About the Probationary License Quebec Issues

While getting a Class 5 Quebec learners licence was focused on mastering theoretical driving knowledge and basic driving skills, the Class 5 probationary license Quebec issues can only be obtained after demonstrating more advanced vehicle handling skills during a Class 5 road test. It's not a big secret - if you want to acquire the probationary license Quebec offers, you must use your time as a learner wisely, and constantly practice key driving skills needed to successfully pass the Class 5 road test.

QC Class 5 probationary licence

Class 5 learner licence (12 months) + Class 5 Road Test → Class 5 Probationary Licence

Practice is the Key to the Probationary License Quebec Offers

The outcome of getting the probationary license Quebec offers, is that you will finally be able to drive a car in Quebec without a supervising driver. In order to ensure that you are capable of driving safely without supervision, the requirements of the probationary license stage of the Quebec Road Safety Education Program are quite strict. A driving examiner will thoroughly test your driving ability to certify that you are a safe, capable and confident Quebec driver. Click the tabs below for more.

5L Licence Holder

You need to have held a Quebec Class 5 learner licence continuously for 12 months in order to apply for a Class 5 probationary licence.

Completed Driving Course

Completion of a driving course from a driving school recognized by the Association québécoise des transports is necessary.

Knowledge Test Completion

After you've held a Class 5 learner licence for 10 months, you need to successfully pass the SAAQ knowledge test to complete the learner requirements.

Book Your Class 5 Road Test

Study The Quebec Driver's Handbook & Other Publications

The Quebec Driver's Handbook and Driving a Passenger Vehicle publications you would have used to get your Quebec learners permit are a great resource to brush up on your knowledge of Quebec road signs, rules and driving practices, as are our free Class 5 Quebec driving test practice sets. In addition, revisiting the material from your Driver Course will also help you remember key concepts.

Practice Driving

You need to use your 12 months as a learner driver to practice driving as much as possible. Focus on key driving skills and repeat them again and again until you are 100% confident in your ability to complete them in any traffic condition. Some key skills you should know for the Class 5 probationary license Quebec makes available to qualified drivers are:

  • Driving through and turning at intersections
  • Backing up
  • Entering and exiting traffic
  • Pulling over and stopping on the side of the road
  • Signaling and changing lanes
  • Parking on a hill/starting on a hill
  • Angle parking/parallel parking/stall parking (driving forward and backing up)
  • Two- and three-point turns
  • General driving (for example, driving straight, driving on hills and curves).

Pre-trip Check

Before the road test can begin, the examining driver will check to make sure your vehicle is mechanically capable of taking the test. All major controls will be checked and you will be asked to demonstrate that they are in working order (horn, brake lights etc). You need to bring your own vehicle to the test along with valid Quebec car insurance and registration documents. In the event, you rent a vehicle for the test, bring the rental contract or receipt with you. You will also be asked to install a removable "Examen de conduite" sign on your roof for the duration of the test.

SAAQ vehicle checklist. Some of the main components that will be checked are:

  • General vehicle body and tire condition
  • Headlights, brake lights (including eye-level brake lights)
  • Turn signals
  • Windshield, side windows, rear window and mirrors
  • Doors
  • Horn
  • Muffler
  • Parking brake

Road Test

The SAAQ Class 5 road test will be conducted in a normal traffic environment. The examiner driver will be seated in the car with you and direct you on specific driving skills he/she wants to be demonstrated. Stay calm, alert and focus on demonstrating your strong driving ability with confidence. Remember the examiner is not trying to trick you and only wants you to drive properly within the rules of the road.

Post-test Debrief

Once the road test is complete, the examiner will tell you if you passed or failed. He/she will also go over your strong points and areas where you need improvement.

Get A Good Nights Sleep

Make sure you are not arriving at your Class 5 road test appointment exhausted. A good nights sleep is a must.

Arrive Early

Try to arrive 15-20 minutes in advance of your Class 5 road test appointment.

Cancelling or Rescheduling

If you cancel with less than 48 hours notice, you will face a cancellation fee. If the weather is poor check to see that your road test hasn't been cancelled.

Safe Vehicle + Vehicle Safety Check

Make sure all your vehicle controls are in good working order so you aren't refused a road test due to a faulty vehicle.

Vision Aids

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

Applicable Fees

Only cash, debit/Interac and cheque/money-order payments are accepted for the road test and licensing fees, so make sure you bring an acceptable payment method to your Class 5 road test appointment.

Road Test - $28
Probationary Licence - $178.88 (covers 24 months)

Documents to Bring

  • Learner licence/identity card issued for the tests
  • Attestation of successful completion of a driving course
  • Parental/guardian consent
  • Valid vehicle registration and proof of liability insurance

Test Re-takes

If you fail the Class 5 road test you must wait 28 days for a test retake. You will need to re-book an appointment for the road test, and thus delay getting the probationary license Quebec offers to qualified new drivers.

Minimum Licence Holding Period

You must remain at the Class 5 probationary stage for a minimum of 24 months and drive within the restrictions of your licence before you can qualify for the Class 5 license Quebec issues.

No Alcohol

You must maintain a blood alcohol level of zero at all times

Passenger Limits

If you are 19 or younger and have held the probationary license Quebec issues to new drivers for less than 12 months, then the following passenger limits apply

  • Held a probationary licence for 6 months or less - Can only carry 1 passenger 19 or younger
  • Held a probationary licence for more than 6 months - Can carry 3 passengers 19 or younger
  • Held a probationary licence more than 12 months - no passenger limits

The 19 years of age or younger passenger restrictions do not apply to family members and the restrictions are waived if you are accompanied by someone with a Quebec driver's license who has held a Class 5 licence for at least 2 years.

Demerit Points

You must remain under 4 demerit points to keep the probationary license Quebec issues valid.

Looking For Information On Other QC Car Licence Types?

QC GDL Process

Follow the Quebec Road Safety Education Program to move through the Class 5L and Class 5P stages to get your full Class 5 licence.

QC Class 5L Licence

The Quebec Class 5 learner licence is stage 1 in the Quebec car licensing process and allows new drivers the opportunity to learn how to drive safely.

QC Class 5 Licence

Your final Quebec car licence is a Class 5 car licence that carries no licence restrictions, and after 2 years allows you to be a supervising driver.

Looking For A Different Quebec Licence Type?

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