Quebec Behind-the-Wheel Training Requirement: 15 Mandatory Hours (2026)

Quebec pesr in-car training: 15 mandatory hours behind the wheel, parents cannot substitute (2026) rules apply from the day your permit is issued. The key details are below.

Yes. The SAAQ's Road Safety Education Program (PESR) is mandatory for all first-time Class 5 licence applicants, regardless of age. You cannot book your road test without completing this program at an SAAQ-recognized driving school.

Is Professional Behind-the-Wheel Training Required in Quebec - Even for Adults?

Mandatory Program Structure and Hours

The law requires a specific curriculum for all new drivers.

• Professional Instruction Needed: 15 hours of in-car training with a certified instructor.
• Mandatory Driving Practice Requirements: 24 hours of theory instruction.
• ? Approved Instructor Requirements: Training must be with a certified instructor from an SAAQ-recognized school. Parents cannot substitute for these 15 hours.
• Certificate Requirements: Your school uploads an electronic attestation to the SAAQ. You need this to get your learner's permit and to book your road test.

Parent-Taught vs. Professional Instruction

Quebec does not allow parent-taught driver education to replace the mandatory course. Parents are essential for the recommended 50 hours of supervised practice, but the 15 hours of behind-the-wheel training and 24 theory hours must be professional.

How Many In-Car Lessons Does Quebec Mandate - and Can Parents Count as Instructors?

You need exactly 15 hours of professional behind-the-wheel training. This is part of the 39-hour mandatory program (24h theory + 15h practical).

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

learner's licence Driving Lessons

You must complete Phase 1 (5 theory modules) and pass your school's Module 5 test before you can get your learner's permit. The 15 driving lessons are spread across Phases 2, 3, and 4.

• ? Observation time in a car does not count toward your 15-hour requirement.
• The SAAQ strongly recommends 50 hours of additional supervised practice.

Cost Considerations

The base price for the mandatory program is government-capped. Expect total costs between $950 and $1,100, including taxes and materials.

Can You Skip the 15 In-Car Hours in Quebec If You Already Know How to Drive?

In Quebec, it is required. There are no age-based exemptions. The training is designed to meet SAAQ road test standards.

Common Training Requirement Confusions

• ? Adult Exemption Myth: A 28-year-old new resident in Montreal assumed her age exempted her. She was rejected at the SAAQ office on Cremazie Blvd. when applying for her learner's permit because she had not started the mandatory course.
• Parent-Taught Misunderstanding: A family in Quebec City tried to have a parent provide all instruction. Their teen's road test at the Charlesbourg service centre was blocked because the SAAQ system showed no electronic attestation from a recognized school.
• Out-of-Province Confusion: A driver from Ontario, with 10 years of experience, moved to Laval. He was surprised to learn he must complete the full Quebec program to get a Class 5 licence, as reciprocal agreements only apply to licensed drivers, not new applicants.

Does the SAAQ Driving School Certificate Actually Improve Quebec Road Test Pass Rates?

Yes. The certificate (electronic attestation) is required to book the test. The training directly teaches the defensive driving and observation techniques examiners assess.

Practical Tips for the Process

• ? Verify your school's attestation upload before calling the SAAQ to book your road test to avoid a rejected booking and a long wait for a new appointment.
• Bring the original, signed parental consent form (if under 18) to your SAAQ appointment, not a photocopy, to prevent application rejection and rescheduling.
• ? Practice parallel parking and hill starts in the specific area around your exam centre (e.g., near Henri-Bourassa in Montreal) to avoid failing on a common, predictable test route maneuver.