Photo: Gabriel Picard, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Yes, a driving course is mandatory in Quebec: you cannot get a Class 5 learner’s licence or book the SAAQ road test without it. The Road Safety Education Program has 24 hours of theory in 12 two-hour modules and 15 in-car sessions, spread over four phases. This page explains what happens in each phase, when you get your learner’s licence, and what to ask a school about price. It is part of the Quebec learner driver guide.
Key facts
- Theory: 12 modules of 2 hours each (24 hours), each with an online self-study part.
- Practice: 15 in-car sessions with an instructor.
- Phase 1 lasts at least 28 days and ends with the Module 5 evaluation at your school.
- Passing Module 5 lets you get your learner’s licence from the SAAQ.
- You can register before you turn 16 to complete the theory.
The four phases of the Quebec driving course
Theory modules and in-car sessions alternate. You move through the phases in order.
| Phase | Name | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Prerequisite for a learner’s licence | Modules 1 to 4 (theory only), then Module 5, the school’s evaluation. Minimum 28 days. |
| 2 | Guided driving | Starts once you have your learner’s licence. Includes Module 6, Accompanied Driving, and the first in-car sessions on basic manoeuvres. |
| 3 | Semi-guided driving | More complex manoeuvres in varied traffic. Includes Module 10, Alcohol and Drugs. |
| 4 | Semi-guided to independent driving | Advanced manoeuvres and the final in-car session that prepares you for the SAAQ road test. |
What the 15 in-car sessions cover
- Sessions 1 to 4: basic vehicle manoeuvres and safe, cooperative behaviour in simple situations.
- Sessions 5 to 10: more complex manoeuvres in varied environments.
- Sessions 11 to 14: deeper work on manoeuvres.
- Session 15: a summary session that prepares you for the SAAQ road test.
Your instructor carries out formative on-road evaluations during sessions 5, 10 and 15. These do not count as the SAAQ road test, but they show where you stand. Workbook exercises for each session are in the SAAQ’s In-Car Session Workbook.
Module 5: the evaluation that unlocks your learner’s licence
Module 5 is a knowledge evaluation given by your driving school at the end of Phase 1. It checks what you learned in Modules 1 to 4. Pass it, and you can get your learner’s licence from the SAAQ. This is different from the SAAQ knowledge test, which you take later, after at least 10 months on your learner’s licence. See the SAAQ knowledge test guide.
Practising between lessons
The 15 in-car sessions alone will not make you road-test ready. Between sessions, practise with an accompanying rider who has held a valid licence for at least 2 years. The SAAQ’s Accompanying Rider’s Guide gives the rider tips on what to practise at each stage. The rules for these practice drives are in Quebec learner’s licence rules.
How much does a driving course cost in Quebec?
The SAAQ sets the course content but not the price. Each school sets its own fee, so prices vary by school and region. When you compare schools, ask:
- Does the price include all 12 modules and all 15 in-car sessions?
- Is use of the school car for the SAAQ road test included, or extra?
- What do extra in-car lessons cost?
- Are taxes included?
SAAQ test and licence fees are paid separately to the SAAQ.
Common questions
Can I skip the driving course if I am over 18?
No. The course is required for a first Class 5 licence whatever your age. Different rules apply if you already hold a licence from elsewhere: see exchanging a foreign licence in Quebec.
How long does the course take?
Phase 1 takes at least 28 days. The rest is spread over your learner period, which lasts at least 12 months before the road test.
Can I start before I turn 16?
Yes, you can register before 16 to complete the theory. You still need to be 16 for the learner’s licence.
Is the course offered in English?
That depends on the school. Ask before you enrol whether classes, in-car sessions and the Module 5 evaluation are available in English.
Does finishing the course shorten my learner period?
No. You still need 12 months on your learner’s licence before the road test.
Sources
- SAAQ, “Driving Course: Automobile (Passenger Vehicle)” (saaq.gouv.qc.ca)
- SAAQ, “Quick Reference Guide: Obtaining a passenger vehicle driver’s licence (Class 5)” (saaq.gouv.qc.ca)
- SAAQ, “Phase 1, Prerequisite for a Learner’s Licence: Module 5 Evaluation” (saaq.gouv.qc.ca)
- SAAQ, “In-Car Session Workbook” (saaq.gouv.qc.ca)
- SAAQ, “I Drive My Own Life: Driver’s Licence, Automobile” (saaq.gouv.qc.ca)
- SAAQ, “Accompanying Rider’s Guide: passenger vehicle” (saaq.gouv.qc.ca)