RoadVisa Beta

How to get a driving licence in Quebec

Getting a car licence from scratch, country by country.

More provinces coming soon.
Car licence, Class 5

Getting your licence in Quebec

Knowledge test: rules, signs, driving techniques3 parts
Pass mark, in each part and on the road test75%
Knowledge test fee$13.50
Road test fee$33.75
Road test length~30 min
Probationary licence (24 months)$107.96

The knowledge test comes late in Quebec: after 10 months on a learner's licence, and the road test after 12. The learner's licence costs $88.35. The driving course usually costs $800–1,200 on top.

Before you start driving

2
Learner's licenceYes. You get it at the SAAQ after the first 4 course modules and the driving school's test. It costs $88.35 and is valid for 18 months.
Medical checkNo doctor's exam. The SAAQ tests your vision and you fill in a health declaration.

Required lessons

2
Driving courseRequired at a school recognised by the SAAQ: 12 classroom modules of 2 hours and 15 in-car lessons of about 1 hour. It runs in 4 phases over at least 6 months.
Learner periodAt least 12 months on a learner's licence, always with a supervisor, before the road test.

Good to know

7
Minimum age16 for a learner's licence, with a parent's consent under 18. You can start the classroom part of the course before 16.
Licence validityUp to 1 year: you renew it every year by your birthday, paying the annual fees (they include an insurance contribution). The card is replaced when the SAAQ asks for a new photo.
Exam languagesKnowledge test in French or English, with audio recordings of the questions.
If you failWait at least 28 days. On the knowledge test you only retake the parts you failed. You pay again each time.
Automatic or manualNo restriction. A licence earned in an automatic covers manual cars too.
New driversA probationary licence for 24 months, with zero alcohol and fewer than 4 demerit points.
Already have a licence from abroad?Licences from Quebec's agreement countries are exchanged without tests. Others pass the SAAQ knowledge and road tests. See the Abroad tab.

Step by step

  1. Driving school, phase 14 classroom modules over at least 28 days, then the school's own test.
  2. Learner's licenceAt an SAAQ centre: vision test and $88.35. Then practise with a supervisor for at least 12 months.
  3. Knowledge testAfter 10 months: 3 parts, at least 75% in each.
  4. Road testAbout 30 minutes in your own car, at least 75%. Running a red light or stop sign, or speeding, fails you at once.
  5. Probationary licence24 months before a full licence.

Tips

  • Practise with the SAAQ's free online Road Safety Quiz.
  • Bring your own car to the road test: the SAAQ doesn't provide one, and the examiner checks it first. Bring someone who can drive it home if you fail.
  • Road signs in Quebec are in French only, so learn the key road terms in French before the road test.

Official links

SAAQ: Obtaining a licence ↗LégisQuébec: Highway Safety Code ↗Last checked 20 Oct 2026
Wrong information? Help us fix itTell us what's incorrect and we'll check it against the official sources.

About: This page

Frequently asked questionsCoverage, sources and how RoadVisa works.

Why isn't my country listed?

RoadVisa is still growing. It covers 42 countries and all 50 US states plus Washington, D.C. so far, and more are added step by step. Each country is checked against its own official sources, in its own language, before it goes live.

Why isn't Africa covered?

Many African licensing authorities publish little detail about their driving rules online, so we can't yet check the answers against official sources. We'll add African countries as official information becomes available.

Where does the information come from?

From official sources only: licensing authorities, ministries, police and government websites, read in each country's own language. Every answer links to its sources and shows when it was last checked.

What's the difference between Visiting and Moving?

Visiting covers short stays such as holidays and business trips, when you keep your home licence. Moving covers becoming a resident, when most countries want you to exchange your licence or take tests by a deadline.

What is an International Driving Permit?

A translation of your licence in a standard format. It's only valid together with your own licence, and you get it in the country that issued your licence, usually from a motoring club or the licensing authority. RoadVisa tells you when a country expects one.

Does RoadVisa cover motorcycles or trucks?

Not yet. The answers are about car licences: category B in Europe, and the local equivalent elsewhere, such as Class C or D in most US states. Other licences may follow later.

Is RoadVisa official?

No. RoadVisa is an independent guide and isn't linked to any government or licensing authority. The authority that handles your application always has the final word.

Is RoadVisa free?

Yes, RoadVisa is free to use.

I found a mistake. What should I do?

Use "Wrong information? Help us fix it" above. We check every report against the official sources and correct the answer.

About RoadVisa and disclaimerWho we are, and how to use this information.

An independent guide. RoadVisa is a private project. It is not run by, linked to or approved by any government, licensing authority (such as a national road traffic agency or a US DMV), embassy or driving school.

Information only, not legal advice. RoadVisa sums up official rules in plain English. It does not replace the official rules, and it is not a decision about your case. Only the authority that handles your application can decide that.

Rules change. Every answer shows when it was last checked and links to the official source. Check that source before you drive, book a test, move or apply. If RoadVisa and the official source differ, follow the official source.

Your situation matters. The answer can depend on your residence status, licence category, age and when your licence was issued. If you're unsure, ask the licensing authority or your embassy.

Car hire and insurance. Car hire companies and insurers can set their own rules, for example asking for an International Driving Permit even where it isn't required. Check with them too.

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