Photo: Sebastian Kasten, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
A Nunavut restricted driver’s licence limits where you can drive. A B endorsement means you may drive in Nunavut only. A G endorsement means you may drive only within 100 km of your home community. It suits residents who will only ever drive in and around their own community. This page explains how it works, how it differs from a standard licence, and what to check before choosing one.
Key facts (Nunavut, as of November 2026)
- The Government of Nunavut publishes a separate Restricted Driver’s Manual for this licence.
- B endorsement: driving in Nunavut only.
- G endorsement: driving only within 100 km of your home community (the regulations say “100 km of address on licence”).
- You must obey every endorsement on your licence. Ignoring one can stop the licence from being renewed.
How the restricted licence works under Nunavut law
Section 5 of the Driver’s Licence Regulations allows the Registrar to issue a restricted licence. This applies when an applicant “complies substantially but not completely” with the requirements for a licence. The Registrar marks the limits on the licence using the endorsement codes in Schedule D.
The Government of Nunavut describes the Restricted Driver’s Manual as being for Nunavut residents who want a licence that lets them drive only in Nunavut.
B or G: which restriction you get
| Code | What it means | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| B | Drive in Nunavut only. The consolidated regulations still print this code as “Restricted to N.W.T.”, wording that predates Nunavut’s creation in 1999. The Government of Nunavut describes it as Nunavut only. | Someone who may drive in more than one Nunavut community but not outside the territory |
| G | Drive only within 100 km of the address on your licence | Someone who only drives in and near their home community |
If you move, a G restriction is tied to the address on your licence. Tell the issuing office within 15 days so the licence still matches where you live and drive. The manuals say the change is free, while the fee schedule in the regulations lists $15 (as of November 2026), so ask before you go.
Other endorsements you might see
Restrictions are not only about distance. Schedule D lists other codes the Registrar can add, including:
- A adequate lenses (glasses or contacts required)
- D daylight driving only
- F speed zones of 70 km/h or less
- K automatic transmission required
- H periodic vision test
These can appear on a standard licence too. They are usually linked to vision, medical fitness or the vehicle used on the road test.
Restricted vs standard Nunavut licence
| Restricted (B or G) | Standard Class 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Where you can drive | Nunavut only, or within 100 km of home | Anywhere your licence is recognised |
| Study material | Restricted Driver’s Manual | Nunavut Driver’s Manual |
| Driving outside Nunavut | Not allowed | Allowed |
The Restricted Driver’s Manual describes the same three checks: a written test (rules and signs), a vision test and a road test, with at least 4 weeks of practice first for a new driver. Ask Nunavut Motor Vehicles or your Government Liaison Officer how the restricted papers differ from the standard ones before you apply.
Should you choose a restricted licence?
- Yes, if you only drive locally, for example to work, the store or the land trail access points in your community.
- Think twice if you plan to study, work or travel in the south. You cannot drive there on a B or G licence and would need to upgrade.
- Ask Motor Vehicles how to remove a restriction later, and which tests you would need to take.
Common questions
Can I drive in Ottawa or Yellowknife with a Nunavut restricted licence?
No. A B endorsement limits you to Nunavut, and a G endorsement limits you to within 100 km of your home address.
Does the 100 km count by road or straight line?
The regulations say “100 km of address on licence” without defining the measurement. Check with Nunavut Motor Vehicles if you are near the limit.
Is the restricted licence a learner’s licence?
No. Class 7 is the learner’s licence. A restricted licence is a licence with conditions printed on it.
Do the zero-tolerance rules still apply?
Yes, if you are a minor or hold a learner’s or probationary licence. Any alcohol or detectable drug can mean a 30-day roadside suspension under the Traffic Safety Act.
What happens if I ignore an endorsement?
You must comply with every endorsement. The Registrar can refuse to renew your licence if you have not.
Start with the full guide: learning to drive in Nunavut. Related: Nunavut written knowledge test and road test and driving in Iqaluit and Nunavut communities.
Sources
- Government of Nunavut, “Driver’s Licence Regulations, Consolidation of” with amendments R-042-2018, R-041-2021 and R-008-2025 (nunavutlegislation.ca)
- Government of Nunavut, “Driver’s Manuals” (gov.nu.ca)
- Government of Nunavut, “Restricted Driver’s Manual” (gov.nu.ca)
- Government of Nunavut, “Traffic Safety Act, Consolidation of” (nunavutlegislation.ca)