Minimum age for a car driving licence in Newfoundland and Labrador (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Newfoundland and Labrador issues the Class 5I learner's licence from age 16, with parental consent under 19. Learners must drive with an experienced licensed driver, carry no other passengers and not drive between midnight and 5 a.m.; they spend at least 12 months at this level (8 after an approved course). Class 5II novice drivers then spend 12 months with a midnight-to-5 a.m. accompaniment rule and no more passengers than seat belts.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Minimum age for a car licenceCar (category B) driving licence | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Earliest age to drive a car supervisedCar (category B) driving licence | 16 years [1] |
| Driving before the minimum ageCar (category B) driving licence | At least 12 months must be spent at Level I before the road test, reduced to 8 months after an approved driver education program. Level II then lasts 12 months. An applicant under 19 needs parental or guardian consent. [1] |
| Visitors on a foreign licence: ageCar (category B) driving licence | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Learner's permit from ageCar (category B) driving licence | 16 years [1] |
| Supervised driving hours requiredCar (category B) driving licence | No number of supervised hours is stated; a Class 5I learner must spend at least 12 months at that level before the road test, reduced to 8 months with an approved driver education program. [1] |
| Night-time limit for new driversCar (category B) driving licence | Class 5I learners may not drive between midnight and 5 a.m. Class 5II novice drivers must be accompanied by a licensed driver with at least 4 years' experience between midnight and 5 a.m., with an exemption for work purposes. [1] |
| Passenger limit for new driversCar (category B) driving licence | Class 5I learners may not carry passengers other than the accompanying driver. Class 5II novice drivers may not carry more passengers than there are seat belts. [1] |
Notes
- Newfoundland and Labrador: licences are issued in stages. The age shown is that of the first (learner) stage, which allows driving only with a supervisor.
- No age rule for visitors with a licence from outside the province or territory was found.
Sources
- Government of Newfoundland and Labrador: Graduated Driver Licencing Program - Government Services (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Newfoundland and Labrador and neighbouring provinces and territories
| Province or territory | Minimum age for a car licence | Earliest age to drive a car supervised | Driving before the minimum age | Visitors on a foreign licence: age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newfoundland and Labrador | ⚠ Not yet verified | 16, with an experienced supervisor | Level I: 8-12 months before road test | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Quebec | ⚠ Not yet verified | 16, with an accompanying driver (2+ years) | Learner licence 12 months before road test | ⚠ Not yet verified |
More rules in Newfoundland and Labrador
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal within limits (19+) · Growing at home: Yes, up to 4 plants, in the dwelling
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 50 km/h · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 100 km/h
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes; retailers need a permit
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $16.35 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Hands-free allowed
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 19 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 19
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 19 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 19
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.