What are the Probationary Licence driving restrictions in Quebec? Can a Probationary Licence drive on the 400 highway? Does Probationary Licence have a curfew? What is the BAC limit for Probationary Licence drivers?

• Zero BAC — AlwaysQuebec's BAC limit for drivers under 21 is 0.01%. Any detectable alcohol can result in a 1-year suspension. Cannabis and prescription drug impairment also apply.

  ⚠ Even trace amounts of alcohol can trigger a 1-year suspension for drivers under 21 in Quebec.
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  No Phone — Zero Exceptions Under 18Drivers under 18 cannot use any wireless device while driving including hands-free, speakerphone, and talk-to-text. The only exception is a genuine emergency call or driving on private property.

  ⚠ Fine: $20 first offense, $50 each subsequent offense, plus penalty assessments.
• All Occupants Must Wear SeatbeltsQuebec requires every occupant to be buckled. Under 8 years old or under 4'9": must be in an approved car seat or booster. You are responsible for all passengers under 16.
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  Passenger Limits If Under 20During the first 12 months, you cannot carry passengers under 20 years old at any time unless accompanied by a licensed parent or guardian, a Quebec-licensed driver 25 or older, or a certified driving instructor. The midnight to 5 AM curfew applies for the first 12 months, or until you turn 18, whichever is later.

  ⚠ Immediate family members are exempt. The 25+ licensed adult or certified instructor also removes the restriction.

How many points before Probationary Licence suspension in Quebec? What happens at 9 points for a Probationary Licence driver? How long do points stay on record?

• Quebec NOTS Point Thresholds4 points in 12 months, 6 in 24 months, or 8 in 36 months triggers NOTS action: warning letter, then probation, then suspension or revocation.

  ⚠ Points stay on your record 3 to 10 years depending on the violation.
• 4 Points in 12 Months = NOTS WarningQuebec SAAQ sends a warning letter. Continue accumulating points and the next step is probation. Probation with further violations means suspension or revocation.
• Restrictions Apply for Full 12 MonthsThe midnight to 5 AM curfew and under-20 passenger restrictions apply for the entire first 12 months of your provisional license — not just until you feel comfortable. Violations can extend your restricted period.
• Restrictions Lift After 12 Months or Age 18Quebec provisional restrictions end after 12 months or when you turn 18, whichever is later. You do not need a new road test — full privileges activate automatically.

  ⚠ Don't let it lapse — book your road test well before expiry.

What should a Probationary Licence driver do to prepare for the Full Class 5 Licence test? How do Probationary Licence drivers lower insurance in Quebec? When should I book my G road test?

• Book Your G Test Early
• Practice Highway Driving RegularlyThe road test includes highway entry, exit, and lane changes at speed — these need muscle memory, not cramming.
• Get Listed on a Parent's Insurance FirstCheapest way to build driving history — added as occasional driver costs far less than your own policy.
• Always Carry Pink Slip in the VehiclePolice can ask any time. Digital copy on phone is accepted in Quebec.
• Use a Telematics AppApps like Progressive Snapshot or State Farm Drive Safe & Save reward safe driving habits with 10–30% insurance discounts.
• Drive in All Weather ConditionsSnow, rain, fog — Probationary Licence years are your best chance to build real-world confidence before Full Class 5 Licence independence.

What mistakes do Probationary Licence drivers make that get their license suspended? Can a Probationary Licence driver drink any alcohol? What happens if a Probationary Licence driver gets a speeding ticket in Quebec?

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  Speed — Even by 10 km/hNew drivers get no grace. Tickets come with points that stack fast.

  ⚠ 9+ points triggers a warning interview with Quebec SAAQ.
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  Ignore Demerit PointsPoints stay 2 years from offence date. New drivers suspend much faster than Full Class 5 Licence holders.
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  Drive Without InsuranceMinimum $5,000 fine. Vehicle impounded, license suspended immediately.

  ⚠ Most serious driving offence for new drivers — never risk it.
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  Lend Your Car Without Insurance CheckIf someone causes an accident in your car, your insurance pays — and your rates rise.
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  Let One At-Fault Claim SlideOne accident can raise premiums by 25–40% for 6 years. Contest if you have grounds.
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  Forget to Update Your AddressNotify the Quebec SAAQ within 10 days of moving. Missing a renewal notice because your address is outdated is your problem.

What are the most important safe driving habits for Probationary Licence drivers? How do I stay safe driving alone for the first time? What causes most Probationary Licence driver accidents in Quebec?

• Highway Comfort Takes Time — Build It GraduallyStart with off-peak highway driving before tackling rush-hour 400-series. Merging anxiety causes dangerous hesitation.
• 3-Second Following Distance — AlwaysIncrease to 4–5 in rain or snow. Probationary Licence drivers are statistically more likely to rear-end than any other group.
• Night Driving Changes EverythingReaction distance doubles at night. Slow down 10–15 km/h below daytime speed in unlit residential areas.
• Teen Passengers Increase RiskStatistics show crash risk rises with each peer-age passenger in the car — especially late at night. Adult passengers don't carry the same effect.
• Winter Tires Are Worth ItAll-season tires lose grip below 7°C. Winter tires cut stopping distance by up to 25% on ice — and insurers give a discount.

How long do I have to wait after Probationary Licence to get Full Class 5 Licence in Quebec? What is tested on the G road test? How much does the Full Class 5 Licence road test cost?

• Step 1 — Learner Licence: Pass Written TestWalk-in at any a Quebec SAAQ office. Fee included in $158.25 package (Learner Licence + Probationary Licence road test attempt).
• Step 2 — Probationary Licence: After 12 Months Learner Licence8 months with an approved driving school. $53.50 road test fee. Can drive alone after passing.

  ⚠ Probationary Licence still has restrictions — zero BAC, no phone, seatbelt capacity.
• Step 3 — Full Class 5 Licence: After 12 Months Probationary Licence$91.25 road test fee. Includes highway driving assessment. No restrictions after passing.
• Learner Licence Valid 12 Months — Restrictions End After 12 MonthsYour instruction permit is valid for 12 months. Provisional restrictions then last a further 12 months from license issue or until age 18, whichever is later — no new road test needed to lift them.