What you need to get a Quebec driver's license
A Quebec driver's license is issued by the Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ), the provincial body that handles vehicle registration and driver licensing. To obtain one, you must be at least 16 years old, pass a written knowledge test, pass a practical driving test, and provide proof of identity and residency in Quebec.
The process differs depending on whether you are a new driver, moving to Quebec from another province or country, or renewing an expired license. Each route has its own document requirements and timeline.
Key Takeaways
- The SAAQ issues all Quebec driver's licenses and handles testing, renewals, and replacements through their offices and online services.
- New drivers must pass a written test on traffic laws, then a practical driving test with an approved instructor before receiving a license.
- If you hold a valid license from another Canadian province, you can exchange it for a Quebec license without retesting in most cases.
- Licenses expire every five years for drivers under 45 and every ten years for drivers 45 and older, and can be renewed online, by mail, or in person.
- You will need proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or other government ID), proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and a valid Social Insurance Number.
Getting your first Quebec driver's license as a new driver
If you have never held a driver's license in Quebec or anywhere else, you must complete the SAAQ's two-stage testing process. First, you take the written exam at an SAAQ office or approved testing centre. The test covers Quebec traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices, and you must score at least 80 percent to pass.
After passing the written test, you are issued a learner's permit valid for 12 months. During this time, you must practice driving with a licensed driver who is at least 25 years old and seated beside you. Once you feel ready, you book a practical driving test with an approved driving school instructor. The instructor evaluates your ability to control the vehicle, follow traffic laws, and respond to road conditions. If you pass, you receive your full driver's license.
The entire process typically takes several months because you must wait between passing the written test and taking the practical test. Many people use this time to take driving lessons, which are not required but are strongly recommended.
Transferring a license from another Canadian province
If you hold a valid driver's license from Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, or another Canadian province, you do not need to retake the written or practical tests. Instead, you can exchange your current license for a Quebec license at any SAAQ office.
Bring your current provincial license, proof of identity, proof of Quebec residency, and your Social Insurance Number. The SAAQ will verify that your license is valid and in good standing. If it is, they will issue your Quebec license on the spot or within a few business days, depending on the office.
If your license has been suspended, cancelled, or expired for more than three years, you may not be able to exchange it directly. In that case, you would need to retake the tests as if you were a new driver.
Moving to Quebec from outside Canada
If you hold a valid driver's license from the United States, France, or another country outside Canada, Quebec recognizes certain licenses for a limited time. You can drive in Quebec with your foreign license for up to six months from the date you establish residency. During this period, you should arrange to convert your license to a Quebec license.
To convert a foreign license, you must pass both the written and practical driving tests, the same as a new driver. However, some countries have reciprocal agreements with Quebec that may exempt you from the written test if your license is from France, Belgium, or a few other nations. Contact the SAAQ before booking your tests to confirm whether your country qualifies.
Bring your foreign license, a certified translation if it is not in French or English, proof of identity, proof of Quebec residency, and your Social Insurance Number or a letter from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) confirming your status.
Renewing your Quebec driver's license
Quebec driver's licenses expire every five years for drivers under 45 years old and every ten years for drivers 45 and older. You can renew your license online through the SAAQ website, by mail, or in person at an SAAQ office.
Online renewal is the fastest option and takes about 10 minutes. You log in with your license number and date of birth, confirm your information, pay the renewal fee, and your new license is mailed to you within two weeks. Online renewal is available only if your license is not suspended, your address has not changed, and you do not need a new photo.
If your address has changed, you have a medical condition to declare, or you prefer to renew in person, visit an SAAQ office. Bring your current license, proof of your new address if applicable, and payment. Renewal by mail is also available; you can request a form from the SAAQ website or pick one up at an office.
Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license
If your license is lost, stolen, or too damaged to use, you can request a replacement at any SAAQ office or online through their website. You will need to provide proof of identity and pay a replacement fee. If your license was stolen, you may also want to file a police report, though it is not required by the SAAQ.
A replacement license is mailed to you within two weeks. If you need to drive before it arrives, you can request a temporary paper permit at the SAAQ office, valid for 30 days.
Documents and fees you will need
The SAAQ accepts several forms of proof of identity: a valid passport, a birth certificate with a government-issued photo ID, a citizenship certificate, or a permanent resident card. For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your name and Quebec address.
You will also need your Social Insurance Number (SIN). If you do not have one, you can explore through Service Canada before visiting the SAAQ.
Fees vary by transaction type. A new license costs more than a renewal. Replacement licenses, exchanges from other provinces, and conversions from foreign licenses each have different fees set by the SAAQ. Check the SAAQ website for current amounts, as they change periodically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive in Quebec with an out-of-province Canadian license while I wait for my Quebec license?
Yes. A valid license from another Canadian province remains valid in Quebec indefinitely, so you can continue driving while your exchange is being processed. Once your Quebec license arrives, your old license is no longer valid in Quebec, though you can keep it as identification.
What happens if I fail the written or practical driving test?
You can retake the written test after waiting at least two weeks. For the practical test, you must wait at least two weeks before booking another attempt. There is no limit to how many times you can retake either test, but you pay the fee each time.
Do I need to take a vision test to renew my license?
Not for online or mail renewal. If you renew in person at an SAAQ office, the staff may ask you to read a chart to confirm your vision is adequate. If you wear glasses or contacts, you must wear them during the test and while driving.
What if my license has been suspended?
You cannot renew a suspended license. You must first resolve the suspension with the SAAQ, which may involve paying fines, completing a remedial course, or waiting out the suspension period. Contact the SAAQ directly to learn what is required in your case.
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew your license up to one year before its expiration date. This is useful if you are planning to travel or want to avoid a rush closer to the expiration date.