At the school
Start with the fundamentals
Complete Phase 1 and pass the school’s evaluation.
YOUR LICENCE JOURNEY
One step closer to freedom.
Your Quebec Class 5 licence, explained simply. Know where you are and what comes next.
24 h
of theory training
15 h
of practical training
12 months
minimum with a learner’s licence
YOUR MILESTONES
Learn.
Practise.
Move forward.
You must be at least 16 for a learner’s licence. Parental consent is required under 18.
View the Class 5 courseSAAQ + school
Your learner’s licence
Apply to the SAAQ, then continue your course and supervised driving.
At the SAAQ
The knowledge test
After at least 10 months with your learner’s licence, take the SAAQ knowledge test.
At the SAAQ
The road test
After at least 12 months with your learner’s licence, a completed course and a passed knowledge test, take the road test.
Your next chapter
The probationary licence
After passing the road test, begin the 24-month probationary period.
A CLOSER LOOK AT YOUR COURSE
Inside your course: the four phases
The five milestones above describe the licensing journey. Within it, the course follows four phases of the Road Safety Education Program (RSEP), combining theory, practice and school evaluations.
- Phase 1
Before your learner’s licence
- Theory
- Modules 1–5
- On the road
- No in-car lessons
- Minimum duration
- 28 days
- Phase 2
Guided driving
- Theory
- Modules 6–7
- On the road
- Lessons 1–4
- Minimum duration
- 28 days
- Phase 3
Semi-guided driving
- Theory
- Modules 8–10
- On the road
- Lessons 5–10
- Minimum duration
- 56 days
- Phase 4
Towards independent driving
- Theory
- Modules 11–12
- On the road
- Lessons 11–15
- Minimum duration
- 56 days
These durations are minimums, not guaranteed completion dates. Adding them together does not establish SAAQ road-test eligibility: you must pass the course and knowledge test and have held your learner’s licence for at least 12 months.
Open a phase to see what you’ll learn.
Phase 1Before your learner’s licence
Build a foundation before getting behind the wheel: the vehicle, your role as a driver, the road environment and behaviours that create risk.
The modules
- Module 1The Vehicle
- Module 2The Driver
- Module 3The Environment
- Module 4At-Risk Behaviours
- Module 5Evaluation
Your progress
No in-car lessons in this phase. You build the knowledge needed for driving.
Checking your learning
Module 5 reviews Modules 1–4 and includes the school’s knowledge evaluation. After passing, apply to the SAAQ for your learner’s licence, subject to its requirements. You must obtain it before starting in-car lessons in Phase 2.
Phase 2Guided driving
Put theory into practice during your first lessons on the road, with guidance from your instructor.
The modules
- Module 6Accompanied Driving
- Module 7OEA Driving Strategy
Your progress
In-car lessons 1–4. Learn about the accompanying driver’s role and practise the OEA strategy: Observe, Evaluate, Act. It helps you spot risks and choose how to respond.
Checking your learning
Your learner’s licence is required. You and your instructor review your strengths and the skills to work on during upcoming lessons.
Phase 3Semi-guided driving
Develop your judgement as your instructor guides you towards making more of your own driving decisions.
The modules
- Module 8Speed
- Module 9Sharing the Road
- Module 10Alcohol and Drugs
Your progress
In-car lessons 5–10. Explore appropriate speed, sharing the road and the risks of alcohol and drugs while strengthening your driving skills.
Checking your learning
Your instructor conducts formative on-road evaluations in lessons 5 and 10 to assess your learning. These are separate from the SAAQ road test.
Phase 4Towards independent driving
Bring your skills together for more independent, responsible driving, with attention to fatigue, distractions and eco-driving.
The modules
- Module 11Fatigue and Distractions
- Module 12Eco-Driving
Your progress
In-car lessons 11–15. Put your learning into practice with your instructor. Working towards independence does not allow solo driving on a learner’s licence: you must still drive accompanied.
Checking your learning
Lesson 15 includes a formative on-road evaluation and a summary of your learning. This school evaluation prepares you for what comes next; it does not replace the SAAQ road test.
Course structure and milestones checked against SAAQ sources on October 1, 2026.
Different assessments, different roles.
The Phase 1 evaluation takes place at the school. The official knowledge and road tests are administered by the SAAQ. The recognized training program does not replace those tests.
A minimum, not a promised date.
The 10- and 12-month periods start when you obtain your learner’s licence, not when you enrol in the course. Your progress and appointment availability also matter.
Milestones checked September 20, 2026. Full requirements: Class 5 licence — SAAQ · training program.
READY FOR THE ROAD?
Your next chapter
starts here.
Questions before you begin? Our team is here to help.