Amelia
Getting your driving licence in Canada is straightforward once you know your province’s rules.
Canada uses graduated licensing (learner → intermediate/novice → full licence), and exact fees, tests, and timelines vary by province/territory.
Below is a fresh, province-backed overview with the latest updates and a simple, step-by-step path to your first licence.
Who can apply (core eligibility)
- Minimum age: Usually 16+ to start as a learner (e.g., Ontario G1, B.C. L, Alberta Class 7).
- Residency & ID: Proof of Canadian residence in the province, legal status, and acceptable ID (passport/PR/immigration docs, etc.).
- Vision & knowledge: You must pass a vision screening and a written knowledge test on road rules/signs.
- Road tests: One or two road tests, depending on the province and stage (G2/G in Ontario; N → Class 5 in B.C.; Class 7 → Class 5 in Alberta).
Quick facts (2025 highlights)
- Ontario (G1→G2→G): Typical timeline ~20 months for new drivers; fees below.
- B.C. (L→N→Class 5): Usually 24 months before the final test to full licence.
- Alberta (Class 7→Class 5): Since April 2023, no advanced road test required to exit GDL; knowledge test fee commonly $17.
- Québec: 2025 fee schedule set (knowledge and road tests); annual fees maintain driving privilege even though the plastic card renews every 8 years.
Key fees & steps (selected provinces, 2025)
| Province | Learner Stage & Basics | Typical Fees (2025) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario (ON) | G1 → G2 → G | G1 package: $159.75 (knowledge test + G2 road test + 5-year licence). Knowledge retake: $16. G2 road test: $53.75. G road test: $91.25. 5-year licence: $90. | Expect ~20 months from G1 to G. Book tests via DriveTest. |
| British Columbia (BC) | L → N → Class 5 | Road test: Class 7/GLP $35; Class 5 $50. Licence renewal (5-year): $75. | Need 40/50 to pass knowledge test for L; typical path is 24 months to Class 5. |
| Alberta (AB) | Class 7 → Class 5 | Knowledge test: commonly $17 at registry agents; road test pricing varies by registry. | Advanced road test removed from GDL exit since 2023; book tests with registry agents. |
| Québec (QC) | Learner → Probationary → Class 5 | Knowledge test: $13.20. Road test: $78.45. Annual fees payable to keep driving privilege; plastic licence renews every 8 years. | Fees published annually by SAAQ; check your class and add issuing/annual charges. |
Tip: Fees can change mid-year. Always confirm your test booking includes the correct class (car = Class 5, Ontario = G-class). Late-cancellation fees may apply (e.g., BC within 48 hours).
Step-by-step: How to apply (works in any province)
- Study the handbook (province road rules & signs). Use official manuals; some provinces offer free online practice.
- Gather documents (ID, residence proof, immigration status). Bring required originals to the licensing/registry office.
- Take the knowledge & vision tests to get your learner (G1/L/Class 7). Fees vary by province (see table).
- Practice with restrictions (zero alcohol, supervisor rules, night/highway limits depending on stage). Provincial GLP rules apply.
- Book the first road test (e.g., G2 in ON, Class 7 road test in BC, Class 5 basic in AB). Pay test fee when booking.
- Drive as a novice for the required period (e.g., up to 24 months in BC), then book the final road test to get your full licence.
- Maintain your licence (renew on time; QC pays annually to keep driving rights, with the card renewing every 8 years).
Documents you usually need
- Government-issued ID (passport/PR/work or study permit), proof of residency, and any translated documents if required. Provinces list acceptable ID and translation rules online.
Smart ways to save time & money
- Bundle fees where available (e.g., Ontario’s G1 package includes the first road test and 5-year licence).
- Practice early with official handbooks and reputable practice tests to avoid retake fees.
- Check cancellation windows to avoid no-show charges (e.g., BC’s 48-hour policy).
Getting a Canadian driving licence in 2025 comes down to three things: meet eligibility, pass your tests, and follow your province’s graduated path.
Use the table above to understand current fees and the exact steps for Ontario, B.C., Alberta, and Québec—then book your tests, practice safely, and move from learner to full licence with confidence.
FAQs
Can I exchange a foreign licence?
Yes—many provinces allow licence exchange from approved jurisdictions without full testing; others require some or all tests. Check your province’s exchange list when you book.
How long until I get a full licence?
Expect 20–24 months for most new drivers if you pass on schedule (Ontario ~20 months; B.C. typically 24 months).
What if I fail the knowledge test?
You can retake it (a retake fee applies—e.g., Ontario $16). Focus on signs/rules and try again after the waiting period.