Quebec
Quebec Class 5 road test: the course, the car and the next licence
How the SAAQ practical test fits after the required course and learner period, what to bring, what is assessed and what a failed attempt changes.
You can take the SAAQ Class 5 road test after holding a learner licence for at least 12 months, passing the SAAQ knowledge test and completing the recognized driving course. A pass leads to a probationary licence.
Quebec does not let a learner replace the driving course with private practice or book the road test as soon as the knowledge test is passed. The road test has three gates: the learner licence has been held long enough, the SAAQ knowledge test is passed, and the school has confirmed the required course is complete. If one is missing, the candidate is not ready to book.
The SAAQ does not supply a test car. The candidate brings a roadworthy vehicle, its current registration, paper proof of liability insurance, the learner licence and the school attestation. The examiner checks the vehicle before the drive. This makes the vehicle and documents part of the appointment, not details to solve after arriving.
The course comes before the road appointment
A first time Class 5 applicant starts with a course at a driving school recognized by the SAAQ. The early part of that course leads to the learner licence; the later parts continue while the learner practises with an accompanying driver. The SAAQ requires proof that the course has been passed before the road test.
The distinction between attending a lesson and completing the course matters at booking. A student may have passed the SAAQ knowledge test yet still lack the final course attestation. In that case the missing requirement is not a test date. Ask the school which course steps and attestations remain, then plan the road appointment around completion.
The learner licence must also have been held for at least 12 months on the road test date. The SAAQ knowledge test is available after 10 months with the learner licence. That creates a useful sequence: take the knowledge test when eligible, finish course work and supervised driving, then use the later road test date. Passing knowledge early does not erase the remaining learner period.
What the SAAQ assesses on the road
The SAAQ says its road test assesses independent driving, observation, decisions and the timing of manoeuvres. The examiner watches shoulder checks, scanning, vehicle control, lane position, safety margins, courtesy and obedience to traffic rules. The candidate must drive the vehicle safely in live traffic rather than simply perform one parking exercise.
The published passing score is 75 percent. The SAAQ also says some serious errors can cause an automatic failure, including failing to stop at a red light or stop sign, driving against traffic or exceeding the posted speed limit. A candidate should not try to calculate a running score while driving. The immediate task is to read the road and perform each action safely.
The drive takes approximately 30 minutes; the whole appointment is about an hour. The examiner explains the procedure before leaving and gives feedback afterward, whether the candidate passes or fails. No passenger or pet rides along. The SAAQ places a removable driving test sign on the car.
Try it on real questions
Prepare for the knowledge requirement before the road appointment.
Booking and changing a date
The SAAQ directs candidates to SAAQclic to make the road test appointment. Before choosing a time, check the learner licence issue date, the knowledge result and the school attestation. A date that appears in a booking system does not change those eligibility requirements.
If a candidate cannot attend, the SAAQ requires cancellation or rescheduling at least 48 hours in advance through SAAQclic to avoid a cancellation fee. That window is worth putting in a calendar at booking, especially when the candidate depends on another person or a school car for the trip.
The test fee currently shown by the SAAQ is $33.75. The probationary licence has a separate published fee of $107.96 covering 24 months. Fees can change, so the SAAQ page and the amount shown during booking should be checked again before paying. A course fee or the cost of borrowing a school vehicle is separate.
The papers and the person who can drive home
Bring the learner licence, a valid signed registration certificate for the vehicle, a paper copy of proof of liability insurance and the course attestation. If the candidate attended more than one school, the SAAQ asks for the attestation from each school. A rental vehicle needs its rental contract or receipt as well.
The SAAQ accepts cash, debit at outlets that offer it, preauthorized debit under its stated procedure, cheque and money order. It says credit cards are not accepted at its service outlets. Check the payment choice before arriving; the money for the probationary licence is due only after a pass.
Bring someone who can lawfully drive the car afterward if the candidate fails. A learner cannot assume that a failed test grants permission to drive home alone. This is especially important when the car belongs to a family member who has simply dropped the candidate off. Arrange the return trip before the examiner starts.
The car is checked before the candidate is scored
The SAAQ checks the car for safety and mechanical condition. Its list includes windows, lights, mirrors, wipers, brakes, horn, muffler, speedometer, headrests, belts and tires. If the car does not meet the applicable standards, the road test cannot proceed and a new appointment is needed.
Run a simple inspection with the owner before test day. Check that signals and brake lights work with another person watching. Confirm that the registration is signed and current, and print the insurance proof even if a digital copy is convenient for everyday use. Put these papers in the car before setting off.
In winter, Quebec requires compliant winter tires on vehicles registered in the province during its seasonal period. The road test vehicle is still subject to road rules. The tire rule is separate from the examiner scoring; a candidate should check the actual car and the date before choosing it.
What happens after a pass or fail
A pass leads to a Class 5 probationary licence after the required fee is paid. It is not yet the full Class 5. The probationary period is 24 months, and its conditions include zero alcohol and fewer than four demerit points. The SAAQ also publishes overnight passenger limits for some young probationary drivers. Read the conditions for the driver’s age and licence rather than assuming every probationary driver has the same passenger rule.
After a failure, the SAAQ requires a wait of at least 28 days, a fresh appointment and another test fee. The examiner gives feedback about strengths and points to improve. Use that feedback to decide what to practise with the school or accompanying driver before booking the next attempt.
The SAAQ warns that a candidate may fail automatically for certain unsafe or unlawful acts. A person who missed a stop sign should focus practice on early scanning and stopping position, not a single manoeuvre in isolation. A person whose vehicle was refused needs a compliant car as well as another date.
Devices and accessibility during the appointment
The SAAQ prohibits electronic devices during the road test, including a cellphone, smart watch, smart glasses and camera. Filming or recording any part of the test is also prohibited. The rule applies even if a device seems useful for directions or for keeping a personal record of examiner feedback. Turn it off and put it away before the drive.
For a deaf or hard of hearing candidate, the SAAQ describes a separate arrangement involving a vehicle with dual pedals and the possible help of a sign language interpreter for instructions before the test and feedback afterward. It says it reimburses the specified rental and interpreter costs. Contact the SAAQ call centre before booking if these arrangements are needed.
The examiner explains the procedure before the test and speaks to the candidate afterward. Asking about an unclear instruction at the appropriate time is different from using a device or a passenger during the drive. The goal is to arrive with a plan that allows the examiner to assess the driving, rather than discovering a missing arrangement at the counter.
A worked example
Consider a hypothetical learner, Camille. Camille has held a Quebec Class 5 learner licence for 10 months and has passed the SAAQ knowledge test. Even with the school course completed, the road test cannot be taken yet: the published minimum is 12 months holding the learner licence. Camille uses the remaining time for supervised driving and checks that the school attestation is ready.
When the 12 month mark arrives, Camille books in SAAQclic and arranges an insured car. The driver bringing the car checks the lights and tires, and Camille brings the learner licence, signed registration, paper insurance proof and attestation. If Camille passes, the $33.75 test fee and the $107.96 probationary licence fee are distinct payments under the SAAQ schedule.
If Camille instead fails, the next attempt is not the following morning. The SAAQ requires at least 28 days and a new booking. The person who came with Camille drives the car home. The example is a way to check the sequence, not a promise that a particular appointment will be available on the first eligible day.
Worth remembering
- The road test requires 12 months on the learner licence, a passed knowledge test and a completed recognized driving course.
- Book through SAAQclic and change the appointment at least 48 hours ahead if needed.
- Bring the learner licence, signed registration, paper liability insurance proof and all required course attestations.
- A failed road test means at least 28 days before another attempt, with another appointment and fee.
- A pass gives a probationary licence, not an unrestricted Class 5.
Questions people ask
Can I book after 10 months with a learner licence?
The SAAQ knowledge test can be taken after 10 months, but the Class 5 road test requires at least 12 months holding the learner licence on the test date, plus the passed course and knowledge test.
Does the SAAQ supply the test car?
No. Bring a safe vehicle, its signed registration and paper proof of liability insurance. The examiner checks the car before the drive.
Can a family member sit in the test car?
No. The SAAQ excludes passengers and pets during the road test. Arrange for a qualified person to drive the vehicle afterward if the candidate fails.
How soon can I retake a failed test?
At least 28 days later. You must book another appointment and pay the required test fee again.
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Sources for the figures on this page
- Obtaining a Passenger Vehicle Class 5 Driver Licence
Last checked 2026-10-30
- Knowledge and Road Test Appointments
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- Requirements for winter tires
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