Your NWT Class 5 Probationary Licence

Step 2 of the Northwest Territories GDL program is getting your NWT Class 5 Probationary licence. A Class 5P licence requires the successful completion of a road test. Once you pass the road test, you can drive with much fewer restrictions on your NWT Class 5 Probationary licence. Drivers must of course also have the appropriate documentation for the vehicle being driven, as well as appropriate NWT car insurance in place.

How to get your NWT Probationary Licence

Practice safe driving for 12 months as a learner and pass the Class 5 road test to get your Class 5P Licence

Tips on How to Get Your Class 5P Licence Faster

It's always a good idea to be well-prepared for your Class 5 road test so you can pass it on the first attempt. Repeated attempts mean staying at the NWT Class 7 learner's license stage for a longer time period as well as incurring additional costs. Use our tried and tested guide on everything you need to know in order to pass the Class 5 road test on the first attempt.

16 Years Old

You must be 16 or older to apply for a NWT Class 5 probationary licence.

Class 7 Licence

Before you can attempt the Northwest Territories Class 5 road test you need to complete 12 months at the learner/Class 7 licensing stage.

Book Your Road Test

You need to book your Class 5 road test appointment with a NWT issuing office in advance. Road tests cannot be taken without an appointment. You will be provided with a test receipt once you pay the fee and will need to provide the receipt to the driver examiner on your test day.

Study The NWT Driver's Guide

Even though the Class 5 road test is a practical, on-road test knowing the NWT road signs and road rules is very important. Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Northwest Territories rules of driving by reading through the NWT Driver's Guide and testing your driving knowledge with our NWT Class 7 practice test series.

NWT Basic Driver's Handbook

Practice Driving

Use the 12-month time period at the learner stage to practice driving as much as possible. You need to be very confident operating a car before attempting the Class 5 road test. Some major skills to practice and master are:

Navigating controlled and uncontrolled intersections
Following road signs and rules
Being able to park (parallel, stall etc)
Signaling, turning and merging into traffic

Pre-trip Check

Before you begin the road test, the examiner will check your vehicle to ensure it's mechanically safe and capable of taking the road test. You should check that all the following controls are working before leaving home. In the event there is a mechanical issue with the vehicle, your road test could be denied:

Headlights, brake lights and signal lights
Horn
Speedometer
Brakes/parking brake
unobstructed windshield/wipers
tires
driver and passenger doors
vehicle seats/seat belts
exhaust system/muffler
mirrors
enough fuel to complete the road test

Road Test

The road test itself is designed to determine if you possess the necessary skill to handle a vehicle in any sort of road/traffic conditions. You will be asked to demonstrate some or all of the following skills

Demonstration of good driving practices
Proper obeying of traffic signs and signals
correct parking practices
Proper use of signals and traffic lanes
Right/left turning

Post-test Debrief

Once the test is complete, you will return to the NWT driver testing center and be advised if you failed or passed.

Vehicle Safety Check

Remember, the first thing you will need to do when your NWT Class 5 road test starts, is demonstrate that your vehicle is in good working condition. Make sure you check all the controls before leaving home.

Arrive Early

Arriving 30 minutes in advance of your appointment will help you be less stressed and in a better frame of mind for the test.

Vision Aids

Drivers who use glasses or contact lenses should bring their glasses/contacts along with them for the Class 5 NWT road test.

Applicable Fees

Check with your local NWT DMV office in advance on applicable licensing fees.

Documents to Bring

Identification Documents: In addition to your learner licence it's a good idea to bring along proof of identification that can show legal name, date of birth, photo ID and proof of residency.

Vehicle Documents: You will also need to show valid vehicle registration and insurance documentation.

Licence Information

You cannot upgrade to a commercial licence while at the NWT Class 5 probationary licence stage.

Minimum Licence Holding Period

You can apply for a full, unrestricted NWT Class 5 license after remaining at the Class 5 probationary stage for a minimum of 1 year.

No Alcohol

A NWT Class 5 probationary licence holder is not allowed to consume any alcohol prior to or while driving.

Passenger Seat Belts

The number of passengers you can carry is limited by the number of working seat belts.

Demerit Points

If you accumulate 6 or more demerit points your licence will be suspended.

Looking For Information On Other NWT Car Licence Types?

GDL Process For NT

The NWT GDL process is designed to gradually move drivers from a learner stage to a probationary stage and finally help NWT residents get their full Class 5 licence.

Learn More

NWT Learner License

The learner licence in the Northwest Territories can be obtained after you pass a knowledge and vision test. A learner licence will allow you to drive under supervision.

Learn More

NWT Class 5 Licence

Once you've successfully completed the NWT graduated driver licensing program you will receive your full, unrestricted Class 5 car licence to drive anywhere in the Northwest Territories.

Learn More