Quebec Class 5 Learner's Licence: Full Application Process, Fees, and SAAQ Rules (2026)

You must be at least 16 years old and have completed Phase 1 of a certified driving school's program. The application requires an in-person visit to a SAAQ service centre or authorized licensing agent.

How Do You Apply for a Quebec Class 5 Learner's Licence at the SAAQ?

Visit any SAAQ service centre with your driving school attestation, two pieces of ID, proof of Quebec residency, and $88.35. The full process takes under 90 minutes if documents are complete.

Eligibility and Preparation

Before booking an appointment, confirm you meet all prerequisites.

• Be at least 16 years old. Applicants under 18 need a signed Consent of a Person Having Parental Authority form.
• ✓ Complete Phase 1 (4 theoretical modules) at a recognized driving school and pass their Module 5 knowledge test.
• Obtain the official attestation of completion from your driving school. You cannot apply without it.

Required Documents and Fees

Gather original documents. Photocopies are not accepted.

• Primary Identity: Original Quebec birth certificate (from the Directeur de l'etat civil), Canadian passport, or citizenship certificate. Hospital or baptismal certificates are rejected.
• ✓ Secondary Identity: Your valid RAMQ health insurance card.
• Forms: Parental consent form if under 18. The Declaration of Illness or Impairment form if applicable.
• Fee: The learner's permit fee is $88.35 (18 months, includes photos). Payment accepted: cash, debit card (not at all outlets), cheque, or money order. Credit cards not accepted at SAAQ counters.

Scheduling and Attending Your Appointment

You must book an appointment online via the clicSAAQ portal. Walk-ins are rarely accepted.

• Select 'Driver's Licence' and 'Obtain a learner's licence' when booking.
• Arrive 15 minutes early with all documents and your driving school attestation.
• At the appointment, you will:
  1. Present your documents for verification.
  2. ✓ Pass a vision test (20/50 visual acuity required).
  3. Make a verbal declaration about medical conditions.
  4. Pay the fee and have your photo taken.
• You receive a paper temporary licence immediately; the plastic card arrives by mail.

Which SAAQ Service Centres Accept Quebec Learner's Licence Applications?

Apply at any full SAAQ service centre or authorized Licensing Agent across Quebec. Rural agents and urban centres both process Class 5 learner applications. Book via SAAQclic before you go.

Choosing a Location

Use the official Find a Service Outlet tool. Filter for 'Driver's licence' services and confirm 'Obtaining a learner's licence' is listed.

For example, applicants in Montreal may find quicker appointments at a Mandataire in Laval than at the busy Henri-Bourassa service centre.

Complete Quebec permit details are on the Quebec permit guide.

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

Appointment and Document Handling

This section addresses what happens during your visit if issues arise.

If your documents are rejected, you typically cannot correct them and return the same day. You must reschedule a new appointment. For instance, if you bring a hospital birth certificate instead of the official DEC version at the Quebec City Lebourgneuf centre, your application will be stopped and you will need to rebook.

You do lose your appointment slot if your documentation is incomplete or incorrect. The slot is used for that visit, regardless of the outcome.

If the office closes before processing you, you must rebook. Arriving just before closing is risky. An applicant at the Galeries de la Capitale office in Quebec City arrived at 4:45 PM for a 4:50 PM slot; the vision test and processing pushed past 5:00 PM, and the system closed before finalizing their file, forcing a reschedule.

How Long Is a Quebec Learner's Permit Valid - and What Driving Restrictions Apply?

The learner's permit is valid for 18 months. You must hold it for a minimum of 12 months before the road test. You may schedule the SAAQ knowledge test after 10 months.

Common Errors to Avoid

• Missing School Attestation: Showing up without the driving school's Module 5 completion certificate is the top reason for rejection.
• ✓ Wrong ID: Using a souvenir birth certificate or expired RAMQ card. Only originals from the Directeur de l'etat civil are accepted.
• Late Arrival: Arriving at or after your appointment time can result in being turned away, as seen at busy Montreal offices where schedules are strict.
• ✓ Incorrect Payment: Attempting to pay with a credit card when only debit, cash, or cheque are accepted.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Process

• Verify your birth certificate type before booking to avoid an automatic rejection and a weeks-long wait for a new appointment.
• Book appointments at suburban Licensing Agents (Mandataires) to find earlier slots and often receive more personalized assistance than at major urban service centres.
• Complete all required forms digitally before your appointment and bring printed copies to prevent delays from filling them out at the counter.