After Getting a Quebec Learner's Licence: Knowledge Test, Road Test, and Next Steps (2026)

Your Quebec Class 5 learner's licence starts a mandatory 12-month process.

Your Quebec Class 5 learner's licence starts a mandatory 12-month process. You must follow specific rules, complete training, and pass two SAAQ tests to get your probationary licence.

What Are the Mandatory Steps After Getting Your Quebec Class 5 Learner's Licence?

Mandatory Waiting Period and Practice Requirements

You must hold your learner's permit for 12 months before taking the road test. The 10-month mark is when you become eligible for the SAAQ knowledge test.

• Start the clock: Your 12-month holding period begins the day your learner's licence is issued.
• ? Practice driving: You must always be accompanied by a qualified driver who holds a valid Quebec Class 5 licence and has at least two years of fully licensed driving experience. Time on a probationary licence does not count toward those two years.
• Log practice hours: Mix the mandatory 15 hours of in-car instruction from a driving school with extensive private practice. Practice on surface streets, highways, and in winter conditions.

For example, a learner in Laval was rejected from their road test because their 12-month holding period ended on a Tuesday, but they scheduled the test for the prior Friday. The SAAQ computer system flagged the date, and they had to reschedule for two months later.

Quebec's Recommended 50 Practice Hours Before the Road Test

No. SAAQ recommends a minimum of 50 hours of accompanied practice, but 50 logged hours are not a fixed road-test eligibility requirement. The mandatory pieces are the learner holding period, the recognized driving course, the SAAQ knowledge test, and the other road-test requirements.

How Can Tickets or Demerit Points Delay Your Road-Test Progression?

A learner is in the 4-demerit-point bracket. A 4-point offence can put you at the revocation threshold once the conviction and points are entered on your record. Driving unaccompanied carries 4 points, so it can delay your licensing progression.

The Quebec learner's permit guide has full eligibility details.

A common mistake is letting a supervisor with a licence for only 20 months accompany you. The SAAQ requires a full 24 months. If stopped, this can lead to a fine and 4 demerit points, risking suspension of your learner's permit.

When Can You Book the Quebec Knowledge Test and Road Test?

After you are eligible, book the knowledge test and road test through the appropriate SAAQ online service. For the road test, bring your driving-course attestation with you rather than relying only on it being visible in the system.

• Complete the course phases: Finish the recognized driving course and keep the completion attestation. You must present it at the road test; if you attended more than one driving school, bring the attestation from each school.
• Prepare for the knowledge test: Study the Highway Safety Code. Use practice tests that mimic the SAAQ's format.
• Schedule tests online: Book your knowledge test (after 10 months) and road test (after 12 months) via SAAQ Online Services. Slots fill fast.

Do you need to bring your driving-course attestation to the Quebec road test? Yes. SAAQ's current road-test instructions tell you to present the attestation. If you attended more than one driving school, bring an attestation from each school. See the Road Test Documents guide for the full checklist.