Quebec SAAQ Road Test Vehicle Requirements: Safety Check and Allowed Vehicles (2026)

Your road-test vehicle must be acceptable for the SAAQ test and pass the pre-test safety check. You can use a suitable private, rental, or driving-school vehicle if it meets the road-test requirements.

Does the SAAQ Provide a Car for the Quebec Road Test?

No. You must arrive with an acceptable vehicle for the road test. It can be a suitable private vehicle, rental vehicle, or driving-school vehicle if it meets SAAQ requirements and you bring the required paperwork.

Bring the required road-test paperwork as well. For the full document checklist, see the Road Test Documents guide.

What Does the SAAQ Examiner Check on Your Vehicle Before the Quebec Road Test Starts?

The examiner checks horn, lights, wipers, seatbelts, mirrors, check engine light, and brakes before starting. A check engine light or faulty brake pedal cancels the test. You lose the $33.75 fee.

• Lights and Signals: All headlights, brake lights (including the center high-mounted light), and turn signals must work. A single burnt-out bulb causes cancellation.
• Tires: Adequate tread depth is required. From December 1 to March 15, four winter tires with the mountain/snowflake symbol are mandatory.
• ? Dashboard Warnings: A Check Engine light or other critical warning light (ABS, Airbag) is an automatic fail. The examiner will refuse the vehicle as unsafe.
• Windshield and Windows: No major cracks in the driver's sightline. Window tint on front side windows must allow at least 70% light transmission.
• ? Doors and Seatbelts: Both front doors must open from inside and outside. The passenger seatbelt must function.
• Horn and Parking Brake: Both must be operational.
• Cleanliness: The interior must be clean and free of loose objects. A snow-covered car will be refused.

Are passengers or pets allowed in the vehicle during the SAAQ road test? No. Passengers and pets are not permitted during the road test.

Can You Use Your Parent's Car for the Quebec SAAQ Class 5 Road Test?

You can use your parent's car for the road test. It is a common choice due to familiarity, but all standard vehicle inspection requirements apply.

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

Logistics and Insurance for a Borrowed Car

• Supervised Drive to Test: You cannot drive to the SAAQ centre alone. A licensed driver (Class 5 for 2+ years) must accompany you or drive the car there.
• Insurance Verification: Confirm with the owner's insurance broker that a learner driver is covered for the road test in that specific vehicle to avoid liability issues.
• Pre-Test Adjustment: Before the examiner enters, adjust the seat, all mirrors, fasten your seatbelt, and turn off all distractions (radio, phone).

Can You Use a Rental Car for the Quebec Class 5 Road Test?

Yes, if the rental vehicle meets SAAQ road-test requirements and the rental terms allow it. Check the Road Test Documents guide separately for the paperwork you must bring.

What Mirrors and Vehicle Features Are Allowed on the Road Test?

Special 'student driver' mirrors are not required. The car must have standard, undamaged mirrors, and certain technologies are restricted during the test.

Standard Mirror Requirements and Technology Use

• Required Mirrors: A secure interior rear-view mirror and a left-side exterior mirror are mandatory. A right-side mirror is required if the interior view is obstructed.
• No Special Mirrors Needed: You do not need extra blind-spot mirrors. The examiner provides their own observation mirror.
• Backup Camera Rules: Backup cameras are allowed but cannot be your primary tool. You must turn your head and use mirrors. Over-reliance on the screen leads to deductions.
• ? Prohibited Features: Automated driving aids (Park Assist, adaptive cruise control) cannot be used. In electric vehicles, disable one-pedal driving mode to demonstrate proper brake control.

Common Vehicle Issues and How to Avoid Them

Common vehicle problems include dashboard warning lights, non-functional lights or horn, worn windshield wipers, unsafe tires, illegal tint, and snow or ice that has not been cleared. Inspect the vehicle the day before, not the morning of the test.

Examples of Test-Day Rejections

• Burnt-Out Brake Light in Laval: A candidate at the Laval service centre had their test cancelled because the third brake light in the rear window was out. They missed their 3:15 PM appointment and paid a $26.75 cancellation fee.
• ? Cracked Mirror in Longueuil: An examiner at the Longueuil centre refused a test due to a cracked passenger-side mirror that distorted the view. This was classified as a mechanical defect, forcing a reschedule months later.
• ? Illegal Tint in Montreal: At the Henri-Bourassa centre, an examiner used a photometer on a car's front windows. The tint measured below 70% VLT, leading to immediate cancellation before 9 AM.

Practical Tips to Prevent Cancellation

• Check every exterior light 24 hours before your test to replace any bulbs and avoid a last-minute scramble.
• Clear all snow and ice from the entire car, including the roof and licence plate, before arriving to prevent an instant refusal.
• Do a full pre-test walkaround and check the dashboard for warning lights before leaving for the SAAQ centre.

What Happens If the SAAQ Rejects Your Vehicle Before the Road Test Starts?

The road test does not proceed if the vehicle is rejected at the pre-test check. You will need an acceptable vehicle and a new appointment before you can take the test.