Minimum age for a car driving licence in Quebec (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Québec issues the apprentice driver's licence (learner's licence) from age 16, with consent of a parent for minors, and the learner must drive with an accompanying driver. The learner's licence must be held for at least 12 months before the road test. A probationary licence follows, held for 2 years.
| 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 | The learner's licence must be held for at least 10 months before the knowledge test and at least 12 months before the road test. A probationary licence follows, held for 2 years. A minor needs the consent of the person with parental authority. [2] |
| 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; the learner's licence must be held for at least 10 months before the knowledge test for the probationary licence and at least 12 months before the road test. [2] |
Notes
- Québec issues an apprentice driver's licence (permis d'apprenti conducteur) as the first stage. The age shown is that of this stage, which allows driving only with an accompanying driver. The age rule comes from a SAAQ policy dated 18 July 2012, marked as being updated.
- No age rule for visitors with a licence from outside the province or territory was found.
Sources
- Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ): Délivrance des permis et obtention des classes et des mentions (politique PO-PM 01) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ): Aide-mémoire - obtenir un permis de conduire de la classe 5 (auto) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Quebec 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quebec | ⚠ Not yet verified | 16, with an accompanying driver (2+ years) | Learner licence 12 months before road test | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Ontario | ⚠ Not yet verified | 16, with a supervising driver | G1 at 16; G2 after 8-12 months | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| New Brunswick | ⚠ Not yet verified | 16 (stage one learner's licence) | Stage 1 at 16; stage 2 after 8-12 months; licence after 24 | 16+ with a valid home licence |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | ⚠ Not yet verified | 16, with an experienced supervisor | Level I: 8-12 months before road test | ⚠ Not yet verified |
More rules in Quebec
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal within limits (21+) · Growing at home: No
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 50 km/h · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 90 km/h
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Bicycle rules · Minimum age: 18 (14-17 with moped licence)
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $16.60 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 limits
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.