What you need to get a New Brunswick learner's permit

A New Brunswick learner's permit lets you drive under supervision before you take your road test. You must be at least 16 years old, have a valid piece of photo ID (a passport or birth certificate with a photo ID from school or work), and pass a written knowledge test about traffic laws and road signs. You do not need to own a car or have insurance yet, but whoever supervises you must hold a valid driver's license.

You explore in person at a Service New Brunswick office or an authorized registry agent. There is a fee for the permit — the amount varies depending on how long you want it to last. You will take the written test on the same day you explore, and if you pass, you walk out with your permit.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be 16 or older and bring photo ID to explore for a learner's permit at a Service New Brunswick office or registry agent.
  • The written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving rules; you take it the day you explore.
  • A licensed driver must supervise you at all times while you hold a learner's permit, and they sit in the front passenger seat.
  • You can hold a learner's permit for up to two years, and you must pass a road test before you can get a full license.
  • Insurance is not required while you hold a learner's permit, but your supervisor's vehicle must be insured.

What the written test covers

The written test has 50 multiple-choice questions about New Brunswick traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You need to score at least 80 percent to pass. The test covers things like speed limits, right-of-way rules, what different road signs mean, how to handle bad weather, and what to do at traffic lights and stop signs.

You can study using the official New Brunswick Driver's Guide, which is free and available online from the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure. Many people also use practice tests available through registry agents or online. There is no limit to how many times you can take the written test if you do not pass on your first try, but you pay the fee each time.

Supervision rules while you hold a learner's permit

A fully licensed driver must be in the front passenger seat beside you at all times. That person must hold a valid New Brunswick driver's license, an out-of-province Canadian license, or an International Driving Permit. They cannot be supervising more than one learner at a time.

There are also restrictions on when and where you can drive. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot drive on highways with a speed limit higher than 100 kilometers per hour. You must display a red "L" plate on the front and back of the vehicle so other drivers know you are a learner.

How long you can hold a learner's permit

A learner's permit is valid for up to two years from the date you receive it. You can renew it if you have not yet passed your road test, but you will pay another fee. Most people hold a learner's permit for between 6 and 12 months before they feel ready to take the road test.

There is no minimum amount of time you must wait before taking your road test — you can take it as soon as you feel prepared. However, many driving instructors recommend at least 50 to 100 hours of supervised driving practice before you book your test.

Moving from learner's permit to a full license

Once you have held your learner's permit for at least 12 months, you can book a road test. The road test includes a vehicle inspection, a written air brake knowledge test (if you are driving a vehicle with air brakes), and a practical driving test where an examiner sits with you and watches you drive on public roads.

If you pass the road test, you receive a Class 5 license, which is a full driver's license for regular passenger vehicles. If you do not pass, you can retake the test after waiting a set period — ask the examiner or your registry agent about the waiting time and fee.

Insurance and vehicle requirements

You do not need to carry your own insurance while you hold a learner's permit. However, the vehicle you are driving must be insured in someone's name — usually your supervisor's or a parent's. The insurance company does not need to know you are a learner, but the vehicle must have valid coverage.

The vehicle itself must pass a safety inspection and have valid registration. Your supervisor is responsible for making sure the vehicle is roadworthy and insured. If you are in an accident while driving on your learner's permit, the vehicle's insurance covers the damage, not a separate policy in your name.

Where to explore and what to bring

You explore at any Service New Brunswick office or at an authorized registry agent. Service New Brunswick locations are in most towns and cities across the province. Registry agents are private businesses licensed to handle driver's license transactions and are often found in insurance offices or automotive shops.

Bring your photo ID (passport, provincial ID card, or a school or work ID with your photo), proof of your New Brunswick residency (a utility bill or lease in your name), and the process fee in cash or by debit card. Some offices accept credit cards, but call ahead to confirm. You do not need to book an appointment at most locations, but wait times vary by office and time of day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a learner's permit if I have never had a driver's license before?

Yes. A learner's permit is designed for first-time drivers. You must be 16 or older and pass the written test. If you previously held a license in another province or country, you may be able to skip the learner's stage — ask at your registry office about reciprocal agreements.

What happens if I fail the written test?

You can retake it the same day or come back another time. There is a fee each time you take the test. Most people pass on the second or third attempt after studying the Driver's Guide more carefully. There is no limit to how many times you can try.

Can my parent supervise me if they have an out-of-province license?

Yes, as long as their license is valid and current. They must hold a full driver's license from another Canadian province, the United States, or an International Driving Permit. They cannot supervise you if their license is suspended or expired.

Do I need to tell my insurance company I am a learner driver?

You do not need to notify the insurance company that you are driving on a learner's permit. The vehicle's insurance covers you while you are supervised. However, when you get your full license and start driving alone, the insurance company may want to know your age and driving history to adjust your rate.

What if I move out of New Brunswick while I hold a learner's permit?

You can convert your New Brunswick learner's permit to a license in another province, but the process and requirements vary. Contact the motor vehicle office in your new province to find out what documents you need and whether you can skip the learner stage or take a road test.