SAAQ Driving Test: A Detailed Guide to Licensing in Quebec
The SAAQ (Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec) is the cornerstone of road safety and driver licensing in the province of Quebec. This governmental body not only manages public automobile insurance but also regulates the entire process of obtaining a driver's licence. The SAAQ test refers to the series of mandatory examinations—theory and practical—that new drivers must pass to obtain the standard Class 5 licence (for passenger vehicles).
The SAAQ operates under a graduated licensing program, designed to ensure new drivers gain experience incrementally in a controlled environment before earning full driving privileges. The process is lengthy, typically taking at least 13 months, and requires dedication to both formal instruction and supervised practice.
The journey to obtaining a Class 5 licence is structured in three main phases:
1. Learner’s Licence (Phase 1)
The process begins with enrollment in a mandatory driving course at an SAAQ-recognized school. This course is divided into theoretical modules and in-car practical lessons. After completing the initial theoretical modules (Module 1 through 5) and reaching the minimum age of 16, applicants can take the SAAQ's preliminary aptitude test and vision test to obtain a Learner's Licence.
- Restriction: Drivers with a Learner's Licence must be accompanied at all times by a fully licensed driver (Class 5 or higher) who has held their licence for at least two years and is capable of providing assistance.
2. Knowledge Test (Theory)
Once the Learner's Licence has been held for a minimum period (typically 10 to 12 months after the initial course phase), candidates become eligible to take the SAAQ Knowledge Test. This official theory exam evaluates the foundational knowledge required for safe driving.
Composition of the Knowledge Test:
The test is a computerized, multiple-choice examination divided into three distinct sections, all of which must be passed individually:
- The Highway Safety Code (Règlement sur la sécurité routière): Focuses on basic driving laws, vehicle operation regulations, and the legal obligations of drivers.
- Road Signs and Traffic Signals: Tests recognition and correct interpretation of various regulatory, warning, and informational signs.
- Behaviours and Techniques: Assesses knowledge of safe driving practices, risk perception, managing emergencies, and environmental factors.
Passing Requirement: A minimum score of 75% is required in each of the three sections to pass the Knowledge Test. Failure to pass necessitates a mandatory waiting period of at least 28 days before the test can be re-taken.
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3. Road Test (Practical)
After successfully passing the Knowledge Test and completing the full 12-month minimum holding period for the Learner's Licence, the candidate is eligible for the final step: the SAAQ Road Test.
The Examination:
The Road Test is a practical, on-road evaluation conducted by an SAAQ examiner. It typically lasts about 30 to 45 minutes and is designed to confirm the candidate's ability to safely and independently operate a vehicle under various real-world conditions.
Key Evaluation Areas:
- Vehicle Control: Smoothness of starts, stops, steering, and gear changes (if applicable).
- Observation: Proper use of mirrors, head checks, and awareness of surroundings.
- Traffic Laws: Correct compliance with speed limits, traffic signals, and right-of-way rules.
- Manoeuvres: Executing necessary driving skills such as parking (parallel or reverse), lane changes, and reversing.
- Decision-Making: The ability to predict hazards, react appropriately, and maintain safe following distances.
The test is graded on a points system, and certain critical errors (e.g., failing to stop at a red light, dangerous driving) result in immediate failure.
Obtaining the Licence: A candidate who successfully passes the Road Test is immediately granted a Probationary Licence (Phase 2 of the graduated program).
How to Book and Prepare for the Exams
Booking Appointments:
All SAAQ exams (Knowledge and Road) must be booked online through the official SAAQ online services platform, SAAQclic. In-person or walk-in appointments are generally not accepted. Due to high demand, it is crucial to book well in advance.
Preparation Materials:
The SAAQ provides several official guides and manuals necessary for preparation, including:
- Driving a Passenger Vehicle (Reference for the Knowledge Test).
- Guide to the Road Test (Details on what the examiner assesses).
Adequate study of the theoretical guides and extensive supervised practice are the keys to success.
Post-Licensing: The Probationary Licence
The Probationary Licence (Class 5) is the final stage before a full licence. It is held for 24 months and comes with specific restrictions: most notably, a zero-tolerance policy for alcohol (Blood Alcohol Content must be $0.00$) and stricter limits on the accumulation of demerit points. After the probationary period is successfully completed, the driver automatically receives a permanent Class 5 licence.