What you need to know about Quebec's learner permit
Quebec's learner permit, called a learner's license or permis d'apprenti-conducteur, is a document that lets you drive under supervision before you take the road test for a full license. You must hold it for a minimum of 12 months and pass a written knowledge test before you can obtain one. The permit is issued by the Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ), which is Quebec's vehicle insurance and licensing body.
The learner permit is not optional — it is the first legal step to driving in Quebec. You cannot skip it and go straight to a full license, and you cannot drive alone while holding only a learner permit. A fully licensed driver aged 25 or older must be in the front passenger seat beside you at all times.
The process takes several weeks from start to finish. You will need to pass the written test, wait for the permit to arrive by mail, then hold it for the required 12 months before you become may be able to access to take the road test. Plan accordingly if you have a important date in mind.
Key Takeaways
- You must be at least 16 years old and pass the SAAQ written knowledge test to obtain a learner permit in Quebec.
- The learner permit must be held for a minimum of 12 months before you can take the road test for a full license.
- A fully licensed driver aged 25 or older must sit in the front passenger seat whenever you drive with a learner permit.
- You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of vision testing to the SAAQ office when you explore.
- The written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices specific to Quebec roads.
Age requirements and who can explore
You must be at least 16 years old to explore for a learner permit in Quebec. There is no upper age limit — adults can obtain a learner permit at any age if they have never held a valid driver's license in Quebec or another jurisdiction.
If you already hold a valid driver's license from another Canadian province, another country, or an international permit, you may not need a learner permit. The SAAQ recognizes certain licenses and may let you move directly to a road test or skip steps. Bring your existing license to the SAAQ office to find out whether you are exempt.
If you are under 18, you may need parental or guardian consent. Check with your local SAAQ office about the exact documents required for minors in your region.
Documents you must bring to the SAAQ office
Bring original documents, not photocopies. The SAAQ will not accept scanned or digital copies for your first process. Here is what you need:
- Proof of identity: A valid passport, birth certificate, or Quebec identity card. If your document is in a language other than French or English, bring an official translation.
- Proof of residency: A recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement showing your current Quebec address. The document must be dated within the last three months.
- Proof of vision testing: A completed vision report from an optometrist or ophthalmologist. The SAAQ provides a form you can take to your eye care provider. This test must be done within 12 months before you explore.
- Social Insurance Number (SIN): You will need to provide your SIN when you explore. Bring documentation showing your number if you do not have it memorized.
If any of your documents are missing or expired, the SAAQ will not process your process. Verify everything before you go to the office to avoid a wasted trip.
The written knowledge test: what to expect
The written test is administered at the SAAQ office on the same day you explore. You do not schedule it separately. The test covers Quebec traffic laws, road signs, safe driving practices, and hazard recognition. It is offered in French, English, and several other languages.
The test has 64 questions in multiple-choice format. You must answer at least 48 questions correctly to pass — that is a score of 75 percent. You have one hour to complete it. If you fail, you can retake the test, but you must wait at least one week before your next attempt, and you will pay the test fee again.
Study materials are available free on the SAAQ website, including a practice test and a study guide called The Road User's Handbook. Many people study for two to four weeks before taking the test. The handbook covers everything that will appear on the exam.
Fees and processing timelines
The learner permit process fee varies depending on how long you want the permit to be valid. A 24-month permit costs less per month than a 12-month permit, but you must hold it for at least 12 months before you can take the road test anyway, so a 12-month permit is the standard choice for most people.
Fees change annually and vary slightly by region. Contact your local SAAQ office or check the SAAQ website for the current fee in your area. The vision test fee is separate and is paid directly to your optometrist or ophthalmologist, not to the SAAQ.
After you pass the written test, the SAAQ will mail your learner permit to your home address. Delivery typically takes two to three weeks. You cannot drive legally until the permit arrives — a receipt or confirmation is not enough. Keep the permit with you whenever you drive.
Restrictions and rules while you hold a learner permit
A fully licensed driver aged 25 or older must be seated in the front passenger seat beside you at all times. This person must hold a valid driver's license and be able to exercise control of the vehicle if needed. Sitting in the back seat does not meet the requirement.
You cannot drive alone, even for a short distance. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless accompanied by a driving instructor. You must obey all traffic laws and speed limits — there is no special allowance for learner permit holders.
You must display the learner permit plate on the back of the vehicle. This is a white plate with a red "L" that alerts other drivers that a learner is behind the wheel. Failure to display it can result in a fine.
What happens after 12 months: moving toward your road test
After you have held the learner permit for 12 months, you become may be able to access to take the road test. You do not automatically move to a full license — you must request a road test appointment and pass it.
The road test is conducted by an SAAQ examiner and lasts about 40 minutes. You will be tested on basic vehicle control, lane changes, parking, intersection navigation, and your ability to follow traffic laws. The examiner will also check that you can operate the vehicle safely in various conditions.
You can take the road test before the 12-month period ends only if you have completed an approved driving school course. Some driving schools offer accelerated programs that let you take the test after six months instead of 12. These courses cost extra but may save you time if you need a license quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with a learner permit if I have an international driver's license?
An international permit is not the same as a Quebec learner permit. If you are a visitor, you may be able to drive on your international permit for a limited time. If you are moving to Quebec permanently, you will need to obtain a Quebec learner permit and follow the standard process. Bring your international permit to the SAAQ to find out what applies to your situation.
What if I fail the written test?
You can retake the test after waiting at least one week. You will pay the test fee again. Most people pass on the second or third attempt. Use the study materials on the SAAQ website and the practice test to prepare. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it.
Do I need to take a driving school course to get a learner permit?
No. A driving school course is not required to obtain the learner permit or to take the road test after 12 months. However, some driving schools offer courses that let you take the road test after six months instead of 12. These courses cost money but may be worth it if you need a license quickly.
Can someone under 25 supervise me while I drive with a learner permit?
No. The supervising driver must be at least 25 years old and hold a valid driver's license. This rule applies even if the younger driver is experienced or has held a license in another place. The age requirement is strict and cannot be waived.
What if my learner permit expires before I take the road test?
You can renew it at the SAAQ office. You will need to pay a renewal fee and bring the same documents you brought for your first process, including an updated vision test if more than 12 months have passed since your last one. Plan ahead so your permit does not expire while you are waiting for a road test appointment.