Quebec Learner's Licence Fees: $88.35 Licence and $13.50 Knowledge Test (2026)

The $88.35 learner's licence fee and the $13.50 SAAQ knowledge-test fee are paid at different stages. The learner's licence fee is paid when the licence is issued; the separate SAAQ knowledge test comes later, after at least 10 months of holding the learner's licence.

What Does a Quebec Class 5 Learner's Licence Cost in 2026?

The two core SAAQ fees are not one upfront payment. They occur at different stages of the Class 5 process.

Payment Methods: Payment options vary by service outlet. Credit cards are not accepted at SAAQ service counters, and debit is not available at every outlet. See the dedicated Payment Methods article for the full payment-channel rules.

Timing of the $88.35 Learner's Licence Fee and Knowledge-Test Fee

No. The $88.35 learner's licence fee is paid when the learner's licence is issued. The separate $13.50 SAAQ knowledge-test fee is paid later, once you are eligible for the test after at least 10 months with the learner's licence.

Does the $88.35 Quebec learner's licence fee include the photo? Yes. The current learner's licence fee includes the photo taken for the licence.

How Much Does the Quebec Learner's Permit Cost If You Fail the Knowledge Test Once?

If you fail one or more knowledge-test sections, you must wait at least 28 days and pay the $13.50 knowledge-test fee again at the retake appointment. The earlier $88.35 learner's licence fee is not paid again.

• ? Pass on the first knowledge-test appointment: $88.35 learner's licence fee paid earlier + $13.50 test fee = $101.85 across the two stages.
• ? Fail once, then pass: $88.35 + two $13.50 test fees = $115.35 across the stages.
• ? Fail twice, then pass: $88.35 + three $13.50 test fees = $128.85 across the stages.

The $88.35 learner's licence fee is paid when the learner's licence is issued, not when you later pass the SAAQ knowledge test. Each knowledge-test appointment is charged separately.

See the Quebec learner's permit guide for complete requirements.

A knowledge-test retake costs the current $13.50 test fee. For which sections must be retaken and the waiting period, see the Failed Knowledge Test guide.

What Other Costs Can Come Up During the Quebec Learner Stage?

Other costs can include the mandatory driving course, document translation, medical reports, and test retakes. Detailed school pricing belongs in the Behind-the-Wheel Training Cost article, while the full end-to-end budget belongs in Total Licensing Cost.

• ? Mandatory Driving Course: A separate required cost paid to the recognized driving school, not to SAAQ. See the dedicated training-cost article for current pricing.
• ? Passport Photos: The SAAQ takes your photo at the centre; there is no separate fee for this.
• Notary for Documents: Typically not required. Standard ID like a birth certificate and health card is sufficient. New immigrants may need certified translations, which incur fees.
• Medical Reports: If you declare a medical condition, your doctor may charge for the examination report required by the SAAQ.
• Study Tools: Investing in practice tests can save the $13.50 retest fee and 28-day wait.

In Quebec City, an applicant at the 2700 Blvd. Laurier office forgot their Phase 1 attestation from driving school. Without it, they couldn't take the knowledge test, losing their paid appointment slot.

How to Avoid Unnecessary SAAQ Fees and Retake Costs

• Bring your driving school attestation and two original IDs to your SAAQ appointment to avoid immediate rejection.
• The $26.75 late-change/no-show charge applies to road tests, not the initial learner's licence appointment.
• Use Quebec-specific practice tests that mimic the SAAQ exam format to avoid the $13.50 retest fee and mandatory 28-day wait.

SAAQ does not offer a general low-income waiver for the standard learner's licence fee. External financial assistance, where available, is covered in the dedicated Fee Waivers article.