Québec Class 5 Licence: The 5 Steps From Learner to Probationary

Getting your driver's licence in Québec doesn't happen in a few weeks. Between your first class and your probationary licence, expect at least 12 months. The SAAQ sets a 5-step process with minimum waiting periods that no school can shorten.

The good news: once you know the steps, you can plan better, avoid retakes and keep your budget under control. Here's the full path to a Class 5 (car) licence, with 2026 SAAQ fees.

Before you start: who can enrol?

You must be at least 16. If you're under 18, you'll need to give the SAAQ a written consent form from the person with parental authority, filled in and signed by your father, mother or guardian.

The driving course is mandatory. It's called the Road Safety Education Program (PESR) and it's taken at a recognized driving school. In total, the course includes 24 hours of theory and 15 on-road sessions.

Step 1: Enrol and pass phase 1

The first step happens at the driving school. Phase 1 includes 4 theory modules. Each module has 2 hours in class plus self-study on the PESR website.

After those 4 modules, you take the school's evaluation (module 5). If you pass, the school gives you a certificate bearing its official seal. That document is your ticket to the learner's licence.

Tip: take the self-study seriously. It prepares you directly for the module 5 evaluation, and later for the SAAQ knowledge test.

Step 2: Get your learner's licence

With your certificate, go to a SAAQ service point. You'll need to:

1. show the parental consent form if you're under 18;
2. hand in the original school certificate (one per school if you attended more than one);
3. pass the vision test and fill in the Declaration of Illness or Functional Deficiency;
4. pay for the licence: $52.08 in 2026, plus $10.40 for the photo and lamination if applicable.

Watch the payment method: the SAAQ accepts cash, debit (except at some service points), cheques, money orders and pre-authorized bank withdrawals. Credit cards aren't accepted.

The learner's licence is valid for 18 months. If you haven't got your probationary licence by then, you can apply for a new learner's licence, valid for 12 months this time.

Driving with a learner's licence

A learner's licence lets you drive on the road, but never alone. You must be accompanied by a driving school instructor or an accompanying rider. That person must have held a valid Québec driver's licence of the appropriate class for at least 2 years, and be able to give you help and advice.

Tip: practise between lessons. Your sessions with your instructor are more useful when you show up with practice under your belt.

Step 3: Pass the SAAQ knowledge test

You can take the SAAQ knowledge test once all three conditions are met:

• you've held your learner's licence for at least 10 months;
• you've finished all your theory classes;
• you've done at least 11 of the 15 on-road sessions in your course.

Book through SAAQclic. The test costs $13.50 in 2026.

What's the test like?

The test is multiple choice only. It has three parts:

1. the Highway Safety Code;
2. road signs;
3. driving behaviours and techniques for a passenger vehicle.

To pass, you need 75% in each of the three parts. There's no averaging: 90% in one part doesn't make up for 70% in another. If you fail, you must wait 28 days before retaking. You only retake the parts you failed, but every retake costs money.

How to prepare

The SAAQ offers free tools:

• the Driver's Handbook (Guide de la route) and Driving a Passenger Vehicle;
• the Visual Guide for Knowledge Tests;
• the PESR's online modules and exercises, plus a knowledge quiz.

Add the Road Access Logbook (Carnet d'accès à la route), provided by your recognized driving school.

Step 4: Pass the SAAQ road test

This is the big day. To take it, you must:

• have held your learner's licence for at least 12 months;
• have passed the driving course;
• have passed the knowledge test.

The passenger-vehicle road test costs $33.75 in 2026. Bring your learner's licence, your course completion certificate, and a safe vehicle in good mechanical condition, with its registration certificate and proof of insurance.

If you cancel or change your appointment less than 48 hours ahead, or don't show up, the SAAQ charges $26.75.

At Qazi, the vehicle for the test is included in the complete program. In the final phase, we drive routes similar to the test, fix the last weak spots and work on handling test-day nerves.

Step 5: The probationary licence (24 months)

Passed? You get your probationary licence. You keep it for 24 months before getting your regular driver's licence. During that time the rules are stricter: zero alcohol behind the wheel, and your licence is suspended if your record reaches 4 demerit points.

Drive carefully. Your record matters later too: if you ever want to drive a truck, Class 1 requires 24 months of Class 5 experience and a clean record. See our 8 requirements for a Class 1 licence.

How much time and money should you plan for?

Time: at least 12 months between the learner's licence and the road test, plus phase 1 at the start. The real timeline also depends on SAAQ appointment availability.

2026 SAAQ fees (no retakes):

Step	2026 fee
Learner's licence	$52.08 (+ $10.40 photo if applicable)
Knowledge test	$13.50
Road test (passenger vehicle)	$33.75
Probationary licence	depends on your record

The driving course: at Qazi, the complete Class 5 program costs $1,000. It includes the SAAQ theory modules, the on-road sessions and the vehicle for the test. It's paid in 6 instalments: $250 at signup, then 5 payments of $150 at key milestones. See the Class 5 course.

5 mistakes that delay your licence

1. Putting off the self-study. It prepares you for module 5 and the knowledge test.
2. Letting your learner's licence expire. It's valid for 18 months. Plan your tests ahead.
3. Booking the knowledge test too early. You need 10 months as a learner, all your theory and 11 of 15 sessions.
4. Aiming for an average. You need 75% in each part of the knowledge test.
5. Forgetting a document on road test day. Learner's licence, certificate, and the vehicle's registration and insurance.

Frequently asked questions

At what age can you start driving lessons in Québec?

At 16. Under 18, you need written consent from the person with parental authority to get your learner's licence.

How long must you hold a learner's licence before the road test?

At least 12 months. The SAAQ knowledge test is available after 10 months.

What's the passing grade for the SAAQ knowledge test?

75% in each of the three parts: Highway Safety Code, road signs and driving techniques.

How much does the SAAQ road test cost in 2026?

$33.75 for a passenger vehicle. A late cancellation or no-show costs $26.75.

Can I take driving lessons in English in Montreal?

At Qazi, yes. Practical lessons are offered in French, English, Urdu or Arabic, depending on the instructor.

Start your licence with Qazi

A family-run driving school in Montreal since 2003, at 786 Jean-Talon Street West. We're with you from your first class to your road test.

Register for the Class 5 course · or call us at 514 274-6948.

Sources: SAAQ (Getting a car licence – Class 5; First driver's licence; Licence issuance and classes; 2026 test fees; 2026 licence cost). Checked October 20, 2026.