Class of Licence

In Newfoundland and Labrador, you must have a valid driver’s licence for the kind of vehicle you wish to drive. Listed below are the classes of driver’s licences and types of vehicles that can be driven with each class.

Class 8

Licence permits the holder to operate traction engine vehicles only

Class 6l

Motorcycle Novice Driver, Class 6, Level I (learner)

All drivers must spend 12 months in this class before you are eligible for a road test (reduced to eight months if you complete an approved motorcycle education program)

Restrictions

  • Novice driver must be accompanied by a licenced driver with four years driving experience as a motorcycle driver, on another motorcycle or in a vehicle
  • Both Novice driver and accompanying driver must have 0% Blood Alcohol Content (BAC)
  • No passengers allowed
  • No upgrade to commercial class of licence
  • Not permitted to drive after dark (one half hour before sunset to one half hour after sunrise)
  • Not permitted on highways where posted speed limit exceeds 80 km/h
  • Must pass road test to exit this level

Class 6II

Motorcycle Novice Driver Class 6, Level II

All drivers must spend 12 months in this class

Restrictions

  • Novice driver must have 0% Blood Alcohol Content (BAC)
  • No upgrade to commercial class driver licence
  • Not permitted to drive between midnight and 5:00 a.m.

Class 6

Full Motorcycle Licence

Class 5l

Novice Driver – Passenger Vehicle and Light Truck Novice Driver Class 5, Level I (learner)

Must spend 12 months in this level without suspension (may be reduced to eight months with completion of an approved driver education program)

Restrictions

  • Must be accompanied by a licenced driver with four years driving experience as a Class 5 licence holder or higher
  • Novice driver and accompanying driver must have 0% BAC
  • No passengers permitted (exemptions may apply when driving with a licenced instructor during the approved driver education program)
  • No upgrade to commercial class of licence
  • Not permitted to drive between midnight and 5:00 a.m.
  • Novice Driver sign is required on rear of vehicle (5 cm (2 in) lettering must be black text on white background)
  • Must pass road test to exit this level

Class 5ll

Passenger vehicle or light truck Novice Driver Class 5, Level II

Must spend 12 months at this level without suspension

Restrictions

  • Passengers restricted to number of seat belts
  • Must be accompanied by licensed driver with four years driving experience in Class 5 or higher if driving between midnight and 5:00 a.m. (exemption for work purposes and novice must provide proof of working hours to police)
  • No upgrade to commercial class of licence

Class 5

Passenger vehicle or light truck Class 5 Driver

Permits the holder to operate:

  • all motor vehicles with no more than two axles
  • a combination of vehicles (ex car/truck and trailer) where the towed vehicle does not exceed 4,500 kgs*
  • buses, taxis and ambulances while not carrying passengers
  • self-propelled motor homes with two or more axles;
  • farm tractors; fork lifts and emergency vehicles (excluding ambulances)
  • trucks designed for off highway use and vehicles commonly known as backhoes.

Licence holder must have one (1) year as a Class 5 driver before applying for a commercial class driver’s licence.

* The trailer limit may be increased by completing a Class 5 weight Alteration road test.

Class 4

Licence permits holder to operate taxis, ambulances, all Class 5 motor vehicles, and buses up to 24 passengers. Class 4 drivers may be issued a restriction that permits the holder to operate taxis only (excludes buses and ambulances).

Class 3

Licence permits holder to operate trucks with three or more axles including a combination of vehicles, and other classes as shown by endorsements.

Class 2

Licence permits the holder to operate all buses over 24 passengers, and other classes as shown by endorsements.

Class 1

Licence permits the holder to operate all semi-trailer trucks, and other classes as shown by endorsements.