Getting a driver’s license in Canada varies by province and territory, with each region having its own licensing process and rules. Whether you’re a new driver or a newcomer to Canada, understanding the steps to get your license is crucial. Below, we outline how to apply for a driver’s license in each province and territory, and how DriveTesting.CA can help you prepare with practice questions and simulation exams.
General Steps to Get a Driver’s License in Canada
Although each province and territory has unique licensing requirements, the process typically involves:
- Learner’s Permit (Knowledge Test) – The first step is passing a written knowledge test based on the province’s driving handbook. This tests your understanding of road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices.
- GDL (Graduated Driver’s Licensing) System – Most provinces have a graduated licensing program, where new drivers progress through multiple stages before getting a full license.
- Road Test – After gaining experience, you’ll need to pass a road test to earn a more advanced or full driver’s license.
- Additional Requirements – Some provinces may require a vision test, driver education courses, or additional tests for newcomers with foreign licenses.
To prepare for the knowledge test, DriveTesting.CA provides practice questions, simulation exams, and province-specific tests to help you pass with confidence.
How to Apply for a Driver’s License in Each Province & Territory
Ontario (ON)
- Learner’s Permit (G1):
- Must be 16 years old
- Pass a written knowledge test
- Pass a vision test
- Practice & Road Tests:
- Hold G1 for 12 months (or 8 months with driver’s ed) before taking G2 road test
- Hold G2 for 12 months before taking the final G road test
? Prepare with DriveTesting.CA: Ontario-specific G1 practice questions to help you pass on the first attempt!
British Columbia (BC)
- Learner’s Permit (L):
- Must be 16 years old
- Pass a knowledge test at ICBC
- Pass a vision screening
- Graduated Licensing:
- Hold L for 12 months before taking the N road test
- Hold N for 24 months before taking the full Class 5 test
? Prepare with DriveTesting.CA: BC-specific L knowledge test questions!
Alberta (AB)
- Learner’s Permit (Class 7):
- Must be 14 years old
- Pass a written knowledge test
- Pass a vision test
- Graduated Licensing:
- Hold Class 7 for 12 months before taking Class 5-GDL road test
- Hold Class 5-GDL for 24 months before taking the full Class 5 test
? Prepare with DriveTesting.CA: Alberta-specific Class 7 practice tests to pass your knowledge test!
Quebec (QC)
- Learner’s Permit:
- Must be 16 years old (14 for mopeds)
- Complete a driving course
- Pass a knowledge test
- Graduated Licensing:
- Hold learner’s permit for 10 months before taking the road test
? Prepare with DriveTesting.CA: Quebec-specific practice questions on road signs and traffic rules!
Manitoba (MB)
- Learner’s Permit (Class 5L):
- Must be 16 years old
- Pass a knowledge test
- Pass a vision test
- Graduated Licensing:
- Hold Learner’s for 9 months before taking Intermediate stage
? Prepare with DriveTesting.CA: Manitoba’s Class 5 knowledge test practice!
Saskatchewan (SK)
- Learner’s Permit (Class 7):
- Must be 16 years old (or 15 with driver’s ed)
- Pass a knowledge test
- Graduated Licensing:
- Hold Class 7 for 9 months before moving to Novice stage
? Prepare with DriveTesting.CA: Saskatchewan-specific Class 7 practice exams!
Nova Scotia (NS)
- Learner’s Permit (Class 7):
- Must be 16 years old
- Pass a knowledge test
- Pass a vision test
- Graduated Licensing:
- Hold Learner’s for 12 months before taking a road test
? Prepare with DriveTesting.CA: Nova Scotia’s Class 7 practice questions!
Other Provinces & Territories
- New Brunswick (NB): Similar to Nova Scotia, requires a knowledge test and a road test after 12 months.
- Prince Edward Island (PEI): Learner’s permit at 16, with a graduated system.
- Newfoundland & Labrador (NL): Knowledge test for Class 5 at age 16.
- Northwest Territories (NT), Nunavut (NU), Yukon (YT): Follows a graduated licensing system similar to other provinces.
? Prepare with DriveTesting.CA: Province-specific practice questions for every region in Canada!
Final Tips for Success
✔ Study the Official Handbook – Each province has a handbook covering traffic rules.
✔ Take Practice Tests on DriveTesting.CA – Get familiar with real exam questions.
✔ Understand Road Signs & Rules – Essential for both the knowledge and road tests.
✔ Be Confident on Test Day – Simulated exams help reduce anxiety.
With the right preparation, passing the Canadian Driver’s Knowledge Test is easy! Start practicing today with DriveTesting.CA to ensure success!