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Rules for Access to Driving a Passenger Vehicle (Class 5)
A 12-Month Learning Period for Everyone
<ACRONYM title="Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec" xml:lang="fr">SAAQ</ACRONYM> studies have shown that the learning phase is the period during which accident rates are by far the lowest.
The period during which a person is required to hold a learner's licence to drive a passenger vehicle (class 5) has been extended from 8 to 12 months for everyone.
The purpose of this measure is to allow prospective drivers to gain driving experience under the safest possible conditions, that is, in the presence of an accompanying rider.
The Wait Time to Retake a Knowledge Test or a Road Test is Extended to 28 Days
It is important for candidates to be properly prepared for tests and that they make an extra effort if they fail. The wait times to retake tests have therefore been extended from 7 to 28 days for the knowledge test, and from 21 to 2 days for the road test.
The new wait times apply to all new drivers, as well as individuals who have not been authorized to drive for 3 years or longer and new residents who are eligible for a licence exchange with testing.
A Mandatory 24-Month Probationary Licence for Everyone
All new drivers, regardless of their age, are at greater risk of being involved in an accident during their first few years of driving, due to their lack of experience. As a result, the probationary licence is mandatory and has been extended to 24 months for everyone (rather than 24 months or until age 25, whichever comes first).
<!-- InstanceEndEditable -->The Procedure New Drivers Must Follow to Obtain a Driver's Licence to Operate a Passenger Vehicle
There are five steps to obtaining a class 5 driver's licence:
- Registering for a driving course
- Obtaining a learner's licence
- Passing the knowledge test
- Passing the road test
- Obtaining a probationary licence
1. Registering for a Driving Course at a Recognized Driving School
Registering for the mandatory passenger vehicle driving course is the first step on the road to obtaining a learner's licence. The course includes both a theoretical and a practical component, and must be taken at a school that is recognized by the Association québécoise du transport et des routes (<ACRONYM title="Association québécoise du transport et des routes" xml:lang="fr">AQTR</ACRONYM>).
2. Obtaining a Class 5 Learner's Licence
To obtain a class 5 learner's licence, candidates must have successfully completed Phase 1 of the driving course at a driving school that is recognized by the Association québécoise du transport et des routes (<ACRONYM title="Association québécoise du transport et des routes" xml:lang="fr">AQTR</ACRONYM>).
They are also required to fill out the <ACRONYM title="Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec" xml:lang="fr">SAAQ</ACRONYM>'s Declaration of Illness or Impairment form, show that they meet the <ACRONYM title="Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec" xml:lang="fr">SAAQ</ACRONYM>'s medical requirements and pass the <ACRONYM title="Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec" xml:lang="fr">SAAQ</ACRONYM>'s vision test.
3. Passing the Knowledge Test
To be eligible for the test, candidates are required to have held a class 5 learner's licence for at least 10 months.
4. Passing the Road Test
To be eligible for the test, which they must pass in order to obtain a probationary licence, candidates must:
- have passed the knowledge test;
- have held a class 5 learner's licence for at least 12 months;
- have successfully completed the theoretical and practical components of the driving course at a driving school recognized by the Association québécoise du transport et des routes (<ACRONYM title="Association québécoise du transport et des routes" xml:lang="fr">AQTR</ACRONYM>).
5. Obtaining a Probationary Licence
A probationary licence can be obtained after passing the road test. This is the final step before a driver's licence can be issued. A probationary licence is mandatory for all new drivers and is valid for 24 months.
Rules for Access to Driving a Passenger Vehicle and Motorcycle in Effect as of January 17, 2010
The requirement to take a driving course is part of the Government strategy to improve Québec's road safety record. Eighty percent of new drivers are young people between the ages of 16 and 24. These new drivers are involved in a disproportionately higher number of accidents and traffic violations. But they are not alone. It has also been shown that all new drivers, regardless of their age, are at greater risk during their first few years of driving.
The contents of the driving course have undergone a comprehensive review to enable new drivers to acquire the competencies necessary to become safe, cooperative and responsible drivers. The course focuses on anticipating risks, dangerous behaviour (speeding, alcohol or drug consumption, distractions) and sharing the road. The knowledge tests and road tests have also been updated in light of the latest knowledge about driver training and testing.. |
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