The knowledge test
An SAAQ test, separate from the module 5 evaluation given by the school. It must be passed before the road test.
Class 5 · PESR · Calculator
Driver's licence timeline: work out your dates, phase by phase
Enter the date of the first class of the program (module 1, phase 1) and see, phase by phase, when the learner's licence, the road test and the regular licence come.
By AlloPermis, SAAQ-recognized driving school · Updated · Our courses are given in French.
The minimum path, to scale
Phase 1
Learner · 12 months
Probationary · 24 months
Licence timelines at a glance
- 28 days
- Phase 1, on our calendar
- 12 months
- Minimum with the learner's licence before the road test
- 24 months
- Of probationary licence before the regular licence
- 3 years +
- From module 1 to the regular licence, at least
The program has 24 hours of theory (12 modules) and 15 hours of practice (15 road sessions). You must be 16 to get the learner's licence; the theory can start earlier.
Work out my earliest dates
Enter the date of the first class of the program (module 1, phase 1). It stays in your browser: nothing is sent or saved.
Which date? The first class of the program: module 1 of phase 1 (theory).
Not the date you registered or paid, and not your first road session.
Already have your learner's licence? Your road test is possible at the earliest 12 months after the date it was issued.
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First class: module 1, phase 1
Start of phase 1: modules 1 to 5, taught remotely.
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Learner's licence, at the earliest
End of phase 1, school evaluation passed, if you are 16.
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Phase 2
First road sessions, as soon as you have the learner's licence.
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Phase 3, at the earliest
On our course calendar.
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Phase 4, at the earliest
On our course calendar.
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Road test, at the earliest
12 months after the learner's licence, course finished and SAAQ knowledge test passed. If you pass: probationary licence.
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Regular licence, at the earliest
After 24 months with the probationary licence.
Earliest dates, if nothing is delayed. The delays between phases come from our course calendar. You must also be 16: if your birthday comes after the end of phase 1, the following dates move back by the same amount.
The 4 phases of the program
Each phase combines theory modules (squares) and, from phase 2, road sessions (circles). Tap a module to read about it (in French).
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Phase 1
Foundations and evaluation
Theory only
28 days on our calendar, up to the learner's licence
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Phase 2
Guided driving
Road sessions 1 to 4
Starts with the learner's licence · 28 days before phase 3
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Phase 3
Semi-guided driving
Road sessions 5 to 10
56 days before phase 4
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Phase 4
Towards independence
Road sessions 11 to 15
Until the end of the course
Each module is explained on our page Online theory driving course (in French).
The SAAQ tests
The road test
At the earliest 12 months after getting the learner's licence. If you pass, you receive the probationary licence. Read our road test guide
Licence timeline FAQ
How long does it take to get a driver's licence in Quebec?
At least a little over 3 years from the first class (module 1) to the regular licence: phase 1 (28 days on our calendar), at least 12 months with the learner's licence before the road test, then 24 months with the probationary licence.
Can the 12 months with the learner's licence be shortened?
No. You must have held the learner's licence for at least 12 months on the day of the road test. The course takes place during that period.
Can you start the course before 16?
Yes, the theory can start before 16. The learner's licence is issued by the SAAQ from 16: if your birthday comes after the end of phase 1, all the following dates move back by the same amount.
When should you take the SAAQ knowledge test?
It is a separate test from the module 5 evaluation. It must be passed before the road test. We tell you when the time is right as you progress through the course.
Are the delays between phases set by the SAAQ?
The delays between phases shown here come from our course calendar. The 12 months with the learner's licence and the 24 months with the probationary licence are SAAQ rules.
More questions? See our learner's licence guide.
The countdown starts with the first class
AlloPermis, an SAAQ-recognized driving school in Montreal, offers the full program: the 12 theory modules taught remotely and the 15 road sessions. Our courses are given in French.
Before you register, see the prices and terms.
References:
This page is written by AlloPermis. The delays between phases come from our course calendar. It does not replace the SAAQ's official instructions.
