Getting Your NB Learners License or Class 7 Level 1

Congratulations on beginning your learning to drive in New Brunswick journey. The NB learners license is the first stage of a process designed with safety as the highest priority. Learning how to drive is one of the most rewarding adventures, and provides people with the ability to expand their skill set, have new experiences and gain greater mobility to travel wherever and whenever they choose. The New Brunswick graduated driver licensing process is the perfect tool for new drivers to learn how to drive while remaining within a very organized and safe environment.

Getting Your NB Learners License or Class 7 Level 1

written test + vision screening --> Class 7 level 1 licence

What You Need to Know About Getting Your NB Learners License

To help you begin your New Brunswick driver licensing journey, our team has put together all the information you need to know, learn and practice to successfully get your NB learners license in the shortest possible time period. * Note: the NB learners license is officially known as the Class 7 level 1.

16 Years Old

You must be at least 16 years old to begin the process to get your NB learners license. If you are under the age of 18, you will need to provide consent documentation witnessed by a non-relative.

Follow A Reasonable Study Plan

Studying for any sort of test can be stressful, so to ensure you can absorb as much information as possible, it's a good idea to spread out your studying over a longer time period vs. trying to memorize everything over a couple of days. Give yourself at least a couple of weeks to work through all the material.

Study The New Brunswick Driver's Handbook

Everything you need to know about learning how to drive in New Brunswick is summarized in the New Brunswick Driver's Handbook. Make sure you read the handbook from cover to cover, to be prepared for anything you might see on the knowledge test.

Practice NB Class 7 Practice Tests

After learning the NB road signs and road rules in the New Brunswick Driver's Handbook, the best way to test your knowledge is by using our NB Class 7 practice tests. These tests are designed to look and feel exactly like the actual NB permit test and will help you be 100% prepared for your test day.

40 MCQ Knowledge Test

The NB driving test is structured as 40 multiple choice questions. Each question has 4 potential correct answers. In order to pass, you must score a minimum 32/40 correct.

  • You must demonstrate a strong understanding of NB road signs, rules and laws in order to pass
  • The test will be marked on the spot and you need to answer a minimum of 32/40 in order to pass
  • You don't need an appointment to write the test at any NB Examiner Service but it's a good idea to arrive at least an hour before closing so you have enough time to write the test and get your vision tests
  • To ensure you successfully pass, spend a good amount of time reading through the NB Driver's Handbook as well as practicing with our NB Class 7 driving tests

Vision Test

In addition to the written test you will also be required to pass a New Brunswick vision screening (20/40 best eye).

Test Available In Different Languages

At minimum the NB learners license test is available in English and French. Reach out to your Service NB driver test location for more information on other languages that may be available.

We don't want you to be stressed or trying to figure out last minute details on the NB learners license test day, so we've put together everything you need to do or take with you to the test location. Feel free to print off this list to ensure you don't forget anything.

Get A Good Nights Sleep

Being 100% rested before taking your NB written test is a great way to set yourself up to do well on the test.

Arrive Early

Even though you can take the NB learners license test without an appointment, it's still a good idea to arrive well in advance of closing time. You need enough time to take the test, have your vision tested and potentially fill out any paperwork.

Documents To Bring

Put aside all the necessary documents the night before so your not rushing to find them in the morning.

Identity Documents:

In order to take the NB learners license examination, you need to bring at least one acceptable identification document

Residency Documents:

You will also need to provide at least two documents that show proof of New Brunswick residency.

Consent Documents:

If you are under the age of 18 you will need to provide parent/guardian consent witnessed by a non-relative

Vision Aids

If you need glasses or contacts to drive make sure you take them along.

Applicable Fees

Your first written test attempt fee is $25.

Test Re-takes

If for some reason you don't pass the written test, you can pay a re-write fee of $15 and retake the test. Contact your location Service New Brunswick Office for more information on wait times between re-test attempts.

Licence Expiry

Your Class 7 level 1 NB learners license is valid for 4 years.

Minimum Licence Holding Period

If you've graduated from a recognized licensed driving school, your wait time is 8 months, otherwise you must remain at the Class 7 level 1 stage for 12 months before you can take the road test to advance to level 2.

Supervised Driving

You must always drive with an accompanying driver in the front passenger seat (Class 5 or higher licence for a minimum of 3 years).

No Alcohol

Your blood alcohol level should always be at zero.

Passenger Limit

No passengers except the supervising driver are allowed in the vehicle with you.

Restricted Driving At Night

A person with a NB learners license is prohibited from driving between the hours of midnight and 5 am.

No Electronic Devices

Driving while using a handheld device (cellphone, tablet etc) is against the law in NB.

Looking for Information on Other NB Car Licence Types?

NB GDL Process

The 3 step NB GDL process is designed to help new drivers build strong driving skills and good confidence in their ability to handle a vehicle on NB roads.

NB Class 7 II Licence

The Class 7 Level 2 stage is designed to help new drivers master more complex driving skills and exercise better judgement on NB roads.

NB Class 5 Licence

The NB Class 5 licence is the final, full car licence that New Brunswick drivers can get after successfully passing all tests within the NB GDL process.

Looking for a Different New Brunswick Driving Licence Type?

Choose the type of vehicle you need to get a New Brunswick licence for

Not all prospective drivers in New Brunswick are looking to get a NB car driving license or a NB motorcycle license. This is why we've put together information on several different kinds of NB drivers license types. Click the links for more information. Regardless of which kind of New Brunswick licence you need to apply for, we have you covered.