Obtaining a Licence

On-road learning period

Step 5 On-road learning period

Once you have obtained your learner's licence, you will have to practise your skills to master:

  • the circle check
  • driving manoeuvres
  • behaviours to adopt in certain driving situations

Mandatory minimum on-road learning period

To register for the road tests, you must have held a Class 2 learner's licence for at least:

  • 3 months
  • OR
  • 1 month, if you meet any of the following requirements:
    • you are 25 years of age or older
    • you have accumulated 60 months of experience as a holder of a Class 5 (automobile) driver's licence
    • you hold a Class 3 driver's licence
    • you have successfully completed the Conduite d’autobus (bus driving) program leading to the Skills Training Certificate issued by the Ministère de l’Éducation

If you meet any of the first 3 requirements, the one-month period may be replaced by a course that includes at least 20 hours of driving on a public road with a Class 2 vehicle.

If you take a practical course with a heavy vehicle owner or operator

Make sure the course is authorized by the SAAQ. You can check the safety rating of heavy vehicle owners and operators on the website of the Commission des transports du Québec.

Practical experience with an accompanying rider

When you practise on the road, you must always have an accompanying riderPerson who has held for at least 2 years a valid licence of an appropriate class and who is able to provide the learner with help and advice. with you.

If the vehicle is equipped with an air brake system—F endorsement—or a manual transmission—M endorsement, your accompanying rider’s driver’s licence must include these endorsements.

Given that driving a heavy vehicle is a complex task, you should drive as often as possible, on different roads, both day and night, and in a variety of weather conditions.

Importance of the circle check

Before getting behind the wheel, drivers must make sure that a circle check of their vehicle was completed within the previous 24 hours. If this is not the case, a new circle check must be performed. Through practice, you will develop an efficient inspection technique that will allow you to check the vehicle's compliance and increase road safety.

Other requirements

You must also comply with the other obligations of heavy vehicle drivers, such as load securement standards and the hours of driving and off-duty time.

Driver Fatigue

Abiding by the hours of driving and off-duty time reduces the risk of driver fatigue. Your lifestyle also plays a major role. The North American Fatigue Management Program can provide valuable assistance.

Last update: May 12, 2022