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How do I get a learner's licence in Québec?

✓ Verified answer Written from official pages, with checked citations and a verification date.

To drive a car (class 5), you must first get a learner's licence. You must be at least 16 years old, have your main residence in Québec and complete the 4 modules of phase 1 of the driving course at a SAAQ-recognized school, then pass the school's theory exam. Then you book an appointment at a SAAQ service point with your documents, pass the vision test and pay $88.35. The licence is valid for 18 months.

Official page: Getting a car licence (class 5) (SAAQ) ↗

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Key facts

Cost of the learner's licence (class 5): $88.35 (valid 18 months, photo fee included). This cost applies when there are no demerit points on the driving record.
Age and conditions: At least 16 years old, main residence in Québec, Canadian citizenship or a right to stay in Canada of more than 6 months. Written consent of a parent or guardian if you are under 18.
Driving course: Mandatory, at a school recognized by the SAAQ. The full course lasts at least 39 hours. Phase 1 (which leads to the learner's licence) has a minimum duration of 28 days.
Validity: 18 months. If you have not obtained your probationary licence within this time, you can apply for a new learner's licence, valid for 12 months this time.
SAAQ theory exam: $13.50. Learner's licence valid for at least 10 months on exam day. You need 75% on each of the three parts; if you fail, there is a 28-day wait before retaking the exam.
Next steps (costs): Practical exam: $33.75 (learner's licence held for at least 12 months). Probationary licence: $107.96 for 24 months.

Steps

Check the conditions: Canadian citizenship or a right to stay in Canada of more than 6 months, main residence in Québec, at least 16 years old. If you are under 18, the written consent of your father, mother or guardian is required.
Register for a driving course at a school recognized by the SAAQ: it is mandatory. You can register before age 16 to take the theory part.
Complete the 4 modules of phase 1 of the course (each module includes 2 hours of in-class theory) and pass your driving school's theory exam (module 5).
After this school evaluation, book an appointment at a SAAQ service point on the “Prendre rendez-vous” page, under the “Permis” category.
Bring 2 official documents, one with a photo (if this is your first licence application), the original attestation from your driving school and, if you are under 18, the consent form filled in and signed.
At the service point, pass the vision test, fill in the Déclaration de maladie ou de déficit fonctionnel (illness or functional deficit declaration) and pay the required amount for the licence. The SAAQ does not accept credit cards.
With your licence, always drive with a person who has held a valid class 5 licence for at least 2 years (or with a driving school instructor), and do not drive between midnight and 5 a.m.
To take the SAAQ theory exam, wait until you have held your learner's licence for at least 10 months, then book an appointment in SAAQclic.

Sources

Auto (classe 5) : obtenir un permis (Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ))
Coûts liés à l'obtention d'un permis pour l'année en cours (Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ))
Cours de conduite - Automobile (véhicule de promenade) (Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ))

Checked on October 5, 2026. Rules, deadlines and fees can change: always confirm on the official page above. Demande au Québec is an independent website, not a government site.