Quebec Learner's Permit Restrictions: Midnight Curfew, Zero Alcohol, 4-Point Cap (2026)

You cannot drive alone with a Quebec Class 5 learner's licence under any circumstances.

You cannot drive alone with a Quebec Class 5 learner's licence under any circumstances. A supervisor with a valid Class 5 for 2+ years must be in the front seat. Driving alone adds 4 demerit points and triggers a 3-month suspension.

Can You Ever Drive Alone With a Quebec Class 5 Learner's Licence?

You cannot drive alone with a Quebec Class 5 learner's licence. A qualified supervisor must be in the front passenger seat at all times. This is the core supervised driving requirement.

• Driving alone triggers an immediate 3-month licence suspension, a $300'-$600 fine, and 4 demerit points.
• Police can impound the vehicle for 30 days, costing over $1,000 in fees.
• There are no hardship exceptions for driving to school, work, or emergencies.

Book your SAAQ road test appointment the day you become eligible to avoid a 2'-3 month wait, especially at busy centres like Montreal-North or Laval.

Quebec Learner's Permit: Highways Are Allowed, but Midnight to 5 AM Is Banned

Highway driving is permitted with a qualified supervisor present. Learners can drive on any road in Quebec except when violating the midnight to 5 AM curfew. Speed limits and lane rules apply normally.

• ✓ You CAN: Drive on all public roads, including highways (Autoroutes), with your supervisor.
• ✓ You CAN: Transport passengers (friends or family) if seat belts are available and your supervisor is present.
• You CANNOT: Drive between midnight and 5 a.m., even with a supervisor. This is a strict curfew.
• You CANNOT: Use any hand-held or hands-free electronic device while driving.
• You CANNOT: Have any alcohol in your system (0.00% BAC).

Supervisor Requirements and Passenger Rules

Your supervisor must have a valid Class 5 licence held for at least 2 years and be alert in the front seat. Passenger restrictions are minimal, but caution is advised.

• ✗ Your supervisor cannot be a probationary licence holder.
• If your supervisor is texting or using a phone, they can be ticketed for distracted driving. As the learner driver, you are responsible for controlling the vehicle and can also face penalties for inattention.
• ✓ You can drive with friends in the car, provided your supervisor is present. However, driving schools strongly recommend limiting early practice to family to reduce distraction.

Does Quebec's Midnight-to-5-AM Curfew Apply Even With a Supervisor in the Car?

Yes. No driving between midnight and 5 AM under any circumstances for Class 5 learners, even with a supervisor in the car. Exceptions exist only for work or medical emergencies with documented proof.

• ✓ Freeway/Highway Driving: Allowed with a supervisor. Practice is essential for the road test, which often includes highway merging.
• ✗ Night Driving: Prohibited between midnight and 5 a.m. No exceptions.
• School Zones: Speed limits are often 30 km/h during school hours. Fines are doubled.
• ✓ Reserved Lanes (e.g., HOV): You may use them if vehicle occupancy rules are met. Your supervisor counts as a passenger.

A student in Brossard drove friends home at 12:30 a.m. with their supervisor. They were stopped and received a $480 fine and a 3-month suspension for violating the curfew, despite having supervision.

All Quebec permit requirements are covered in the Quebec permit guide.

Check the Quebec learner's permit guide for current rules and fees.

Which Quebec Learner's Permit Violations Trigger Instant Suspension via 4-Point Cap?

Accumulating 4 demerit points suspends your learner's licence immediately. A single cell phone violation (5 points) exceeds the limit. Driving unaccompanied adds 4 points and triggers instant suspension.

• Driving alone or during curfew: 4 points (instant suspension).
• Using a cell phone: 5 points (exceeds cap, instant suspension).
• Speeding 21'-30 km/h over limit: 2 points.
• ✗ Failing to stop for a school bus: 9 points (instant suspension).

A learner in Quebec City checked a GPS on their phone at a red light. The ticket for cell phone use carried 5 demerit points, suspending their licence before they could take their road test.

What Is the Fastest Legal Path to a Quebec Class 5 Learner's Licence at SAAQ?

Complete Phase 1 driving school, pass Module 5 at school, get your learner's licence at SAAQ, hold it 12 months, then book the road test. No shortcuts exist. Adults follow the same path as teens.

1. Complete Phase 1 of the Road Safety Education Program at a certified driving school.
2. ✓ Pass the school's knowledge test (Module 5).
3. Visit an SAAQ service outlet with required documents: proof of address, birth certificate, and the driving school's certificate of completion.
4. ✓ Pass a vision test and pay the fee (approximately $88.35).

Triple-check your documents before your SAAQ appointment. A missing proof of residence document at the Montreal-Cote-des-Neiges office can mean a 4-week rescheduling delay.

Example Rejection: An applicant in Sherbrooke had their parent's proof of insurance instead of a valid Quebec driver's licence as ID for the supervisor consent form. The SAAQ agent rejected the application, requiring a new appointment.