The New Brunswick graduated license program was developed by the New Brunswick Department of Public Safety, to help ensure the safe integration of new drivers onto New Brunswick roads & highways. It is a three stage process, which at minimum can take 24 months to complete. During this time period all new NB drivers develop strong road awareness and driving skills that help maintain the safety of all New Brunswick road users. A similar New Brunswick motorcycle graduated license program is also in place.
Our team at ICanDrive.ca have put together a solid road map to help NB car license seekers work their way through all three levels: the NB learners license (Class 7 Level 1), the NB driver's license Class 7 level 2, and finally the New Brunswick Class 5 licensing levels.
Choose your licence level to get started
Getting Your New Brunswick Driving Licence
The New Brunswick graduated license process - step-by-step
While a minimum 24 month driver licensing process may seem long, in reality, this time is for new New Brunswick drivers to practice and learn all of the important driving skills necessary to drive a vehicle safely. By gradually working through the different experience levels of the New Brunswick graduated license program, new drivers methodically build their confidence, driving skills and experience, and ensure that everyone is safer on New Brunswick's roadways.
Class 7 level 1 + Class 7 level 2 --> Class 5
Getting Your New Brunswick Class 7 Level 1 Licence
Get your New Brunswick Class 7 Level 1 licence and start your licensing journey
The first step in the New Brunswick graduated license program is to pass a written test, which assesses your knowledge of New Brunswick road signs and road rules. This licensing stage is all theory based and helps drivers understand the fundamentals behind driving before they get behind the wheel of a car. Our free New Brunswick practice permit test series, can be a great help to new drivers at this stage, or anyone seeking to brush up on their driving knowledge.
written test + vision screening --> Class 7 level 1 licence
You can get your Class 7 level 1 on or after your 16th birthday.
Here's how to get your Class 7L Level 1 Licence:
Provide proof of identity and NB residency
Bring the associated test fees
Take and pass written, basic and signs tests
Pass a vision test
Getting Your New Brunswick Class 7 Level 2 Licence
Driving with your Class 7 Level 2 licence will help you practice driving skills
The Class 7 Level 2 licence is the second stage of the New Brunswick graduated license process. It's a more advanced licensing level where new drivers can practice driving without supervision during daylight hours. The intention of this licensing level is to give new drivers the opportunity to accumulate valuable driving experience before attempting to get their Class 5 licence.
practice driving (1 year) + road test --> Class 7 Level 2 licence
You can get your level 2 licence after holding your level 1 for a minimum of 12 months.
Here's how to get your Class 7 - level 2 licence:
Bring a vehicle in good working order
Bring the associated test fees
Arrive early for your road test appointment
Take and pass the NB road test
Getting Your New Brunswick Class 5 Licence
Complete the New Brunswick GDL process to get your Class 5 licence
The final stage of the New Brunswick graduated license program is the Class 5 license, which allows holders to drive unsupervised and without any restrictions (other than the law) on any New Brunswick road or highway. As with all stages of the New Brunswick graduated license program, it's important to make sure you have adequate Canadian car insurance in place.
Class 7 Level 2 licence + safe driving (1 year) --> Class 5 licence
You can get your Class 5 licence after a Class 7 level 2 licence for 12 months.
Here's how to get your Class 5 licence:
Practice safe driving for 12 months
Remain suspension/probation free
Apply for your Class 5 licence
Looking For A Different New Brunswick Licence Type?
Choose the type of vehicle you need to get a New Brunswick licence for
We've put together information on many kinds of NB drivers license types to help you get going. Not everyone in New Brunswick is looking to get a NB motorcycle license or a NB car driver's license. Some drivers need a more specific type of licence such as a NB truck license, or a NB bus license, a NB air brake license or a NB boat license. Click the links for more information.
Looking to Get Your Licence in a Different Province?
Choose the province or territory you're looking to get licensed in
Depending on where you live the process of getting your licence can differ. Choosing your province or territory allows us to direct you to the right people and resources who can provide the best possible driver licensing journey information.
