New drivers

Because of their lack of experience, all new drivers are at greater risk of getting involved in a collision in their first years of driving, no matter how old they are. Therefore the probationary licence is mandatory and in effect for 24 months for all new drivers.

5 steps to a class 5 driver's licence:

1. Register for a driving course
2. Obtain a learner's licence
3. Pass the theoretical exam
4. Pass the practical exam
5. Obtain a probationary licence

Regulation on the limitation of passagers

The driver of a road vehicle who holds a class 5 probationary licence, as determined by regulation, and who is 19 years of age or younger is subject to the following rules in the year after the licence is issued:

(1) for the first six months, the driver may only carry one passenger 19 years of age or younger between midnight and 5 a.m.; and

(2) for the next six months, the driver may only carry three passengers 19 years of age or younger between midnight and 5 a.m.

The rules set out in the first paragraph do not apply if one of the passengers has held, for at least two years, a valid driver’s licence of the appropriate class for driving the vehicle, is seated beside the driver and is in a position to give the driver assistance and advice.

For the purposes of the first paragraph, a passenger who is a member of the driver’s immediate family is not taken into account in the computation of the number of passengers.

Drivers who fail to comply with this rule while be finded $200 plus applicable fees.

The learner's and probationary licences are subject to stricter regulations concerning demerit points and alcohol-impaired driving.

• Holders of a learner's or probationary licence have a limit of 4 demerit points. Once this limit is passed, the licence is suspended for 3 months.
• Holders of a learner's or probationary licence are considered to have committed an offence if they drive after consuming even a single drop of alcohol. For this breach of the Highway Safety Code, 4 demerit points are entered in the driver's record, and the licence is automatically suspended for 3 months. The Code also provides for a fine of $300 plus costs.

A driver found guilty of driving with a blood alcohol level of 80 mg/100 ml (0.08%) or more is also guilty of breaching the Criminal Code.

Getting a First Licence to Drive - SAAQ

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