Licensing & GDL

To get a Class 7 learner's licence you must:

• be 14 or older
• pass a vision screening and a knowledge test
• have parental consent if you are under 18
• have valid identification

While you are a learner:

• You must hold the learner's licence for at least 1 year.
• A fully licensed (non-GDL) driver aged 18 or older must sit next to you.
• You may not drive from midnight to 5 a.m.
• You may not carry more passengers than seat belts.
• You are suspended at 8 demerit points.
• Your alcohol and drug level must be zero.

Driver's Guide p. 10

To become a probationary driver you must:

• have held your Class 7 for 1 year (longer if you were suspended)
• be 16 or older
• pass the Class 5 road test

While you are a probationary driver:

• You stay probationary for at least 2 years.
• You may not carry more passengers than seat belts.
• You are suspended at 8 demerit points.
• Your alcohol and drug level must be zero.
• You cannot supervise a learner.
• You cannot upgrade to a commercial licence (Class 1, 2, 3, or 4).

The midnight-to-5 a.m. restriction applies to learners only, not probationary drivers.

Driver's Guide p. 10

To leave the GDL program you must:

• be at least 18
• have been probationary for at least 2 years
• have no suspensions or traffic violations in the last 12 months, including the zero alcohol and drug rule

An approved driver training course can shorten the probationary stage by up to 6 months.

Once you have a full Class 5: you can have more demerit points, the zero-tolerance condition is removed, you can supervise a learner, and you can upgrade to a commercial licence.

Driver's Guide p. 11

Anyone under 18 applying for a licence needs a parent or legal guardian to sign a consent form at a registry office.

• The parent or guardian can withdraw consent in writing at any time until the driver turns 18. The licence is then suspended.
• Consent is not needed if the minor can prove they are married or self-supporting.

The same rules apply to registering a vehicle.

Driver's Guide pp. 16, 20

Knowledge test: taken on a computer at a registry agent office, with multiple-choice questions based on the Driver's Guide: safe driving practices, driving laws, and road signs. It is available in 25 languages. There is a fee for each attempt, and you can take only one test per day.

Class 5 road test: about 45 minutes, with no passengers or pets allowed. Your vehicle must be in good working order, with lights, horn, brakes, mirrors, seat belts, a clear windshield, good tires, valid plates and insurance, and enough fuel.

Automatic fails, no matter your score:

• speeding, or driving too fast for conditions
• not stopping completely at a stop sign, or before turning right on a red light
• failing to yield the right-of-way
• blocking traffic by driving too slowly or stopping unnecessarily
• climbing the curb while parking, or not parking legally within 3 attempts
• not slowing down or checking properly at uncontrolled intersections

Driver's Guide pp. 11–13, 15

• You must have your driver's licence with you whenever you drive.
• If a peace officer asks, you must show your licence, registration, and insurance (the "pink card").
• Every vehicle must be registered and insured. Driving an uninsured vehicle is illegal.
• You must report any medical condition that could affect your driving. That responsibility is yours, not your doctor's.
• If your licence is lost or stolen, replace it right away. If it was stolen, report it to police first.
• Keep your address up to date. Suspension notices are mailed to it.
• New residents from elsewhere in Canada can use their old licence for 90 days, and must register their vehicle within 3 months.

Driver's Guide pp. 15–20

Demerit points go on your record when you are convicted of an offence. That includes simply paying the ticket. Points are removed 2 years after the conviction.

Suspension length: 1st, 1 month. 2nd within a year, 3 months. 3rd within two years, 6 months.

You can't appeal a demerit suspension, but you can ask for a review if you think points were assigned in error. An approved defensive driving course gives a 3-point credit.

Driver's Guide pp. 108–110