Who Can Supervise a Quebec Learner Driver? Class 5 Licence and 2-Year Experience Rule (2026)

A supervising driver for a Quebec Class 5 learner's licence holder must hold a valid Quebec Class 5 driver's licence for at least two years. The key requirement is qualifying full-licence experience, not age or relationship.

Who Qualifies to Supervise a Quebec Learner Driver - Licence, Age, and Province Rules

Eligible and Ineligible Accompanying Drivers

The key qualification is license tenure, not family ties. A parent cannot supervise if they lack the required two years of full-license experience.

• Relationship: Any qualified adult can supervise. There is no parent/guardian-only rule.
• ? Seating Position: The supervisor must sit in the front passenger seat.
• ? Licence from Another Province/State: For the standard Quebec accompanying-driver requirement, SAAQ guidance requires a valid Quebec Class 5 licence.

Driving Instructors as Accompanying Drivers

Yes. An instructor from an SAAQ-recognized driving school can supervise during instruction. For private practice, the standard accompanying-driver requirements apply.

Can someone with an Ontario or U.S. licence supervise a Quebec learner driver?

For the standard Quebec accompanying-driver requirement, SAAQ guidance requires the accompanying driver to hold a valid Quebec Class 5 licence.

Does time on a probationary licence count toward the supervisor's 2-year requirement? No. The two years are counted as fully licensed driving experience; time on a probationary licence does not count.

Before a practice drive in Laval, physically check your supervisor's license card for the issue date. A Montreal learner had their road test cancelled because the SAAQ found their brother's 'full' license was only 18 months old, counting from the end of his probationary period.

What Are the Legal Duties of a Quebec Learner's Permit Supervising Driver?

The accompanying driver must sit in the front passenger seat, hold a valid Quebec Class 5 licence with the required fully licensed experience, carry that licence while supervising, and remain capable of providing help and advice. They must not be impaired. Out-of-province licences do not meet the standard SAAQ accompanying-driver requirement.

Does the accompanying driver have to carry their own licence?

Yes. The accompanying driver must carry their valid driver's licence while supervising the learner.

For Quebec permit process details, see the Quebec permit guide.

• ? Sobriety: While the legal blood alcohol limit for a fully licensed driver is 0.08%, a supervisor must be sober and capable. Any impairment from alcohol or drugs means they cannot legally fulfill their duty.
• Legal Responsibility: The supervisor and vehicle owner can be held liable in an accident. Driving with an unqualified supervisor is legally the same as driving alone.

A suspended, expired, or otherwise invalid licence does not satisfy the accompanying-driver requirement. The learner should not continue driving until a qualified accompanying driver is present.

What Happens If the Accompanying Driver Does Not Meet Quebec's Requirements?

If the person beside the learner does not qualify, the learner is not properly accompanied. Keep detailed fines, demerit-point consequences, and roadside enforcement on the dedicated Tickets & Suspensions pages.

• ? Misjudging License Tenure: Assuming a probationary license period counts toward the two-year requirement. It does not.
• ? Out-of-Province Licence Assumptions: For standard private accompanied driving, an Ontario, U.S., or other out-of-province licence does not replace the required valid Quebec Class 5 licence.
• Supervisor Impairment: A parent having a glass of wine before supervising. While possibly under 0.08%, they may not be 'capable' of taking over in an emergency, risking a violation.

Before driving, confirm that the accompanying driver has a valid Quebec Class 5 licence, has the required fully licensed experience, is carrying the licence, and is alert and capable of giving help and advice throughout the drive.