Quebec Learner's Licence Restrictions: Supervision, Curfew, Zero Alcohol, and Demerit Points (2026)

You cannot drive alone with a Quebec Class 5 learner's licence under any circumstances.

You cannot drive alone with a Quebec Class 5 learner's licence. A qualified accompanying driver must be in the front passenger seat. Driving without that required supervision carries 4 demerit points and can lead to licence revocation once the conviction and points are entered.

Can You Ever Drive Alone With a Quebec Class 5 Learner's Licence?

You cannot drive alone with a Quebec Class 5 learner's licence. A qualified supervisor must be in the front passenger seat at all times. This is the core supervised driving requirement.

• Driving without the required accompanying driver carries a $200-$300 fine and 4 demerit points. Once those points are entered, reaching the learner's 4-point bracket can lead to licence revocation.
• There are no hardship exceptions for driving to school, work, or emergencies.

Where and When Can a Quebec Learner Drive?

Highway driving is permitted with a qualified supervisor present. Learners can drive on any road in Quebec except when violating the midnight to 5 AM curfew. Speed limits and lane rules apply normally.

• ? You CAN: Drive on all public roads, including highways (Autoroutes), with your supervisor.
• ? You CAN: Transport passengers (friends or family) if seat belts are available and your supervisor is present.
• You CANNOT: Drive between midnight and 5 a.m., even with a supervisor. This is a strict curfew.
• You CANNOT: Hold or use a portable electronic device in a prohibited way while driving. Hands-free use is legally permitted, but SAAQ discourages it because it can still distract you.
• You CANNOT: Have any alcohol in your system (0.00% BAC).

Hands-Free Phones and Voice Commands for Quebec Learners

Hands-free use is legally permitted, but SAAQ discourages it because conversation and voice commands can still distract you. Holding or otherwise using a portable electronic device in a prohibited way remains illegal.

Zero-Alcohol Rule After Turning 18

Yes. The zero-alcohol condition applies for as long as you hold a learner's licence, regardless of your age.

Passenger Rules While Driving With an Accompanying Driver

A qualified accompanying driver must remain in the front passenger seat. Detailed eligibility rules belong in the Supervisor Requirements guide. Passenger restrictions are otherwise limited, but distractions should be kept low.

• ? You can drive with friends in the car, provided your supervisor is present. However, driving schools strongly recommend limiting early practice to family to reduce distraction.

Does Quebec's Midnight-to-5-AM Curfew Apply Even With a Supervisor in the Car?

Yes. Class 5 learner drivers cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., even when a qualified accompanying driver is in the car.

Does Quebec's midnight-to-5 a.m. learner curfew apply on weekends and holidays? Yes. The restriction is based on the time of day, not the day of the week.

• ? Freeway/Highway Driving: Allowed with a supervisor. Practice is essential for the road test, which often includes highway merging.
• ? Night Driving: Prohibited between midnight and 5 a.m. No exceptions.
• School Zones: Speed limits are often 30 km/h during school hours. Fines are doubled.
• ? Reserved Lanes (e.g., HOV): You may use them if vehicle occupancy rules are met. Your supervisor counts as a passenger.

A student in Brossard drove friends home at 12:30 a.m. with their supervisor. They were stopped and received a $480 fine and a 3-month suspension for violating the curfew, despite having supervision.

All Quebec permit requirements are covered in the Quebec permit guide.

How Does the 4-Point Demerit Bracket Affect a Quebec Learner's Licence?

Quebec learner's licence holders are in the 4-point demerit bracket. Once a conviction and its points are entered, reaching or exceeding that bracket can lead to licence revocation. The revocation period depends on the total points and recent penalty history.

• Driving alone or during curfew: 4 points.
• Using a cell phone: 5 points, which exceeds the learner bracket once entered.
• Speeding 21'-30 km/h over limit: 2 points.
• ? Failing to stop for a school bus: 9 points, which exceeds the learner bracket once entered.

A learner in Quebec City checked a GPS on their phone at a red light. The ticket for cell phone use carried 5 demerit points, suspending their licence before they could take their road test.

For application steps, waiting periods, and road-test timing, use the dedicated Quebec licensing-process guides.