Authorized driver’s permit

To drive a vehicle used to provide remunerated passenger transportation services, you must hold both a licence and a permit.

1. A Class 5 driver's licence, or a higher class of licence, namely a licence to drive:
   • combinations of road vehicles (Class 1)
   • buses with a seating capacity of more than 24 passengers (Class 2)
   • trucksRoad vehicle with two axles and a net weight over 3,000 kg manufactured exclusively to transport goods or equipment to which it is permanently affixed or to transport this equipment or goods. (Class 3)
   • emergency vehicles (Class 4A)
   • minibuses and small buses with a seating capacity of 24 or fewer passengers (Class 4B)
2. An authorized driver's permit issued by the SAAQ.

To obtain an authorized driver's permit

You must:

• hold a Class 5 driver's licence or a higher class of licence and have at least 12 months of driving experience (excluding experience as a probationary licence holder)
• understand, speak and read French
• provide a certificate of no judicial record, which is a confirmation of a criminal record check. The document must be issued by a municipal police department or the Sûreté du Québec. Documents issued by private firms or the Royal Canadian Mounted Police are not accepted
• have completed training and passed the test in one of the recognized authorized driver’s permit training centres and provide:
  • proof that you have completed the training and proof that you have passed the examFor more information regarding training, contact one of the training centres.

You must not:

• Hold a licence bearing Condition I, X or Y
• Have had a penalty on your record during the past 12 months or at the time you submit your application

If you offer or provide a taxi transportation service without holding the appropriate licence class and a taxi permit, a peace officer may impose  the penalties provided for under the Act respecting transportation services by taxi, including:

• the suspension of your driver’s licence or your right to obtain one for a period of 7 days
• the seizure and impoundment of the vehicle you are driving for a period of 7 days

If you are found guilty of such an offence, you will be assessed a fine of $2,500.00 to $25,000.00.

If you have already been found guilty of such an offence related to illegally offering remunerated passenger transportation by automobile, your driver’s licence will be suspended and your vehicle seized and impounded for 30 days. In addition, the minimum and maximum fines will be doubled.

Any further convictions will result in a 90-day licence suspension and vehicle impoundment period, and the minimum and maximum fines will be tripled.