Newfoundland and Labrador Driver’s License Procedure

Steps to get your Graduated Driver’s license (Class 5) in Newfoundland and Labrador

There are 2 levels in getting driver’s license.

  1. Level 1 — Learner’s license
  2. Level 2 – Novice driver.

Level 1:

  • You must be at least 16 years of age to apply for a novice driver Class 5, Level I (passenger car or light truck), or Class 6 Level I (motorcycle).
  • You must present (at the time you are applying for your learner’s permit) proof of age and identification. All documents must be originals. Photocopies are not accepted unless certified.
  • You are required to pass a written and vision test. The Newfoundland and Labrador written test consists of questions about the rules of the road, safe driving practices and road sign recognition in this Canadian province. A mark of 85% is a passing grade for the written test.
  • If you are applying for a Class 6 level I (motorcycle) license you are required to do a balance test in addition to the written and vision tests. You must contact the nearest Motor Registration Division office in your area for an appointment.
  • If you are under 19 years of age, you will be required to get parental or guardian consent before a learner’s license will be issued to you. There is a consent block provided on the driver application form.

Level 2:

  • The Class 5, Level I licence is valid for a period of two (2) years. A novice driver must spend a minimum 12¹ months as a Level 1 driver before you may take a road test.

¹ This time may be reduced to 8 months at Level I, with successful completion of an approved Driver Education Program. An approved driver education program is one that has been approved by the Minister of Government Services in Class 5 or Class 6 driving. An approved program will be presented by a driving school. These programs provide both in-class and in-car training. A Driver Education Program may be completed at any time during the Class 5, Level 1 phase.

  • Accompanied by licensed driver with 4 years driving experience as a Class 5 driver.
  • Novice Driver must have 0% Blood Alcohol Content (BAC).
  • Accompanying driver must not be in excess of .05% BAC.
  • No passenger, except the accompanying driver who occupies a seat in the front of the motor vehicle, adjacent to the novice driver. There is an exception for parents or guardians, who may be present in the vehicle, if the novice driver is enrolled in a driver education program accompanied by a licensed instructor.
  • No upgrade to commercial class driver licence until the driver has held a valid licence of at least “Class 05” for a minimum of one (1) year.
  • Not permitted to drive between midnight and 5 a.m.
  • “NOVICE DRIVER” sign must be displayed in a conspicuous position upon the rear of the motor vehicle he or she is driving. The lettering must be a minimum of 5 centimeters in height, in black lettering on a white background.
  • To exit this level you must pass a road test for Class 5.
  • A novice driver may take the road test at the end of his or her minimum time period for Class 5, Level I.

Requirements for getting the license in Newfoundland and Labrador

  • Must be 16 years of age
  • You must also have an acceptable knowledge of road signs, rules of the road and safe driving practices, and must pass the vision test.
  • Must pass the road test.

What to Bring to the Newfoundland and Labrador Test Center

Identification documentation is required for the issuance of a learner’s permit, photo identification card or exchange of foreign driver’s licence.

You need two pieces of identification, with at least one being an original primary document and the second an original secondary document as listed within each category below:

Primary

  • Birth Certificate2
  • Passport
  • Canadian Armed Forces Identification Card
  • Municipal, Provincial or Federal Police Force Identification
  • Federal Firearms Identification Card
  • Photo Driver’s Licence (from another jurisdiction)
  • Photo Identification Card issued by Motor Registration Division
  • Citizenship, Immigration, Naturalization, or Canadian Landed Resident papers

2 If the name on the birth certificate is not your current name, you will require another original of documents such as a marriage certificate which specifies your current name.

Secondary

  • Baptismal Certificate (with church seal)
  • Marriage Certificate
  • Social Insurance Card
  • Credit Card
  • School Identification Card (photograph: Newfoundland and Labrador schools only)
  • Indian Status Card (with photograph)
  • Government Identification Card (Newfoundland and Labrador)
  • MCP Card
  • Health Care Board Card (Newfoundland and Labrador only)
  • or other documentation satisfactory to the Registrar

On the day of your road test your vehicle will be checked for mechanical fitness and you must present.

  • Receipt for payment of your road test;
  • Delays in processing your road test receipt may result in the cancellation of your appointment
  • Valid Class 5 Level 1 driver’s licence; and
  • Valid insurance policy and vehicle registration permit for the vehicle in which you are to be road tested.

Newfoundland and Labrador Drivers Handbook and Driving Practice Test Online

Newfoundland and Labrador Sample Driving Practice Test
Newfoundland and Labrador Drivers Handbook Online

Web sites and Phone for Newfoundland and Labrador Driving Test Center

Contact 1-877-636-6867

http://www.gs.gov.nl.ca/department/drivers_contact.html#mrd