20

05
Ed
iti
o n
 Important
To properly prepare for the SAAQs knowledge and road
tests, you are urged to:

study these manuals (on sale in Publications du

Qubec outlets and in bookstores):
Drivers Handbook
Driving a Passenger Vehicle

read the Accompanying Riders Guide for Driving

Practice in a Passenger Vehicle, available free of
charge in SAAQ service centres, and give it to the
rider who will be helping you practise on the road.

check your knowledge about driving

an automobile with the online quiz by going to
www.saaq.gouv.qc.ca/en

Taking a driving schools course could also be helpful in

learning theory and practical skills, thereby increasing
your chances of success.

Getting a licence is a serious matter!

Prospective
Passenger
Vehicle Driver
Graduated Access

G radual access to the driving privilege is intended to foster

a reduction in traffic offences and the number of young
drivers involved in accidents. Graduated licensing applies to
all new drivers of a passenger vehicle (class 5 licence).

The introduction of learning periods lasting at least a certain

amount of time is intended to improve Qubecers safety
record. From that perspective, a period of accompaniment
by an experienced licence holder offers the opportunity to
acquire the knowledge and skills required of a passenger
vehicle driver in dealing with particular difficulties that may
arise on the road.

You are urged to read this brochure attentively to find out

how to get a drivers licence for a passenger vehicle.

1
Contents

Proper Preparation 3

Passenger Vehicles 4
Licence class 4
Minimum age 4
Theory 4
Learners licence 5
Practice 8
The road test 10

The Probationary Licence 13

The last step for drivers aged 16-24 13
Restrictive 13
Zero tolerance for alcohol 14

Demerit Points 14

It Pays to Have a Good Driving Record 17

Your Insurance Policy... 20

...for Bodily Injury 20
...for Mandatory Liability Insurance 22

Consent of a Person Having Parental Authority 23

Road Test Reminder 26

This brochure is not a text of law. For any reference of legal nature,
please consult the Highway Safety Code and attendant regulations.

Updated 1st quarter 2003

Version franaise disponible sur demande.

Legal Deposit: 1st quarter 2001
Bibliothque nationale du Qubec
ISBN 2-550-31902-8

Socit de lassurance automobile du Qubec

Direction des communications

2
Proper Preparation

T o properly prepare yourself for the driving knowledge

and road tests:

review the documentation recommended by the Socit

de lassurance automobile du Qubec:
Drivers Handbook
Driving a Passenger Vehicle

These guides are on sale at Publications du Qubec and in

bookstores. Also recommended is the Accompanying Riders
Guide for Driving Practice in a Passenger Vehicle, available
free of charge in SAAQ service centres.

The learners licence allows you to put into practice the

knowledge acquired and to develop the skills needed to
drive a passenger vehicle on the public roadway.

Put in as much practice time as possible on the road.

Theres how to get ready!

3
Passenger Vehicles
Licence class

T o drive a passenger vehicle, you must hold a class 5

licence. This licence entitles its holder to drive any two-
axle vehicle with a net weight of less than 4,500 kg, motor
homes, tool vehicles, farm tractors and mopeds or
motorized scooters.

Minimum age

T o obtain a licence, you must:

be at least 16 years old;

if you are a minor (under age 18), have the written
consent of the person having parental authority
(your father, mother, or legal guardian).

Theory

Y our first step is to learn driving theory pertaining to

driving passenger vehicles. You need a good basic
knowledge of the Highway Safety Code, road signs and
traffic signals as well as driving techniques, before moving
on to the practical part of the training.

4
Learners licence

P ractical training on the road can only begin after you

have obtained a learners licence.

Knowledge test appointment

To obtain a learners licence, you must first make an
appointment to take a knowledge test in an SAAQ service
centre, by using the Socits automated telephone service:

Montral: (514) 873-5803

Qubec
(city and vicinity): (418) 643-5213
From elsewhere
in the province: 1 888 667-8687

On the day of your appointment

To obtain your learners licence, you must meet certain
requirements:

If you hold a licence, you must show proof

of identity:
your probationary or drivers licence bearing your
photograph;
or
two pieces of identification from among the following:
1st piece:
if you were born in Qubec:
your paper-backed licence, or the original of your
birth certificate issued by the civil registry office
(Directeur de ltat civil) from January 1, 1994;
a birth certificate issued by a parish or by
the ministre de la Justice is not acceptable;
if you were born elsewhere:
your birth certificate from the official issuing
Canadian authority, or Canadian passport
or certificate of Canadian citizenship or your
Permanent Resident Card issued by the
Government of Canada;
2nd piece:
health insurance card or government-issued
identification.

5
 If you do not hold a licence,
you must show two pieces of identification from among
the following:
1st piece:
if you were born in Qubec:
the original of your birth certificate issued by the civil
registry office (Directeur de ltat civil) from
January 1, 1994; a birth certificate issued by a parish
or by the ministre de la Justice is not acceptable;
if you were born elsewhere:
your birth certificate from the official issuing
Canadian authority, or Canadian passport or
certificate of Canadian citizenship or your Permanent
Resident Card issued by the Government of Canada;

2nd piece:
health insurance card or government-issued
identification.

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 If you are under age 18, provide the original of written
consent of the person having the parental authority
(your father, mother or legal guardian).
Complete the Socits Declaration of Illness or
Impairment form, showing that you meet medical
requirements.
Pass the Socits vision test.
Pass the knowledge test. The test is composed of
64 multiple-choice questions, and the passing mark
is 75% for each of the three parts of the test.
The purpose of this test is to assess your knowledge
of traffic rules (as well as the techniques of operating
a motor vehicle on the roadway). You must know what
to do in a driving situation.
If you fail, you have to retake only the part(s) that you
failed. However, you must wait at least seven days
before retaking the test.
Pay the required amounts either in cash or by cheque*
or with a debit card (except in mobile service units).
* Separate cheques, one covering the test fee, another for the
licence issue fee.

7
Practice

O nce you have obtained your learners licence, you can

acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for driving a
passenger vehicle on public highways. A learners licence is
valid for eighteen months, although taking your road test
after one year has elapsed is possible.
When you practise, you must be accompanied by a person
who has held a valid drivers licence for a passenger vehicle
at least two years, and is able to provide assistance and
advice. A probationary licence holder is not qualified to
serve as accompanying rider.

During your training period, you will be subject to a ceiling

of four demerit points and total prohibition as concerns alco-
hol use and driving.

8
Choosing a driving school
Practical courses are optional, as are theoretical courses dis-
pensed by a driving school.
However, if you complete a practical course in a driving
school recognized by CAA-Qubec or the Quebec Safety
League/Association qubcoise du transport et des routes,
you can cut four months off the minimum length of the
training period, which will be eight months rather than a
year from the date of learners licence issue. You can then
go for your road test.
For information on recognized driving schools, contact:

CAA-Qubec
444 rue Bouvier
Qubec, QC G2J 1E3
Montral: (514) 861-7575
From elsewhere in Qubec: 1 800 924-0708

Quebec Safety League

Association qubcoise du transport
et des routes
533 rue Ontario Est, bureau 206
Montral, QC H2L 1N8
Montral: (514) 523-6444

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The road test
T o obtain a probationary licence (or a regular drivers
licence if you are age 25 or older), you must:
have held a learners licence for at least one year
(or 8 months if you have completed a course in
a driving school recognized by CAA-Qubec or the
Quebec Safety League/ Association qubcoise
du transport et des routes);
make an appointment with the Socit for a road test,
citing the learners licence file number (shown under
No de dossier );
pass the road test.

This test is designed to assess your skills in carrying out the

manoeuvres and applying the rules for driving a passenger
vehicle on public highways.

For the appointment

Remember to bring:
your learners licence;
one of the pieces of identification required on the day of
the knowledge test, other than the birth certificate issued
by the Directeur de ltat civil;
proof from the driving school, if you took a course, that
you passed;
the original of a new written authorization signed
by the person having parental authority (father, mother,
legal guardian) if you are under age 18;
a valid, signed registration certificate and proof of liabili-
ty insurance for the vehicle you will be using during the
road test;
payment in cash or by cheque* or with a debit card
(except in mobile service units).
* Separate cheques, one covering the test fee, another for the
licence issue fee.

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The amount for the licence fee also covers an administrative
charge, the insurance premium and the taking of your pho-
tograph for your plasticized licence which will be mailed to
you.

If you cannot keep your appointment, you must notify the

Socit at least 48 hours ahead of time. For appointments
that cannot be kept, failure to cancel 48 hours or more in
advance will result in a charge to a licence applicant.

Road test vehicle

The Socit will not provide you with a vehicle for the road
test. It is your responsibility to arrive at your road test with a
vehicle in good mechanical order.
If you rent a vehicle, you will be required to show the rental
contract or payment receipt before taking the road test.
Should the vehicle you will be using bear an X licence
plate, a letter with the dealers signature is required, stating
that you are being loaned the vehicle in question, and the
length of time of the loan.
Whatever vehicle is used for the road test, you will not be
allowed to have any passenger or pet aboard.
The driving examiner will require the passenger vehicle to
have a removable sign on the roof, provided by the Socit,
showing Examen de conduite.

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Passenger vehicle components checked
by the driving examiner
The condition of the body in general;
The condition of the tires;
The headlights;
The brake lights, including any eye-level brake light;
The turn-signal lights;
The windshield, side windows, rear window and
rearview mirrors;
The operation of the doors;
The horn;
The muffler;
The seat belts;
Headrests;
The parking brake;
The speedometer;
Other features, depending on the weather.

A vehicle that is found not to be in order cannot be used for

the road test; the licence applicant must then make a new
appointment.

The assessment

The driving examiner observes and notes:

an applicants driving skills in the execution
of commonly-required manoeuvres;
observance of traffic rules and the use of safe driving
techniques;
the applicants ability in controlling the vehicle;
the prospective drivers behaviour toward other road
users.

Before the test, the examiner will inform you of how it

takes place.

During the test, the examiner will limit conversation to

directions about the route to be followed and specific
instructions for the test, so as to avoid disturbing your con-
centration. No statement will be made to trick or entrap. You
can ask for a clarification if there is any misunderstanding.
You will not be asked to perform a manoeuvre that is dan-
gerous or prohibited under the Highway Safety Code.

12
Once the road test is over, the examiner will explain the
results and point out strengths and the areas where there
could be improvement, even if you passed.
To pass the road test, you must:
drive without committing any offence under the
Highway Safety Code;
show prudent, safe driving behaviour at all times;
score at least 75%.

If you fail

Should you fail the road test, you must wait at least 21 days
before trying again, in which case another appointment is
necessary.

The Probationary
Licence
The last step for drivers aged 16-24

A fter passing the road test, you qualify for a probationary

licence if you are aged 16-24. Drivers age 25 and over
qualify for a regular drivers licence.

Restrictive

T he probationary licence, valid for 24 months or until age

25, whichever comes first, is distinctive because it is more
restrictive. Probationary licence holders are subject to a
ceiling of four demerit points and zero tolerance for alcohol
use when driving, nor can they serve as accompanying
riders to assist a learner.

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Zero tolerance for alcohol

L earners and probationary licence holders are prohibited

from driving after drinking any alcohol. Breach of the
zero tolerance rule as it applies to alcohol use will result in
the entry of four demerit points on their driving record and
licence suspension for three months. The offender is also
subject to a fine of $300 to $600.

Driving with a blood alcohol concentration of more

than .08 (80 mg in 100 ml of blood) is an offence under
the Criminal Code.

Demerit Points

A s you are undoubtedly aware, the Socit de lassurance

automobile du Qubec enters demerit points on the
record of licence holders who commit certain offences under
the Highway Safety Code, a statute or by-law concerning
road safety.

In the case of a learners licence or probationary licence

holder, the limit is four demerit points (as opposed to 15 for
a regular drivers licence).

If you should accumulate four demerit points, your learners

licence or probationary licence will be suspended for three
months, lengthening your learning or probationary period
by that amount of time.

Ex.: You are twenty years old and have held your
probationary licence for fifteen months; you therefore have
nine months to go before the probationary period ends
(24 -15 = 9). You are found guilty of an offence which brings
the number of demerit points on your record to four,
so your licence is suspended for three months. After the
suspension is lifted, you will be issued another probationary
licence, valid for nine months.

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Offences
Offences that result
in the entry of demerit points
on a drivers record Number of points

Speed in excess of the limit prescribed

or indicated on a traffic control device:
(a) by 11 to 20 km/h 1
(b) by 21 to 30 km/h 2
(c) by 31 to 45 km/h 3
(d) by 46 to 60 km/h 5
(e) by 61 to 80 km/h 7
(f) by 81 to 100 km/h 9
(g) by 101 to 120 km/h 12
(h) by 121 km/h or over 15 and +
Driving at a speed too great for weather 2
or road conditions
Tailgating 2
Accelerating when being passed 2
Passing a bicycle too closely in a travel lane 2
Failure to yield to pedestrians and cyclists 2
at an intersection
Sudden braking without cause 2
Failure to yield to oncoming traffic 2
Failure to wear a seat belt 2
Failure to wear a helmet 3
(motorcycles, mopeds & motorized scooters)
Failure to stop before turning right at a red traffic light 3
Failure to wear a seat belt 3
Prohibited passing on the right 3
Prohibited passing on the left 3
Prohibited driving in reverse 3
Failure to obey the order or signal of a peace officer, 3
school crossing guard or flag person
Failure to obey a red traffic light or stop sign 3
Failure to come to a mandatory 3
stop at a level crossing
Prohibited crossing of a solid line to pass a vehicle 3

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 Prohibited passing in a lane reserved 4
for oncoming traffic
Speeding or careless driving 4
Zigzagging to pass 4
Driving for a wager or stake or in a race 6
Failure to stop when approaching a school bus 9
with its flashing lights in operation,
OR
illegal passing of such a vehicle in either direction
Prohibited use of a tunnel by a vehicle 9
carrying dangerous substances
Failure of a driver involved in an accident 9
to do his or her duty
Failure to stop at a level crossing when driving 9
a bus, a minibus or a road vehicle equipped
for the transport of dangerous substances
Driving with the presence of alcohol in the body * 4
Failure to provide a breath sample * 4
Driving without an accompanying rider 4
(for learners only)

* For holders of a learners licence, probationary licence

or a licence authorizing operating only a vehicle equipped
with an ignition interlock.

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It Pays to Have
a Good Driving Record

B eing a good driver is not only positive from the safety

viewpoint, it can save you money. Operating a vehicle
safely contributes to the public good and keeps insurance
premiums that apply to the Qubec drivers licence from
rising.

A universal insurance policy...

The public plan in force since March 1, 1978 provides

all Quebecers with compensation for bodily injuries they
sustain in a motor vehicle accident, wherever in the world it
occurs and whether they be drivers, passengers, cyclists or
pedestrians. The plan administered by Qubecs automobile
insurance corporation is a no-fault scheme that compensates
victims regardless of who is to blame for a mishap.

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whose costs are based...

The contribution from motorists to funding the plan is taken

at the time of issue and renewal of a drivers licence and
vehicle registration.

on the assessment of risk...

Insurance rates are set on the basis of risk. This rule applies
equally to automobile insurance, whether it be a public or
private plan.

linked to the vehicle...

From the Qubec plans inception, the rate schedule used

by the Socit has sought to reflect the risk associated
with the operation of each type of vehicle in terms of
compensation costs.

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and to the operator

Logically, the premium charged a driver should correspond

as much as possible to the compensation outlays that
individual is likely to incur. Socit studies have established
a clear link between an individuals driving record and the
degree of accident risk. Persons who have several demerit
points on record or whose licence was withdrawn following
a driving-related Criminal Code offence represent a much
greater risk on the public roadway than do other motorists,
and their premium under the Qubec plan mirrors that
reality.

Nevertheless, more than 90% of licence holders pay only

the base premium when they renew because of their good
driving record over the previous two years. The
insurance premium is calculated according to the number
of demerit points on the drivers record over the 24 months
prior to renewal, which may take place at any time during
the three months prior to expiry, on the holders birthday.

A good driving record has no more than three demerit

points.

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Your Insurance
Policy...

...for Bodily Injury

I nsurance coverage of bodily injury sustained in an accident

involving an automobile is provided by Qubecs public
plan.

Coverage for all Quebecers

The Qubec scheme rests on four principles:

1. Protection for all Quebecers, wherever they be

All Qubec residents qualify for the protection from

financial ruin offered by the public automobile insurance
plan, regardless of where the accident occurs. The plan
provides compensation for injuries resulting from an
automobile accident, whether the Quebecer was a motor
vehicle operator or passenger, a pedestrian or a cyclist.

2. Compensation regardless of fault

Since the plans inception, Quebecers are compensated

for bodily injury sustained in an automobile accident,
without it being necessary to establish which party was
to blame.

No-fault compensation also means that lawsuits in the

matter have been abolished. Nevertheless, someone
who commits a traffic offence such as dangerous or
impaired driving is still liable to prosecution.

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3. Compensation for financial loss

Socit indemnity payments are mainly intended to

compensate an accident victim for actual economic loss.
This may take the form of an income replacement
indemnity for loss of earning power, or a lump sum for
a delay in studies. The Socit reimburses accident-
related expenses such as the purchase price of
prescribed medication, for instance.

An accident victim left with aftereffects of injury may

also qualify for a lump-sum indemnity, based on the
severity of injuries.

4. Indexation of indemnities

With a view to maintaining the purchasing power of

income compensation, the amount of a victims gross
income which enters into the calculation of his or her
income replacement indemnity is indexed yearly on the
anniversary of the accident. Lump sums prescribed by
the Automobile Insurance Act are indexed on January
first each year.

Plan premiums

Drivers licence holders and owners of Qubec-registered

vehicles pay the premiums that keep the public plan in
operation. These premiums are collected at the time of issue
and renewal of each drivers licence and upon registration
of a vehicle for use on the highway (see the section,
It Pays to Have a Good Driving Record).

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... for Mandatory Liability Insurance
The Automobile Insurance Act requires that the owner of a
motor vehicle operated in Qubec carry liability insurance of
at least fifty thousand dollars covering property damage
caused by the vehicle to another party in the event of an
accident. Policies providing this third-party coverage are
offered by private insurers.

When operating a vehicle, the Highway Safety Code requires

that you have your learners or drivers licence with you, as
well as the vehicles registration certificate and proof of lia-
bility insurance coverage.

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 Consent
of a Person
Having Parental
Authority
Do not write here
Date : Year Month Day

N.I. :

This form must be completed and signed by the father,

mother, or guardian of a minor applying for vehicle
registration or a licence to drive.

I, the undersigned...

Father, mother or guardian

Surname:

Given name:

Address:

If holder of a drivers licence,

enter the licence number:
Licence
number:

... consent that the Socit de lassurance automobile du

Qubec issue a licence to drive to:

Minor
Surname:

Given name:

Date of birth: Year Mo. Day

Signature of the father,

mother or guardian:

Date: Year Mo. Day

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Protection of personal
information

Information concerning a person sought by the Socit de

lassurance automobile du Qubec is handled confidentially.
Such personal information is needed by the Socit to carry
out its mandates, in particular under the Automobile
Insurance Act and the Highway Safety Code. The informa-
tion must be provided on request and failure to do so can
result in refusal, suspension or cessation of a service or privi-
lege on the Socits part.

Personal information obtained is only disclosed to staff inter-

nally or to authorized agents. Under the Act respecting
access to documents held by public bodies and the protec-
tion of personal information, it may be conveyed to
Government departments or agencies and to the police
where necessary for purposes of implementing an act.
Individuals may consult or correct any personal information
concerning them held in Socit records by contacting the
person responsible for the Act respecting access at the cor-
porations head office in Qubec City.

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Road Test Reminder
Remember to bring the following with you to your road test:
your learners licence;
one of these pieces of identification:
your health insurance card;
government-issued identification;
your birth certificate;
your passport;
identity card for the road test (must be shown if the
SAAQ issued one to you);
proof of your status as a Canadian citizens or perma-
nent resident.
your drivers licence if you hold one;
a new written authorization signed by your father, mother
or legal guardian, if you are under eighteen years old;
a valid, signed registration certificate and proof of liability
insurance for the vehicle you will be using for the road
test; check the expiry date of liability insurance and that
the vehicle owners name in full and the serial number are
the same as shown on the registration certificate;
payment of the test and issue fees for the licence sought;
the vehicle you will be using for the road test must be in
good mechanical condition.

Road test appointment is:

on:

at:

For further information, telephone:

in Montral (local call) (514) 873-7620
in Qubec (city and vicinity) (418) 643-7620
toll free, from elsewhere 1 800 361-7620
in the province
Web site www.saaq.gouv.qc.ca/en
C-4355-A (05-02)