Driving Lessons

Step 1 : Obtaining your learner’s licence

How do you obtain your learner’s licence?

• Register for the driving course offered at a Tecnic Driving School nearest you.
• Follow the phase 1 mandatory theoretical classes of the Road Safety Education Program (RSEP) that consist of 5 sessions of 2 hours, the last being a classroom evaluation. Phase 1 is spread out over a minimum of 28 days.
• After passing your knowledge test, Tecnic will give you a certificate marked “Successful.”
• Go to a SAAQ branch for a vision test and obtain you learner’s licence. You will need to present the following documents:
  • Your birth certificate issued by the Québec register of civil status or passport.
  • Your health insurance card.
  • Written parental authorization (for those under 18 years of age).
  • Your Tecnic Driving School certificate (certifying that you have successfully completed phase 1).
  • You must also provide the required amount to pay the SAAQ licence fees.

Learner’s Licence Obligations

• You must be at least 16 years old.
• You must always be accompanied by a driver who has held a valid regular driver's licence for at least two years.
• You will be subject to the zero alcohol rule when driving.
• You will lose your licence if you get 4 demerit points or more.
• You can only drive in the province of Quebec.
• Your learner’s licence will be valid for 18 months but can be renewed for another 12 months.

Step 2: Obtaining your probationary licence

• Follow the mandatory theoretical classes from the Road Safety Education Program, phases 2 to 4, alternating with in-car sessions.
• Phase 2 (guided driving) – 28 days minimum:
• Invite your accompanying driver to attend session 6. 
• Phase 3 (semi-guided driving) – 56 days minimum:
• You will have 2 practical evaluations at in-car sessions 5 and 10. Leave a few free weeks between phases 3 and 4 to allow yourself to practice with your accompanying driver.
• Phase 4 (semi-guided to independent driving)– 56 days minimum:
• 10 months after obtaining your learner’s licence, complete session 12.
• Then go to a SAAQ service centre and take the knowledge test.
• In-car sessions 12 and 13 must be combined to make it a 2 hour practice with 2 learner drivers in the vehicle. Each learner takes turns to be an observer and a driver. In-car session15 is a formative evaluation and summary of instruction prior to the road test.
• Do your SAAQ road test.
• Once you have passed the road test, you will receive you probationary licence. Don’t forget, you must:
  • Hold a learner’s licence for at least 12 months.
  • Present written authorization from your parents (for those less than 18 years of age).
  • Present your driving course certificate marked “Successful.”

Probationary Licence Obligations

• You will be subject to the zero alcohol rule when driving.
• You will lose your licence if you get 4 demerit points or more.

Step 3: Obtaining your regular driver’s licence

Regular Driver’s Licence Obligations

• Until you reach 21 years of age, you will be subject to the zero alcohol rule when driving.
• Your licence will be revoked if you accumulate 4, 8 or 12 demerit points (depending on your age).