The PEI Instruction Driver’s Permit (Class 7)

If you've decided to learn how to drive a car and get a full PEI class 5 driver's license, we have everything you need to learn, practice and be prepared for, in order to get your PEI Instruction Driver's Permit (also called a beginner's permit or Class 7 license). The PEI instruction driver's permit is the first step in the PEI GDL program, and is your passport to being able to start practicing your driving skills in real-world situations as long as you are accompanied by a licensed driver. In order to get your Class 7 Stage 1 (L) licence, you need to pass a PEI driving knowledge test and a vision test. Once you acquire a beginner's permit or Class 7 license, make sure you always drive with valid PEI car insurance, as well as the appropriate documentation for your vehicle.

Pass your knowledge test and vision test to get your Class 5 Stage 1 License (also kowns as a 7L license)

A To-Do List to Get Your Class 7 PEI Instruction Driver's Permit

While there is a specific time period you need to wait at each licensing level, the best way to get through the entire Prince Edward Island Graduated Driver Licensing program is to master the skills needed at each stage properly, and pass the required tests on your first try. Click through the tabs below for tips on the best way to pass the knowledge test and get your PEI instruction driver's permit on your first attempt.

16 Years Old

You must be 16 years old or older in order to apply for a Class 7 PEI instruction driver's permit. If you are under the age of 18, you will need parental consent before you can apply

PEI Parents Guide & Consent Form

Study The PEI Driver's Handbook

The PEI Driver's Handbook has all the information you need to know about general PEI driver licensing practices, PEI road signs and road rules - everything that you need to study in order to pass the PEI Class 7 knowledge test.

Prince Edward Island Driver's Handbook - English

Prince Edward Island Driver's Handbook - French

Prince Edward Island Driver's Handbook - Arabic

Prince Edward Island Driver's Handbook - Chinese

PEI Class 7 Practice Tests

After you've mastered the information in the PEI Driver's Handbook, make sure you attempt all of our free PEI Class 7 practice test series of tutorials. These practice tests are designed to be as close as possible to the actual Class 7 beginners permit test you will take - so practice as much as you can.

40 MCQ Written Test

The PEI knowledge test is a 40 question multiple choice test in which you need to score 32/40 correct in order to pass. Read through each question carefully and pick the answer you think is correct. The questions are not designed to trick you but instead written to ensure you have a sound understanding of Prince Edward Island road signs and rules.

Vision Test

A vision test will be administered to check your eyesight.

If you're enrolled in a Certified Driver Education program, the process is slightly different, whereby you can write the PEI Instructor Driver's Permit test in class at the end of the course and your course instructor can conduct a road test to certify you for a PEI Class 5 licence (Stage 2). You will still need to visit an Access PEI location for your vision test.

Arrive Early

Arrive well in advance of closing time in order to ensure you have enough time to write the PEI Instruction Driver's Permit written test as well as complete the vision test.

Documents to Bring

You need to bring along valid identification (birth certificate, passport, immigration papers) as well as two documents showing proof of PEI residency (utility bills, formal lease or rental agreement, employment letter, federal/provincial mail, bank documents etc.)

Vision Aids

Bring along your glasses or contact lenses for the knowledge test if you wear them.

Applicable Fees

Make sure you check out the current licensing fees before arriving for your knowledge test.

Prince Edward Island Licensing Fees

Test Re-takes

If you fail the Beginners Permit test, you have to wait 7 days before you can re-write the test. The good news is you don't need to pay any additional fees to re-write the written exam.

Licence Expiry

Your PEI Instruction Permit or Class 7 licence is valid for a period of 2 years.

Minimum Licence Holding Period

The minimum wait period at the Class 7 stage is 1 year or 275 days if you've completed a certified Driver Education Program.

Novice Driver Course

If you did not take any sort of Driver Education Program, before you can move to the next licensing stage (PEI Class 5 - Stage 2) you must complete a Novice Driver Course. This mandatory educational program is required of all new drivers who have not completed a Driver Education course. You can enroll in the course through Access PEI as soon as you get your Class 7 Instruction Permit.

The Novice Driver Course is a five-hour course, usually split between two sessions and focuses on the following topics

Graduated Driver Licensing Program
Demerit Point System
Aspects of the Criminal Code Related to Impaired Driving
Alcohol and Drug Education
Handling certain driving conditions

Display L Sign

All Class 7 Beginners Permit holders must display a bright yellow decal sticker with a large black “L” in the centre

Prince Edward Island L Sign

Supervised Driving

You must always drive with a supervising driver who:

In seated in the front passenger seat
Has held a valid PEI driver's license for at least 4 years
Does not have a blood alcohol level that exceeds 0.05

No Alcohol

Your blood alcohol level must always be zero when operating a vehicle.

Passenger LImits

You can only carry a supervising driver and immediate family members in the vehicle with you. The number of passengers cannot exceed the number of working seat belts.

Restricted Driving at Night

If you are under the age of 21, you cannot drive between the hours of 1 am and 5 am.

No Handheld Devices

You cannot use a cell phone or any hand-held devices when driving.

Looking for Information on Other PEI Car Driving License Types?

PEI GDL Process

The Prince Edward Island graduated driver licensing program helps PEI residents develop driving skills over a time period to ensure they are well-equipped to deal with almost any driving situation.

Learn More

PEI Stage 2 Licence

The PEI Class 5 - Stage 2 (G) licence is obtained after passing a road test and is step 2 in the PEI graduated driver licensing program. Stage 2 drivers can drive without a supervising driver.

Learn More

PEI Stage 3 Car Licence

The Stage 3 (G) license that PEI provides, is the final GDL stage you must complete in order to exit the PEI graduated driver licensing program to become a fully licensed Class 5 driver.

Learn More