The three step NL graduated licensing process is designed to get you from the beginning passenger vehicle or light truck driver stage, to an experienced, confident driver, in the safest way possible, and a similar NL graduated motorcycle licensing process exists for motor bike drivers.
Our goal is to help you understand the Newfoundland GDL or NL graduated licensing process, and provide key guidance at each stage. Step 1 = Level 1 or the NL Class 5 learner driver, Step 2 = Level II or NL Class 5 novice driver and finally, Step 3, the unrestricted, full Class 5 NL car drivers license. Learning how to drive shouldn't be an overly complicated process, so, we've tried to simplify things and remove any confusion new drivers might have. We think it's better that they focus on the important task at hand; learning how to drive safely in Newfoundland & Labrador.
Choose a license level to learn more
Getting Your Newfoundland Drivers License
Helping You Learn How To Drive In Newfoundland
Each step in the NL graduated licensing process comes with it's own particular requirements. There's specific learning one has to do, and certain license restrictions at each stage of the Newfoundland GDL. You need to be aware of all of these in order to do well at every stage and successfully move through the NL graduated licensing process to eventually get your full Class 5 car driving licence.
Class 5 Level 1 licence + Class 5 Level 2 licence--> Class 5 licence
Getting Your Newfoundland Class 5 Level 1 Licence
Learn the NL road signs & road rules to pass the Class 5 knowledge test
As with any new skill, you first need to learn the theory part of driving, and you do that at the Class 5 Learner Level 1, by studying the Newfoundland road signs and road rules as outlined in the Newfoundland & Labrador Road Users Guide, or Newfoundland Driver's Handbook. In order to pass the Class 5 written test and obtain a Class 5, Level I learners licence, you must know the rules of the road and the road signs intimately. We have developed an outstanding series of Newfoundland permit test practice quiz sets to help you make sure you know your stuff after a thorough study of the NL Driver's handbook.
Written Test + Vision test --> Class 5 Level 1 Licence
You can get your Class 5 I on your 16th birthday:
More on how to get your Class 5 Level 1 licence:
Study the NL Road Users Guide
Take and pass the NL knowledge test
Pass a vision test
Bring proof of age and ID documents
Steps To Get a NL Class 5 Level II License
Develop on-road skills to ace your Class 5 road test
Depending on whether you took a government certified Driver Education course, you can apply for a Class 5 Level 2 license 8-12 months after you get your Class 5 level 1 licence. The aim of this second stage of the NL graduated licensing system is to build strong behind-the-wheel driving skills. Don't forget, you must also carry valid and sufficient NL car insurance and the proper registration documents anytime you drive on public roadways.
practice driving (12 months) + road test --> Class 5 Level 2 Licence
You must wait 8-12 months at the 5 level 1 stage:
Here's how to get your Class 5 Level 2 Licence:
Book a road test appointment with Service NL
Practice, Practice, Practice driving
Get to your road test appointment early
Pass the Class 5 road test
The Final Newfoundland Class 5 Car License
Your Class 5 car licence designates you as a qualified, independent driver
The combination of what you learned at the Class 5 Level 1 stage and the Class 5 Level 2 stage of the NL graduated licensing program will help you become a strong enough driver that you can get a Class 5 license 12 months after getting your Level 2 licence.
Class 5 Novice 2 Licence + safe driving (1 year) --> Class 5 licence
You must remain incident free with your Class 5 II licence for 12 months.
Here's how to get your Class 5 licence:
Complete Level 1 and Level 2
Practice safe driving for 12 months.
Looking For A Different Newfoundland Licence Type?
Choose the type of vehicle you need to get a Newfoundland licence for
A Newfoundland driver's license is managed by Service Newfoundland, who have numerous Motor Registration Division offices around the province which you can call/visit if you have any questions. We strive to provide all information in accordance with Service NL and strive to keep our licensing information current, useful and simple to understand for all Newfoundland drivers. While most Newfoundland and Labrador drivers want to obtain a NL Class 5 car driving license or a NL Class 6 motorcycle drivers license, many other drivers need or want a more particular type of Newfoundland driving licence like an NL truck driving license, or NL bus driver license, an NL air brake license or an NL boating license. Click any of the links for more information.
Looking to Get Your Licence in a Different Province?
Choose the province or territory you are looking to get licensed in
Choosing your province or territory allows us to direct you to the right people and resources who can provide the best possible Canadian driver licensing information.
