Quebec Road Test Language and Accessibility: Hand Signals, Dual-Pedal Vehicles, and Sign-Language Support

Road-test instructions are handled differently from the five-language knowledge test. Candidates who do not speak French or English may use hand-signal procedures and, where required, a dual-pedal vehicle. Deaf or hard-of-hearing candidates can request LSQ or ASL interpreter support for the road-test process.

What Language Are Quebec SAAQ Road-Test Instructions Given In?

Road-test instructions are normally given in French or English. If you do not have sufficient French or English, the examiner can use hand signals. A dual-pedal vehicle may be needed, and candidates who took the knowledge test in a language other than French or English are required by SAAQ to use one.

• If you do not have sufficient French or English, SAAQ can use hand signals. A dual-pedal vehicle may be required; candidates who took the knowledge test in a language other than French or English are required to use one.
• The written knowledge test is available in five languages: French, English, Spanish, Mandarin, and Arabic.

Example: An applicant in Montreal who speaks only Punjabi must book their road test and arrange for a dual-pedal vehicle from a certified driving school. They will not receive verbal instructions.

Is the Quebec Road Test Available in Arabic, Spanish, or Mandarin?

Not in the same way as the knowledge test. The Class 5 knowledge test has five built-in language options, but the road test uses French or English instructions, hand signals when needed, and the applicable accessibility procedures.

What Happens on the Road Test If You Do Not Speak French or English?

The same hand-signal and dual-pedal rules described above apply. The road test is not offered as a separate spoken-language version.

What Interpreter Support Is Available for a Quebec Road Test?

A general spoken-language interpreter does not ride in the vehicle for the on-road test. For deaf or hard-of-hearing candidates, SAAQ provides LSQ/ASL interpreter support for instructions and feedback, on-site or by videoconference where available, and covers eligible interpreter fees.

Can a Deaf Applicant Use an LSQ or ASL Interpreter for the Quebec Road Test?

Yes. Deaf or hard-of-hearing candidates can request LSQ or ASL interpretation for road-test instructions and feedback. SAAQ covers the interpreter fees under this accessibility service.

Can the SAAQ road-test sign-language interpreter join by videoconference? Yes. Where the service is offered, interpretation can be provided by videoconference for the instructions and feedback portions of the road-test process.

How Are Road-Test Instructions Given If You Do Not Speak French or English?

The written test offers language options. The road test does not.

Check the Quebec learner's permit guide for current rules and fees.

• ? During the road test, you can ask for clarification before a maneuver by saying 'Repeat please?' or 'Repetez s'il vous plait?'
• You must understand key French road signs like 'ARRIET' (Stop).

Example: An applicant in Laval failed their first road test because they hesitated after the examiner said 'Tournez a droite au prochain arret.' They did not understand 'arret' meant stop sign and missed the turning point.

Practice the pre-trip vehicle check in French or English with a friend, ensuring you can name parts like 'frein de stationnement' (parking brake) on the spot to avoid an immediate fail before even driving.

When Does SAAQ Use Hand Signals or Require a Dual-Pedal Vehicle?

If using hand signals, you must know these universal gestures.

• Turn Left: Left arm extended straight out.
• Turn Right: Left arm extended upward.
• Stop/Slow: Left arm extended downward.

The policy exists for safety, ensuring all drivers can respond to emergency personnel and French road signs.

When renting a dual-pedal car, test the passenger-side brake yourself before the exam to ensure it functions. A faulty pedal caused a test cancellation for an applicant in Brossard, resulting in a 28-day wait to rebook.