment fees

• Ontario: no refund if you cancel a road test less than 48 hours before it.
• British Columbia: $25 if you miss a road test without 48 hours’ notice or a valid reason.
• Manitoba: after three failed road tests you need 5 hours of professional lessons, which you pay the school for.
• Everywhere: a failed test is paid for again. Turning up with a car that fails the vehicle check usually costs you the test as well. Check the road test car checklist.

Budget example: a Nova Scotia learner

A worked example using official Nova Scotia fees (as of November 2026), with one failed road test:

Item	Cost
Knowledge test receipt	$15.03
Learner’s licence	$25.10
Road test receipt, first attempt	$52.54
Road test receipt, second attempt	$52.54
First Class 5N licence	$66.95
Government fees total	$212.16

Add your own lesson quotes, the cost of driver education if you choose it, and insurance. Passing first time saves the second road test fee and weeks of waiting.

Common questions

What is the cheapest province to get a licence in?

You get your licence where you live, so this is not really a choice. Government fees are a small part of the total. Lessons and insurance cost far more.

Is driving school required in Canada?

Only in Quebec and Saskatchewan. Elsewhere it is optional, but it can shorten your learner stage in several provinces.

Do I pay again if I fail?

Yes, in every province. Some also make you wait before retesting.

Why are Ontario fees not on ontario.ca?

Ontario points to DriveTest’s fee list. Check it before you go.

Does the licence fee include insurance?

Only in Manitoba, where the licence charge includes a driver premium that changes with your Driver Safety Rating. Vehicle insurance is separate everywhere.

Related: learning to drive in Canada, knowledge tests compared across Canada, Quebec’s mandatory driving course, SGI mandatory driver education.

Sources

• Government of Ontario, “Get a G driver’s licence: new drivers” (ontario.ca)
• DriveTest, “Fees” (drivetest.ca)
• ICBC, “Preparing for your driver licensing tests: Passenger vehicles Class 5 and 7”, form MV2022 (icbc.com)
• Government of Alberta, “Driver’s knowledge test” (alberta.ca)
• Government of Alberta, “Class 5 driver training” (alberta.ca)
• Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec, “Rates” (saaq.gouv.qc.ca)
• Manitoba Public Insurance, “Class Licence System” (apps.mpi.mb.ca)
• SGI, “Saskatchewan Driver’s Handbook 2026-27” and “Auto Fund Administrative Fee Changes”, December 2016 (sgi.sk.ca)
• Service Nova Scotia, “Learner’s (Beginner’s) Licence” (novascotia.ca)
• Service Nova Scotia, “Newly Licensed Driver” (novascotia.ca)
• Service New Brunswick, “Graduated licences” (gnb.ca)
• Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, Motor Registration Division, “Fees policy”, 21 December 2023 (gov.nl.ca)
• Government of Prince Edward Island, “Instruction permit” (princeedwardisland.ca)
• Government of Yukon, “Get a driver’s licence” (yukon.ca)
• Government of the Northwest Territories, Driver and Vehicle Services (gov.nt.ca)
• Government of Nunavut, “Driver’s Licence Regulations, Schedule E” (gov.nu.ca)

Photo: Wiki.cullin, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

This guide is for new Canadian drivers and the parents who insure them. It covers who sells car insurance in each province, whether a learner has to be on the policy, and why your driving record changes the price. It also lists the legal ways to keep premiums down. Four provinces run a public insurer. Everywhere else, you buy insurance from private companies.

Key facts

• Public auto insurers: ICBC in British Columbia, SGI in Saskatchewan and MPI in Manitoba. Quebec’s SAAQ covers bodily injury only.
• In BC, learners on your policy do not change your Basic premium. A separate learner premium applies instead.
• Insurers price each driver by experience and record, so list every regular driver truthfully.
• Tickets cost twice for new drivers: once in GDL penalties, then again in higher premiums or driver charges.

Which provinces have public car insurance?

Province	Who provides compulsory cover	What the public plan covers
British Columbia	ICBC (Autoplan, sold through brokers)	Basic insurance through ICBC. Optional cover is also available
Saskatchewan	SGI (plate insurance, bought with your registration)	Damage to your vehicle from a collision or events such as hail, fire or theft (deductible applies), $200,000 liability, and injury cover (No Fault or Tort, your choice)
Manitoba	MPI (Basic Autopac)	Physical damage, third-party liability, and the no-fault Personal Injury Protection Plan
Quebec	SAAQ for injuries; private insurers for property damage	The SAAQ covers bodily injury whatever the fault. Owners must buy at least $50,000 of civil liability cover from a private insurer
Ontario, Alberta, Atlantic provinces, territories	Private insurers, through agents or brokers	Set by your policy and provincial law. Ontario’s handbook says every registered vehicle must be insured

In the public provinces you can buy extra cover. In Saskatchewan, extension cover can raise liability above the $200,000 minimum, cover rentals and lower your deductible. Manitoba says its Extension products are optional and can be bought from any insurance provider in the province.

Does a learner driver need to be on the insurance?

Usually, yes. Insurers want to know everyone who regularly drives the car.

• British Columbia: ICBC asks you to list learner drivers. Learners have no driver factor, so they do not affect your Basic premium. One learner premium covers every learner who uses the car, and the amount depends on where you live. A crash caused by a learner does not go on the learner’s driving record. Driving experience only starts to build once they get their N.
• Everywhere else: how learners are rated depends on the insurer, and some may not charge until the road test is passed. Tell your insurer as soon as a household member gets a learner’s licence. Ask in writing whether they are covered and what it costs.

What if a regular driver is not listed?

ICBC requires you to list all regular drivers, including household members. That means anyone who drove the vehicle on 12 or more days in the past 12 months. If an unlisted regular driver causes a crash, the owner can be charged a one-time Unlisted Driver Accident Premium. In 2020, ICBC capped the Basic portion at $5,000, and the Optional portion has its own cap. Check the current figure with an Autoplan broker. ICBC says the charge exists so that customers do not choose to leave higher-risk drivers off their policy.

Fronting: why you should never do it

Fronting means insuring a car in a parent’s name as the main driver when the teen really drives it most. It can look like a cheap way to insure a new driver, but it gives the insurer false information about who drives the car. If that comes out after a claim, the policyholder pays the consequences. The legal way to save is to list the new driver correctly and use the discounts below.

How tickets and the GDL record raise the cost

Province	System	What it means for a new driver
British Columbia	Penalty points, Driver Penalty Point premium, Driver Risk Premium	4 or more points in a 12-month period brings a premium bill. The bill is separate from Autoplan, so you pay it even without a car. Serious convictions (excessive speeding, two device tickets, Criminal Code driving offences) can trigger the Driver Risk Premium
Manitoba	Driver Safety Rating (DSR)	New drivers start at base. Each clean year moves you up the scale and lowers your premiums. A phone conviction moves you down 5 levels
Saskatchewan	Safe Driver Recognition (SDR)	Your rating changes your vehicle insurance discount. Below zero you pay $50 a point, up to $1,000 per incident
Private-insurer provinces	Insurer rating	Insurers look at your driving record and experience. Each ticket and at-fault claim usually raises your premium at renewal

The insurance cost is on top of your GDL penalties, which are listed in Canadian graduated licensing compared.

Legal ways for new drivers to lower premiums

1. Take approved driver training. Alberta says completing licensed Class 5 driver training may qualify you for lower insurance rates. Ontario leaves any discount for its beginner course to the insurer. Get quotes with and without the course before you pay for it.
2. Keep a clean record. In BC, Manitoba and Saskatchewan, a clean record builds directly into discounts.
3. Drive less if you can. ICBC offers a discount if the vehicle is driven under 15,000 km a year.
4. Choose the vehicle carefully. ICBC says a vehicle’s make, model, repair costs and safety or anti-theft features affect optional premiums.
5. Raise the deductible. A higher deductible lowers the premium. Only do it if you could afford to pay that amount after a crash.
6. Ask about every discount in writing. In the private provinces, insurers set their own discounts. Telematics (usage-based) programs are offered by some insurers, so ask before you buy.

Common questions

Do I need my own policy as a learner?

Usually not. Learners normally drive a car someone else has insured and are listed on that policy. In BC, the owner adds a learner premium.

Will my parents’ premium go up when I pass my road test?

Often, yes, because you become a rated driver with little experience. In BC, experience starts to count from the N licence.

Can I drive a friend’s car as a learner?

Only if your learner conditions are met and the car is properly insured for you to drive. Ask the owner to check with their insurer before you drive it.

Is car insurance cheaper in public-insurance provinces?

Rates are set differently, so no simple comparison is possible. Get a quote for your own vehicle and driver.

Does a learner’s crash go on their record in BC?

No. ICBC says crashes caused by learners do not go on the learner’s driving record. The policyholder’s premiums can still be affected.

I am a new driver. What is the single biggest saving?

A clean record. One conviction can wipe out years of discounts in Manitoba’s and Saskatchewan’s systems.

Related: learning to drive in Canada, cost of getting a licence in Canada, BC penalty points and Driver Risk Premium, Manitoba Driver Safety Rating, SGI Safe Driver Recognition.

Sources

• ICBC, “Listing a Learner on your policy” (icbc.com)
• ICBC, “What determines insurance costs?” (icbc.com)
• ICBC, “Drivers, experience and crash history” (icbc.com)
• ICBC, “Customers urged to list drivers on their insurance policy”, 9 July 2020 (icbc.com)
• SGI, “Saskatchewan Driver’s Handbook: vehicle registration” (sgi.sk.ca)
• SGI, “Saskatchewan Driver’s Handbook 2026-27” (sgi.sk.ca)
• Manitoba Public Insurance, “Guide to Autopac” (mpi.mb.ca)
• Manitoba Public Insurance, “Driver’s Handbook” (apps.mpi.mb.ca)
• Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec, “Québec’s Public Automobile Insurance Plan in Brief” (saaq.gouv.qc.ca)
• Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec, “Liability Insurance for property damage” (saaq.gouv.qc.ca)
• Government of Ontario, “Official MTO Driver’s Handbook: vehicle insurance and registration” (ontario.ca)
• Government of Alberta, “Class 5 driver training” (alberta.ca)

Photo: Ken Lund, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

If you are a new driver anywhere in Canada, the legal amount of alcohol in your blood when you drive is zero. Most provinces also set zero for drugs, including cannabis. Penalties come in two layers. Your province can suspend your licence at the roadside for any detectable alcohol. The federal Criminal Code applies to every driver at 80 mg of alcohol per 100 mL of blood, or at set THC levels. This guide explains both layers and what a single mistake costs a learner or novice in each province.

Key facts

• Criminal Code limits for every driver, measured within two hours of driving: 80 mg of alcohol per 100 mL of blood; 2 to 5 ng of THC per mL (the less serious offence); 5 ng or more (the more serious offence); or 50 mg of alcohol plus 2.5 ng of THC combined.
• Minimum penalty for a first Criminal Code conviction: a $1,000 fine, rising to $1,500 or $2,000 at higher alcohol readings. Second offence: 30 days in jail. Third: 120 days.
• Police can demand a breath sample from any lawfully stopped driver, without suspecting you have been drinking.
• For new drivers, provincial penalties start at any detectable amount: for example 7 days’ suspension in Ontario, 6 months in Nova Scotia, and a year in New Brunswick.

Federal law: the Criminal Code limits

Offence (within 2 hours of driving)	1st offence minimum	2nd	3rd
Alcohol 80 to 119 mg per 100 mL	$1,000 fine	30 days’ jail	120 days’ jail
Alcohol 120 to 159 mg	$1,500 fine	30 days’ jail	120 days’ jail
Alcohol 160 mg or more	$2,000 fine	30 days’ jail	120 days’ jail
THC 5 ng/mL or more, or alcohol and THC combined	$1,000 fine	30 days’ jail	120 days’ jail
Refusing a breath or blood demand	$2,000 fine	30 days’ jail	120 days’ jail
THC 2 to under 5 ng/mL	Maximum $1,000 fine	Maximum $1,000 fine	Maximum $1,000 fine

Maximums: 10 years for impaired driving; 14 years for causing bodily harm (on indictment); life for causing death. You can be charged with impaired driving without reaching any number. BC’s guide notes police can act if your ability is affected by alcohol or drugs, even below .08 or 2 ng of THC.

Licence suspensions after a Criminal Code conviction

• Ontario: at least 1 year (first conviction), at least 3 years (second within 10 years), lifetime (third within 10 years, possibly reduced after 10 years), lifetime with no reduction (fourth).
• British Columbia: prohibition of 1 to 3 years (first), 2 to 5 years (second), 3 years to lifetime (third).
• Prince Edward Island: licence cancelled and disqualified for 1 year (first), 3 years (second), 5 years (third or later).
• Northwest Territories: at least one year’s prohibition. A criminal record stays for at least 10 years and can affect travel abroad.

Zero tolerance: what happens to a new driver caught with any alcohol

Jurisdiction	Who it covers	Penalty for any alcohol (first time)
Ontario	All drivers 21 and under; all G1, G2, M1, M2 (alcohol and drugs)	Immediate 7-day suspension, $250 penalty, 8-hour education course. If convicted: a fine of $60 to $1,000 and a further 30 or 90-day suspension, or cancellation of the licence
Quebec	Learner and probationary holders of any age; all drivers under 22	Immediate 90-day suspension. If convicted: 4 demerit points (the full threshold for a learner or probationary licence) and a fine of $300 to $600 (check current figures with SAAQ)
British Columbia	L, N, and the first 12 months of Class 5 after the Driving Record Assessment (alcohol and drugs)	Possible roadside suspension or prohibition, fine, penalty points and impoundment. A prohibition in the N stage resets the clock to zero.
Saskatchewan	“New drivers”: 21 and under, learners, Novice 1 and 2, no licence in last 5 years, and more. Zero drugs for every driver.	60-day roadside suspension, vehicle impoundment and a required Driving Without Impairment program. Escalates to 120 days, then 18 months.
Nova Scotia	Learners and newly licensed drivers	6-month suspension. The two-year newly licensed period starts over.
New Brunswick	Drivers in the graduated period (alcohol and drugs)	One-year suspension. You restart graduated licensing with no credit for tests or courses.
Newfoundland and Labrador	Level I and II	Immediate roadside suspension of 2 months (4 for a second offence, 6 for a third), plus an Alcohol Education Program. You restart your level.
Prince Edward Island	All GDL stages; all drivers under 22, even after leaving graduated licensing	24-hour roadside suspension plus a 90-day administrative prohibition
Northwest Territories	GDL drivers and anyone under 22	Automatic 30-day suspension
Alberta	Class 7 and Class 5-GDL	IRS ZERO Novice: immediate 30-day licence suspension, 7-day vehicle seizure, $200 fine plus 20 per cent victim fine surcharge (Driver’s Guide, p. 112; alberta.ca, “Impaired driving penalties”)
Manitoba	Learners and novices, and the first 36 months of a full licence	Immediate 24-hour roadside suspension, a possible further suspension and a reinstatement charge (MPI Driver’s Handbook)
Yukon	Learners (and their co-driver) and novices	Possible immediate suspension and impound, and your graduated licensing clock resets to zero (Yukon Driver’s Basic Handbook, p. 139)
Nunavut	Learners and novices	30-day roadside suspension. Check the other penalties with Nunavut Motor Vehicles

Warn-range suspensions for experienced drivers

Once you leave zero tolerance, provinces still suspend drivers below the Criminal Code limit:

• Ontario (0.05 to 0.079): 7 days for a first offence, 14 days for a second, 30 days for a third. At 0.08 or more, or for refusing a test, an immediate 90-day suspension, 7-day vehicle impoundment and a $550 penalty.
• Saskatchewan (over .04 to .08): applies to experienced drivers (22 and over, out of GDL). Roadside suspension of 3 days for a first offence, 21 for a second, 90 for a third. A criminal impaired charge brings an indefinite roadside suspension until the case is resolved.
• Prince Edward Island (over .05 to .08): 24 hours for a first offence, 30 days for a second within 24 months, 90 days for a third. An impaired driving charge brings a 90-day administrative driving prohibition.
• Northwest Territories: fully licensed drivers over 50 mg may face charges under territorial law. Over 80 mg brings Criminal Code charges. Driving while suspended: 5 demerit points, a 30-day vehicle seizure and fines of at least $345.

Ignition interlock

Many provinces require an alcohol-sensing device that stops the car from starting if you have been drinking.

• Ontario: six months of ignition interlock after a third offence under its young and novice driver penalties.
• Saskatchewan: mandatory after repeat new-driver suspensions.
• Northwest Territories: drivers convicted under the Criminal Code can apply for an early return to driving with an interlock. The car won’t start at 30 mg or more. A reading of 20 to 29 mg records a warning.

Cannabis, prescription drugs and new drivers

• Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Yukon and Nunavut all set zero drugs for new drivers. Saskatchewan sets zero drugs for everyone.
• BC’s zero blood drug concentration covers THC and other listed drugs. Any trace can bring a GLP penalty.
• Prescription and over-the-counter medicines can impair you too, and handbooks (BC, Saskatchewan, PEI) warn that combining them with alcohol is especially dangerous.

What one charge costs a learner

An Ontario G2 driver, aged 19, is stopped and blows a reading above zero. Immediately: a 7-day suspension, a $250 penalty and an 8-hour education course. If convicted: a fine of $60 to $1,000 and a further suspension, or cancellation of the novice licence. A reinstatement fee applies each time a licence is suspended. The same reading in New Brunswick would mean a one-year suspension and restarting graduated licensing from the beginning.

Common questions

Can I have one drink if I’m a novice driver?

No. Learners and novices must be at zero in every province and territory. In Ontario, Saskatchewan, Quebec, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island and the Northwest Territories, zero alcohol also lasts until your 22nd birthday, even after you leave graduated licensing.

What is the legal limit in Canada?

The Criminal Code limit is 80 mg of alcohol per 100 mL of blood (0.08). Provinces also suspend licences at lower levels: 0.05 in Ontario and Prince Edward Island, and over 0.04 in Saskatchewan.

Can police breathalyze me without a reason?

Yes. Under federal law, police can demand a breath sample from any driver they have lawfully stopped, with no suspicion needed. Refusing carries a minimum $2,000 fine.

How long does a THC reading count?

The federal limits apply to the level in your blood within two hours of driving. THC can stay in your system long after you stop feeling high. For a zero-drug new driver, any detectable amount can bring a penalty.

Does an impaired driving charge reset my graduated licence?

Often, yes. A prohibition resets BC’s N stage. New Brunswick restarts you with no credit. Nova Scotia restarts the two-year wait, and Newfoundland and Labrador makes you restart your level.

Province detail: Saskatchewan zero tolerance, zero alcohol in Quebec until 22, Alberta immediate roadside sanctions, NWT impaired driving and ignition interlock. Rules by stage: Canadian graduated licensing compared. National overview: learning to drive in Canada.

Sources

• Department of Justice Canada, “Impaired Driving Laws” (justice.gc.ca)
• Department of Justice Canada, “Frequently Asked Questions: Drug-Impaired Driving Laws” (justice.gc.ca)
• Government of Ontario, “Impaired driving” (ontario.ca)
• Government of Ontario, “Get a G driver’s licence: new drivers” (ontario.ca)
• ICBC, “Learn to Drive Smart, Chapter 9: Your licence” (icbc.com)
• ICBC, “Graduated Licensing Program changes” (icbc.com)
• SGI, “Saskatchewan Driver’s Handbook”, Chapters 7 and 8 (sgi.sk.ca)
• SAAQ, “First Driver’s Licence” and Module 10 “Alcohol and Drugs” (saaq.gouv.qc.ca)
• Service Nova Scotia, “Learner’s Licence” and “Newly Licensed Driver” (novascotia.ca)
• Government of New Brunswick, “Graduated drivers’ licences” (gnb.ca)
• Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, “Graduated Driver Licencing Program” (gov.nl.ca)
• Government of Prince Edward Island, “Prince Edward Island Driver’s Handbook” and GDL information booklet (princeedwardisland.ca)
• Government of the Northwest Territories, “NWT Driver’s Manual”, Chapter 9 (inf.gov.nt.ca)
• Manitoba Public Insurance, “Driver’s Handbook: Graduated Driver Licensing” (apps.mpi.mb.ca)
• Government of Alberta, “Class 7 learner’s licence” (alberta.ca)
• Government of Yukon, “Get a driver’s licence” and “Driver’s Basic Handbook” (yukon.ca)
• Government of Alberta, “Impaired driving penalties” and “Alberta Driver’s Guide”, Spring 2023 (alberta.ca)