...
In Canada, a learner’s permit is a license that allows new drivers to practice driving before they take their road test. It is commonly known as a Class 7 license. The purpose of the learner’s permit is to teach the new driver how to operate the vehicle safely.
Scope
The scope of a learner’s permit varies depending on the province or territory where the driver lives. Typically, a learner’s permit can be obtained at 14 years of age, and can only be used when a non-probationary licensed driver (Class 5 or above) over the age of 18 accompanies the driver.
Regulatory citations
- None
Key definitions
- None
Summary of requirements
Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) is a program designed to help new drivers gain more experience and skills before they can get a full driver’s license. In Canada, provincial/territorial licensing regulations are modeled on the guidelines set out in the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA) National Safety Code (NSC) that is supported by four standards.
Each province has different requirements for graduated licensing. For example, in Alberta, there are two stages of GDL:
- Stage One: Class 7 (Learner’s Driver’s Licence)
- Stage Two: Class 5-GDL (Probationary Licence)
Canada uses a graduated licensing program which is generally based on three steps. There may be slight differences according to province. A driver may first need to take the knowledge written test which gives the driver a Learner’s permit. After one year of practice with the Learners permit, the driver is then ready to do the road test for an intermediate permit.
To apply for a learner’s permit, a driver usually needs to be at least 16 years old, pass a knowledge test on the rules of the road, and have the consent of a parent or legal guardian if the driver is under 19 years old.
A learner’s permit is valid for a certain period of time, usually between 1 and 5 years. It needs to be renewed it if it expires before the driver gets the full licence.
A learner’s permit has three stages: learner, novice, and full licence. A driver needs to complete each stage successfully before the driver can move on to the next one. Each stage has different requirements and restrictions, such as the length of time the driver needs to hold the permit, the hours of driving the driver can do, the number of passengers the driver can have, and the blood alcohol level the driver must maintain.
A learner’s permit is not valid in other countries. A driver may need to get an International Driving Permit (IDP) if driving outside of Canada. An IDP is a translation of the licence into French and English that can be obtained from the driver’s home country.
A learner’s permit requires a driver to have car insurance when driving. It is illegal to drive without car insurance in Canada. Different types of car insurance plans are available. Drivers should compare the prices and coverage of different plans before choosing one.