Taking your road test in Québec soon? Find out what the examiner watches, the mistakes to avoid, the documents to bring and the best ways to prepare.
By AlloPermis, an SAAQ-recognized driving school · Updated
Our courses are taught in French, and we can guide you in English to register.
The road test is the last big step before the class 5 probationary licence, in the usual path of a new driver. For about 30 minutes, an examiner watches your ability to drive in a safe, cooperative and responsible way.
Source: SAAQ, information checked on October 8, 2026. Fees and rules may change: check saaq.gouv.qc.ca (in French).
Have a licence from another country? The process is different: see our page on licence exchange.
You book online in the SAAQclic portal, where you choose your service centre.
Open SAAQclic (official site) · Not comfortable with it yet? Read our SAAQclic portal guide.
If a document is missing or the vehicle doesn't meet the standards, the test won't take place and you'll have to book again. Tick items as you go (your ticks stay on this device), or print the list.
My SAAQ road test checklist · AlloPermis
Done: 0 / 0
A removable “Examen de conduite” sign, provided by the SAAQ, is placed on the vehicle during the test.
The SAAQ does not provide a vehicle. AlloPermis offers a car rental service for the road test, subject to availability.
Go to the service centre you chose with your documents and pay for the test (cash, debit except at some service centres, pre-authorized debit or cheque; no credit card).
The examiner checks the mechanical components (windows, lights, mirrors, brakes, tires, etc.). If the vehicle doesn't comply, the test does not take place.
Before starting, the examiner explains how the test will go. No passengers or animals on board, no electronic devices.
The examiner gives you the directions. You drive independently: observe, assess, act.
Whether you pass or not, the examiner tells you your strengths and the points to improve.
Here are the main elements assessed, as the SAAQ publishes them, and what they mean in practice behind the wheel.
| Element assessed | What the SAAQ says | What the examiner looks at in practice |
|---|---|---|
| Driving independently | Analyze the situation (observe), make the right decision (assess), perform the maneuver at the right time (act). | You are given a direction, then you choose the lane, the timing and the speed. The examiner watches whether you decide on your own, without waiting to be guided. |
| Visual checks | Check over your shoulder when turning and changing lanes; scan your surroundings. | The head movement must be visible and done at the right time, before you move. A quick look at the mirror does not replace the blind-spot check. |
| Vehicle control | Control your vehicle and speed; keep a proper position in the lane and a safe space from other road users. | Smooth starts and stops, a steady path in the lane, enough distance behind the vehicle ahead. |
| Driving with confidence and courtesy | Drive close to the permitted speed limits; use your right-of-way. | Driving clearly too slowly or hesitating when it is your turn can also be noted. The goal: smooth, predictable and safe driving. |
| Following the rules | Make mandatory stops; drive at the legal speed; respect right-of-way. | A full stop at the right place, the right speed for each zone (watch for limit changes), pedestrians and right-of-way respected. |
Each mistake is shown as a real situation: what happens, and the right decision to make.
Situation: The car slows down without coming to a complete stop.
The right reflex: A full stop, wheels not moving, at the right place, then observe before moving off. Missing a mandatory stop can mean immediate failure.
Situation: A 50 km/h zone becomes 30 km/h and the driver didn't notice.
The right reflex: Watch the signs, especially where the zone changes. Driving over the limit can mean immediate failure.
Situation: Changing lanes using only the mirrors.
The right reflex: Signal, mirror, then a glance over your shoulder, before every lane change and turn.
Situation: The candidate drives well below the limit out of excessive caution.
The right reflex: The SAAQ asks you to drive close to the permitted limits when conditions allow.
Situation: The candidate yields when it is their turn.
The right reflex: If it is your right-of-way and it is safe, take it clearly.
Situation: A pedestrian steps onto the crosswalk and the driver keeps going.
The right reflex: Respect right-of-way, especially for pedestrians at crosswalks.
Situation: Eyes stay fixed straight ahead when approaching an intersection.
The right reflex: Look left, right and far ahead, then check again before moving forward.
Situation: A turn that is too wide, or a car drifting toward the line.
The right reflex: Keep a steady position in your lane, before, during and after the turn.
Situation: Little space ahead, frequent braking.
The right reflex: Keep a safe gap so you can react without braking hard.
Situation: The turn signal goes on at the very moment of the maneuver.
The right reflex: Signal early enough for other road users to understand your intention.
Situation: The driver discovers the obstacle at the last moment.
The right reflex: Look far ahead so you can slow down gradually.
Situation: After a small mistake, the candidate loses composure.
The right reflex: One mistake doesn't necessarily mean failure: success is judged on the whole test (75%). Breathe and get back to calm driving.
Our instructors will soon share what they see most often during preparation lessons: the common difficulties and the exercises that work. Section in the making.
Review the skills assessed with an AlloPermis instructor: observation, right-of-way, lane changes, parking and vehicle control. A mock test shows you exactly where you stand. Our courses are taught in French.
A simple plan for the last week. It doesn't replace your training: it helps you focus on what the examiner watches.
Use the checklist above. If the vehicle doesn't meet the standards, the test won't take place.
Practise scanning and the over-the-shoulder check at every turn and lane change.
Full stops, right-of-way, pedestrians, traffic lights. Practise in varied areas.
Keep to the limits without driving too slowly, lane position, distance from the vehicle ahead.
Parking, turns, lane changes, hill starts. The SAAQ does not publish a fixed list of maneuvers: be comfortable with everyday situations.
About 30 minutes of driving with an instructor who only gives you directions, as on test day.
Documents ready, vehicle checked, route to the service centre planned, someone to come with you. A good night's sleep.
You pay the probationary licence fee ($107.96 for 24 months). The probationary licence is the next step before the class 5 driver's licence.
The examiner tells you your strengths and the points to improve. Write them down, work on them, then book a new appointment in SAAQclic. The SAAQ recommends coming with someone so you can leave if you fail.
The SAAQ states a passing mark of 75% for the road test.
The test lasts about 30 minutes. The SAAQ recommends allowing about 1 hour for the whole appointment.
The road test costs $33.75. If you pass, the probationary licence costs $107.96 for 24 months (SAAQ fees checked in October 2026).
Your learner's licence, the vehicle's valid and signed registration certificate, a paper copy of the liability insurance certificate and the driving course completion certificate (one per school attended).
No. You must arrive with a safe vehicle in good mechanical condition. A rental car is accepted with the rental contract or receipt.
No. You may not have any electronic device with you (phone, watch, smart glasses, camera, etc.) or film or record anything. Cheating means failure and a 90-day wait before retaking the test.
According to the SAAQ, some faults can cause immediate failure, for example missing a mandatory stop, driving over the speed limit or driving against the flow of traffic.
Online, in SAAQclic, at least 48 hours in advance. Otherwise, cancellation fees apply.
Holding a learner's licence for at least 12 months at the time of the test, having passed the SAAQ theory test and having passed a driving course at a school recognized by the SAAQ.
Whether you pass or not, the examiner tells you your strengths and the points to improve. If you fail, you will need to book a new appointment in SAAQclic. The SAAQ recommends having someone with you on test day so you can leave if you fail.
AlloPermis, an SAAQ-recognized driving school in Montréal, supports you all the way to the test: preparation lessons, a mock test and a car rental for the big day. Our courses are taught in French, and we can guide you in English to register.
Official sources (in French, checked on October 8, 2026):
This guide is written by AlloPermis from information published by the SAAQ. It does not replace the official instructions or training with a qualified instructor. Fees and rules may change.
SAAQ-recognized driving school · Montréal