Graduated Driver Licencing Program

To obtain a driver’s licence in Newfoundland and Labrador applicants must complete the Graduated Driver Licensing Program.

  • Graduated licensing is a gradual, step by step licensing process that’s designed to help novice (new) drivers acquire the knowledge and skill needed to safely operate a motor vehicle. This is accomplished by gradually increasing driving privileges during the new driver’s first two years on the road.
  • The program applies to all new drivers regardless of age.
  • The program applies to drivers who want a class 5 (passenger vehicles and light trucks) or class 6 (motorcycle) driver’s licence.
  • Drivers are considered novice during their time spent as Level I or Level II drivers, regardless of the class of licence.

There are two levels during the novice driver period:

Level Status Description
I Novice, Learner Learner must be accompanied by a licenced driver (with at least 4 years experience)
II Novice, Licenced Driver First 12 months of driving after successful completion of road test.
  • New drivers must be at least 16 years of age and must complete a written, vision and road test.
  • If you are under 19 years of age, you will be required to get parental or guardian consent before a learner’s licence will be issued to you. The consent block is on the driver application form .
  • The written test has questions about the rules of the road, safe driving practices and road sign recognition. 85% is a passing grade for the written test.

Driving Restrictions – Restrictions apply at each level of the graduated licencing program.

CLASS 5I (PASSENGER VEHICLE, LIGHT TRUCK): The Class 5I driver’s licence is valid for two (2) years from the date of issue. A class 5I driver (learner) must:

  • spend at least 12 months at this level before taking a road test. This time may be reduced to 8 months with successful completion of an approved Driver Education Program .
  • have 0% Blood Alcohol Content (BAC).
  • be accompanied by licenced driver with at least 4 years driving experience as a Class 5 driver. The Accompanying driver must have 0% Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) and who occupy a seat in the front of the motor vehicle, adjacent to the novice driver.
  • not carry passengers, except the accompanying driver.
  • not drive between midnight and 5 a.m.
  • display a “NOVICE DRIVER” in a conspicuous position upon the rear of the motor vehicle they are driving. The lettering must be a minimum of 5 centimeters in height, in black lettering on a white background.
  • must pass an on-road test to exit this level.

The Class 5I (learner) is not eligible to upgrade to commercial class driver licence.

CLASS 5II (PASSENGER VEHICLE, LIGHT TRUCK): The Class 5II Novice Driver must spend 12 months at Level II and must:

  • have 0% Blood Alcohol Content (BAC).
  • be accompanied by licenced driver with at least 4 years driving experience if driving a motor vehicle between midnight and 5 a.m.
    • There is an exemption for work purposes. The Novice Driver must produce proof of working hours upon request of a peace officer.
    • the accompanying driver must have 0% Blood Alcohol Content (BAC).
  • ensure that the number of passengers in the vehicle are restricted to number of seat belts in vehicle.

The Class 5II (novice) is not eligible to upgrade to commercial class driver licence until they have held a valid ”Class 05” licence for a minimum of one (1) year.

For information on the graduated licencing requirements for a motorcycle licence visit the Getting a Motorcycle Licence section

Penalties for Novice Drivers

Impaired Driving

  • A novice driver’s licence will be suspended immediately by police (at roadside) if they exceed 0% Blood Alcohol Content (BAC).
  • The suspension begins immediately upon issuance of the notice by the officer.
  • The driver’s licence and a copy of the suspension notice is forwarded to the Driver Records Section of Motor Registration for processing.
  • The suspended driver will be informed, by certified mail, of the suspension details and reinstatement requirements.
  • The Novice driver’s licence suspension periods for impaired are:
Suspension Penalty
1st 2 Months
2nd 4 Months
3rd 6 Months
  • Novice drivers who have been suspended for any reason must apply to the Registrar to request that their driving privileges be reinstated.
  • Each time they are suspended the Novice Driver must re-start the level of driver’s licence they hold.
  • Novice drivers suspended for impaired driving must complete an Alcohol Education Program.
  • The Registrar may require the Novice driver to undergo an alcohol dependency evaluation/treatment program before their driving privileges may be reinstated.

Demerit Points Suspension

For more information see the section on the Demerit Point System in Newfoundland and Labrador.

  • A Novice driver can only accumulate six points within a one-year period before their licence is suspended.
  • You will be notified in writing after you’ve earned three points.
  • The Novice driver’s licence suspension periods for demerit points are:
Suspension Penalty
1st 2 Months
2nd 4 Months
3rd 6 Months
  • Novice drivers who have been suspended for any reason must apply to the Registrar to request that their driving privileges be reinstated.
  • Each time they are suspended the Novice Driver must re-start the level of driver’s licence they hold.
  • Novice drivers suspended for demerit points must complete a Responsible Drivers Workshop for accumulating demerit points.
  • The Registrar may require the Novice driver to undergo additional requirements before their driving privileges may be reinstated.
  • If the Novice Driver has accumulated some demerit points, but has not reached suspension level, a points reduction course can be completed. This will allow for removal of up to four (4) points from your record every five (5) years.