Obtaining a Driver's Licence

Motorcycles (Classes 6A, 6B and 6C)

Change

To obtain a Class 6A, 6B or 6C motorcycle driver's licence, you have to pass a knowledge test, take a driving course, and pass 2 road tests. 

Starting May 18, 2018, holders of a Class 6A learner’s licence are no longer required to be accompanied by an experienced motorcyclist. However, they must respect a curfew prohibiting them from driving a motorcycle between midnight and 5 a.m. These changes apply to all motorcyclists with a learner’s licence. This new restriction therefore applies to all current holders of a Class 6A learner’s licence and those who will obtain such a licence in the future.

There are 3 classes of motorcycle driver's licence:

  • Class 6A: any motorcycle
  • Class 6B: motorcycles with an engine displacement of 400 cc or less
  • Class 6C: motorcycles with an engine displacement of 125 cc or less

To drive a 3-wheel motorcycle (Class 6E) you must hold a valid Class 5 licence AND a valid Class 6E licence.

1 Eligibility

To obtain a Class 6A, 6B or 6C motorcycle driver's licence you must:

  • have your principal residence in Québec
  • be at least 16 years old
  • have the written consent of your father, mother or legal guardian, if you under 18
  • have fewer than 4 demerit points entered on your driving record
  • not have had your driver’s licence revoked in the last 2 years as a penalty further to an accumulation of demerit points or a conviction for a driving-related criminal offence

If you do not hold a probationary licence or a Class 1, 2, 3, 4A, 4B or 5 licence (first licence), you must: 

  • have no demerit points entered on your driving record 
  • not have had your right to obtain a driver’s licence suspended in the last 2 years as a penalty further to an accumulation of demerit points or a conviction for a driving-related criminal offence
  • complete the required questionnaire (PDF, 93.6 ko) before starting the driving course

If you are not a Canadian citizen

Before starting the process and registering for a driving course, you must check whether you can obtain a Québec driver’s licence, based on your status in Canada.

You cannot obtain a Québec driver’s licence if you are in any of the following situations:

  • You have the right to remain in Canada for 6 months or less
  • You have visitor status (unless the exceptions below apply to you)
  • You have a temporary resident permit (unless the exceptions below apply to you)

Exceptions:

You may, however, obtain a Québec driver’s licence if you are in any of the following situations:

  • You are the spouse or child of a temporary foreign worker and you meet both of the following conditions:
    • You have visitor status
    • You have obtained the right to remain in Canada for more than 6 months
  • You are a Ukrainian national and meet both of the following conditions:
    • You have visitor status or a temporary resident permit
    • You obtained the right to remain in Canada for more than 6 months on or after February 24, 2022
  • You are not a Ukrainian national, but you are the spouse or child of a Ukrainian national and you meet both of the following conditions:
    • You have visitor status or a temporary resident permit
    • You obtained the right to remain in Canada for more than 6 months on or after February 24, 2022, as part of the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) program

2 Preparing for the SAAQ's Knowledge test

To pass the knowledge test for driving a motorcycle, you need to master the basic theoretical concepts. If you pass the test, you will obtain a Class 6R learner's licence.

With the Class 6R learner's licence, you can operate a motorcycle on a closed track and on the road as part of the driving course, provided you are accompanied by your instructor. The driving school must be recognized by the SAAQ.

Preparing for the test

We recommend that you study the following publications:

Paper versions can also be purchased at Québec bookstores.

If you do not hold a Class 5 driver's licence

Carefully study the Driver's Handbook, since the test will include questions about traffic rules, as well as road signs and traffic signals.

A section for you

For an enjoyable and safe motorcycle ride, make sure you are visible, wear the right clothing, stay alert, conduct yourself in a predictable manner and know your limits. All these topics and more are discussed in the On a Motorcycle section.

3 Knowledge test to obtain a learner's licence (Class 6R)

    • Delivery time frame

      • Approximately 1 hour
    • Costs

      • Knowledge test: $12.40
      • Learner's licence – Class 6R (valid for 18 months): $457.06 or less, depending on the month it is issued

Passing the knowledge test allows you to obtain a Class 6R learner’s licence.

With the Class 6R learner’s licence, you may operate a motorcycle on a closed track and on the road with an instructor during the practical training given by a driving school recognized by the SAAQ.

Contents of the test

If you hold a Class 5 (passenger vehicle) driver’s licence or probationary licence

The test will cover driving a motorcycle (specialization).

Otherwise, the test will cover:

  • the Highway Safety Code
  • road signs and traffic signals
  • motorcycle driving behaviours and techniques (specialization)

Taking the knowledge test – learner's licence (Class 6R)

To make, modify, cancel or check a knowledge test, you must log in to SAAQclic. For more information about creating your Government Authentication Service account and logging in to SAAQclic, please refer to the section of the FAQ that deals with SAAQclic.

If you do not yet have a file at the SAAQ, please contact our call centre at 1-800-361-7620.

On the day of the test

You must follow the steps below:

Step 1 – Go to the service outlet where you have scheduled your test

Step 2 – Prove your identity:

  • If you hold a probationary licence, a driver's licence or an ID card issued by the SAAQ for the test, show one of these documents, as your file will have already been created.
  • If you do not hold a Québec licence with photo, you must present two official documents, including one with a photo.

Documents you must present in order to obtain a driver's licence for the first time

If you were born in Canada

At least one of the two documents must be:

  • the original copy of the birth certificate issued by the Directeur de l’état civil du Québec after January 1, 1994, or by the government body responsible for vital statistics in another Canadian jurisdiction (note that in the case of Ontario, the accepted documents are the short form birth certificate or the original certified copy of birth registration, which includes an official number and is issued by the Office of the Registrar General of Ontario)
  • a Canadian Citizenship Certificate with photo
  • a Canadian passport
  • an official Canadian Armed Forces identity card
  • a Certificate of Indian Status

The other document may be:

  • a health insurance card
  • a driver’s licence issued outside Québec
If you were not born in Canada

At least one of the two documents must be:

  • a Canadian Citizenship Certificate with photo
  • a Canadian passport
  • an official Canadian Armed Forces identity card
  • other proof of known legal presence in Canada
  • a Permanent Resident Card

The other document may be:

  • a health insurance card
  • a driver's licence issued outside Québec

Step 3 – If you are under 18, present the Consent of a Person Having Parental Authority (PDF, 123.4 ko) form, duly completed and signed by your father, mother or legal guardian

Step 4 – Fill out the Declaration of Illness or Functional Impairment form

Step 5 – Pass the vision test

Step 6 – Pass the knowledge test

Step 7 – Pay the applicable fees for:

  • the knowledge test
  • the Class 6R learner's licence

Payment options

At our service outlets, we accept payment:

  • in cash
  • by Interac (debit card)—not available in some service outlets
  • by cheque or money order

Payment by credit card is not accepted.

Passing marks

  • 85% for the section on operating a motorcycle
  • 75% for the section on the Highway Safety Code and road signs and traffic signals 

If you cheat on the knowledge test

The only material you are allowed to use during the test is a dictionary that does not contain any illustrations, and the material provided by the SAAQ. Any other documents and all electronic devices are prohibited during the test (“cheat sheets,” notes, cell phones, smart watches, etc.). Having any prohibited material or electronic devices with you at the test, regardless of whether or not you actually use them, or trying in any way to contact someone or obtain outside assistance, will be considered cheating. Anyone found cheating will automatically fail the test and will have to wait at least 56 days before being allowed to take the test again. If it’s not the first time that person has been caught cheating, that person will have to wait at least 90 days.

If you fail the test

You must wait at least 28 days before you will be allowed to retake the test. You will have to reschedule another appointment.

4 Registering for a driving course

    • Delivery time frame

      • 30 days or more

The next step in obtaining a Class 6A, 6B or 6C licence is to register for a course at a driving school recognized by the SAAQ.

Driving course at a driving school

Here you will practise the proper techniques and manoeuvres to operate a motorcycle. You must take at least 30 days to pass this course.

For more information, visit the Driving Course: Motorcycle webpage

On a motorcycle, wear the right gear at all times

  • A helmet that meets safety standards, with a visor or protective goggles
  • A long-sleeved jacket made of leather or an anti-abrasive material, such as Kevlar or Cordura
  • Long pants made of leather or an anti-abrasive material
  • Leather gloves that cover your wrists
  • Boots with grip soles and flat heels designed for motorcycle riding

For more information, visit our Motorcycle Helmets and Protective Gear page

5 Closed track road test – Class 6A learner's licence

    • Delivery time frame

      • Plan for 30 minutes
    • Costs

      • Closed Track Road Test: $31.00
      • Learner's Licence – Class 6A: $7.35

The closed track road test may take place under light rain. You must plan the necessary equipment and wear adequate clothing to avoid postponing your test.

Please see the “Weather conditions” section below for more details.

Once you have completed the training, you may take the closed track test to obtain a Class 6A learner’s licence.

The Class 6A learner’s licence authorizes you to operate a motorcycle on the road. You must hold this licence for at least 11 months, during which time you must respect the curfew prohibiting you from driving a motorcycle between midnight and 5 a.m.

Before taking the closed track road test

You must:

  • have held a Class 6R licence for at least one month
  • have successfully completed the driving course at a driving school recognized by the SAAQ

Motorcycle used during the test

We do not provide you with a motorcycle for the test. You must report to the test with a registered 2-wheel motorcycle that is equipped with a manual transmission and is in good mechanical condition.

If you rent a motorcycle, we only accept motorcycles with a cylinder capacity of more than 400 cc.

If you are the owner of the motorcycle, a lower cylinder capacity will be accepted.

We do not accept:

  • off-road motorcycles, such as trail bikes
  • motorcycles with a side-car
  • 3- or 4-wheel motorcycles
  • motorcycles equipped with an automatic transmission

If you are using an electric motorcycle, it must be equipped with a manual transmission. You may not use an electric motorcycle with an automatic transmission to take your road test.

Motorcycles designed for road use or dual sports motorcycles that are registered for off-road use are accepted.

Taking the closed track road test – Class 6A learner's licence

Taking the road test

To make, modify, cancel or check a road test, you must log in to SAAQclic. For more information about creating your Government Authentication Service account and logging in to SAAQclic, please refer to the section of the FAQ that deals with SAAQclic.

Please note that from now on you must use SAAQclic to make an appointment for a knowledge or road test.

In order to be able to take your road test:

  • Your motorcycle must be in good mechanical condition. We will be inspecting the presence, state, and functionality of the following components:
    • at least one white headlight at the front and on the vertical centreline
    • red brake lights at the rear
    • securely attached rearview mirrors on each side
    • securely attached footrests
    • muffler
    • securely attached fenders
    • securely attached chain guard
    • front and rear brakes
    • tires designed to be used on the road network and free from bulges and cuts and rips that expose the cord
      • Note: The driving surface of the tires must not be smooth. The tires must be inflated sufficiently and not be so worn that the wear indicator touches the road.

If your motorcycle is not in good mechanical condition, you will not be able to take the road test.

No components of the motorcycle may be held in place with bonding material, such as adhesive tape or a rope.

  • Your motorcycle must be equipped with a gas tank with an airtight filler cap that contains enough fuel to allow you to complete the road test (the warning light must not be on).
  • Your motorcycle must have a seat that is not at risk of moving or becoming detached when travelling.
  • Your motorcycle must not have any sharp edges that could injure someone or any leakages (oil, gas, coolant).
  • Your motorcycle must bear a lit licence plate that is free of any object.

First Motorcycle

Before purchasing your first motorcycle, you need to consider several factors, as each type of motorcycle has both advantages and disadvantages. Our Buyer’s Guide can help you make an informed decision.

Wearing Protective Gear

Wearing a helmet that meets standards is mandatory.

A full set of protective gear should be worn during the closed track road test. We recommend that you wear:

  • protective goggles, if your helmet does not have a visor
  • a long-sleeved jacket made of leather or anti-abrasive material such as Kevlar or Cordura
  • long pants made of leather or anti-abrasive material
  • leather gloves that completely cover your hands and wrists
  • leather boots with grip soles and flat heels that are designed for motorcycle riding and cover your ankles

Test procedure

During the test, the examiner will give you instructions on the specific manoeuvres to carry out. For example, you will be asked to:

  • move forward and stop
  • ride at low speed
  • ride in a curve
  • make a right turn
  • carry out a slalom manoeuvre
  • carry out an emergency braking manoeuvre
  • avoid an obstacle

To prepare for the test properly, visit the page that provides additional information for the closed track test.

Please note that using a portable electronic device (phone, watch, etc.) to record images during the closed track road test is prohibited. If you fail to respect this rule, you will immediately fail the test.

Weather conditions

In case of poor weather, check to make sure your appointment has not been cancelled.

The closed track road test may take place under light rain. You must plan the necessary equipment and wear adequate clothing to avoid postponing your test.

Safety first:

  • You are responsible for rescheduling your test if you are uncomfortable with the weather conditions.
  • The SAAQ reserves the right to postpone the test if it deems weather conditions too poor to ensure everyone’s safety.

Cancelling the test

If you cannot make it to your test, we ask that you cancel the appointment at least 48 hours in advance. Otherwise you will be charged a cancellation fee.

If your test is cancelled due to weather conditions, you will not be charged a fee.

On the day of the test

You must:

Step 1 – Go to the service outlet where you scheduled your test

Step 2 – Bring:

  • your Class 6R learner's licence
    OR
  • one of the official documents required on the day of the knowledge test: birth certificate, Health Insurance Card, etc.
    AND
  • your attestation of successful completion of a driving course
  • the valid and signed registration certificate
  • proof of civil liability insurance for the motorcycle you will be using during the test

Step 3 – Take the closed track test

Step 4 – Pay the applicable fees for:

  • the test
  • the Class 6A learner's licence (if you pass the test)

Payment options

At our service outlets, we accept payment:

  • in cash
  • by Interac (debit card)—not available in some service outlets
  • by cheque or money order

Payment by credit card is not accepted.

Passing mark

The passing mark is 75%.

If you fail the test

You must wait at least 14 days before you will be allowed to retake the test. You will have to schedule another appointment.

6 Curfew between midnight and 5 a.m.

Your Class 6A learner's licence authorizes you to get out on the road and perfect your skills for at least 11 months, during which time you must respect the curfew prohibiting you from driving a motorcycle between midnight and 5 a.m.

Take advantage of this opportunity to log as many hours of riding as possible in order to make regular progress.

Obligations of learner's licence holders

  • Respect the curfew between midnight and 5 a.m.
  • Never carry any passengers

If you do not hold a Class 5 driver's licence

You are subject to:

  • the 4 demerit point bracket
  • the zero alcohol rule while driving

Wear the right gear

Wearing full motorcycle safety gear is your only protection in the event of an accident or a fall. Wearing a helmet, a vest and pants made of leather or an anti-abrasive material, and leather gloves and grip-sole boots will guarantee maximum protection.

For more information, visit our Motorcycle Helmets and Protective Gear page

7 Road test to obtain a driver's licence or probationary licence

    • Delivery time frame

      • Plan for 30 minutes
    • Costs

      • Road test: $112.00
      • Probationary licence: $56.35 – for 24 months
      • Driver's licence: $36.80 – for one year
      • Adding Class 6A, 6B or 6C to a Class 5 licence: $17.10*
      • Class 5 driver's licence with Class 6A, 6B or 6C: $36.80 – for one year

      *Payment of an insurance contribution may be required

The road test is the final step before obtaining a Class 6A, 6B or 6C driver’s licence or probationary licence.

Before taking the test

Licence

You must have held a Class 6A learner’s licence for at least 11 months.

Motorcycle used during the test

We do not provide you with a motorcycle for the test. You must report to your test with a registered 2-wheel motorcycle that is equipped with a manual transmission, and in good mechanical condition.

For this test, you can choose the cylinder capacity you want to use. However, make sure the motorcycle matches the class of licence you want to obtain:

  • cylinder capacity of more than 400 cc to obtain Class 6A (all motorcycles)
  • cylinder capacity of 126 cc to 400 cc to obtain Class 6B
  • cylinder capacity of 125 cc or less to obtain Class 6C

Taking the road test

To make, modify, cancel or check a road test, you must log in to SAAQclic. For more information about creating your Government Authentication Service account and logging in to SAAQclic, please refer to the section of the FAQ that deals with SAAQclic.

Please note that from now on you must use SAAQclic to make an appointment for a knowledge or road test.

In order to be able to take your road test:

  • Your motorcycle must be in good mechanical condition. We will be inspecting the presence, state, and functionality of the following components:
    • at least one white headlight at the front and on the vertical centreline
    • red brake lights at the rear
    • securely attached rearview mirrors on each side
    • securely attached footrests
    • muffler
    • securely attached fenders
    • securely attached chain guard
    • front and rear brakes
    • tires designed to be used on the road network and free from bulges and cuts and rips that expose the cord
      • Note: The driving surface of the tires must not be smooth. The tires must be inflated sufficiently and not be so worn that the wear indicator touches the road.

If your motorcycle is not in good mechanical condition, you will not be able to take the road test.

No components of the motorcycle may be held in place with bonding material, such as adhesive tape or a rope.

  • Your motorcycle must be equipped with a gas tank with an airtight filler cap that contains enough fuel to allow you to complete the road test (the warning light must not be on).
  • Your motorcycle must have a seat that is not at risk of moving or becoming detached when travelling.
  • Your motorcycle must not have any sharp edges that could injure someone or any leakages (oil, gas, coolant).
  • Your motorcycle must bear a lit licence plate that is free of any object.

If you have a vintage motorcycle, it may not be acceptable for use during the road test due to the restrictions related to this type of registration.

Wearing Protective Gear

Wearing a helmet that meets standards is mandatory. Your helmet must be equipped with a visor. Otherwise, you must wear protective goggles.

A full set of protective gear should be worn during the road test. We recommend that you wear:

  • a long-sleeved jacket made of leather or anti-abrasive material such as Kevlar or Cordura
  • long pants made of leather or anti-abrasive material
  • leather gloves that completely cover your hands and wrists
  • leather boots with grip soles and flat heels that are designed for motorcycle riding and cover your ankles

What does the test consist of?

The road test is designed to assess your ability to operate a motorcycle in common situations, such as:

  • merging with traffic
  • stopping at an intersection
  • making turns
  • changing lanes

You will be evaluated on the following points:

  • your driving skills as you execute the manoeuvres
  • whether you obey traffic rules and your ability to drive safely
  • your ability to control the motorcycle and your riding behaviour

To prepare for the test properly, visit the page that provides additional information for the road test.

On the day of the test

You must:

Step 1 – Go to the service outlet where you scheduled your test

Step 2 – Bring:

  • the valid and signed registration certificate
  • the paper copy of the proof of civil liability insurance for the motorcycle used during the test

Step 3 – Pay the applicable fees for the test and, if you pass the test, the fees for:

  • the probationary licence: fixed amount for 24 months
    OR
  • the driver's licence: this amount, established for a period of 12 months, will be adjusted based on the months remaining before the renewal date

Payment options

At our service outlets, we accept payment:

  • in cash
  • by Interac (debit card)—not available in some service outlets
  • by cheque or money order

Payment by credit card is not accepted.

If you cannot make it to the test

You must cancel your appointment at least 48 hours in advance otherwise you will be charged a cancellation fee.

In case of poor weather

Check whether your appointment has been cancelled.

Test procedure

The examiner will take the time to explain the test procedure. You will then be asked to wear a vest displaying the words “Examen moto SAAQ.”

The examiner will then follow you in an automobile driven by an assistant. The vehicle will be equipped with a sign displaying the words “Examen moto SAAQ.” You will be provided with a hearing device to hear the examiner's instructions.

Whether you pass or fail the test, the examiner will take the time to indicate your strong points as well as the areas that need improvement.

Please note that using a portable electronic device (phone, watch, etc.) to record images during the road test is prohibited. If you fail to respect this rule, you will immediately fail the test.

Passing mark

The passing mark is 75%.

If you fail the test

You must wait at least 56 days before you will be allowed to retake the test. You will have to make another appointment.

Obtaining a probationary licence

If you pass the test and you do not hold a Class 5 driver's licence, you will be issued a Class 6A, 6B or 6C probationary licence.

After 2 years, you may obtain a Class 6A, 6B or 6C driver's licence.

To keep your probationary licence

You must:

  • have fewer than 4 demerit points on your driving record
  • abide by the zero alcohol rule while driving

Last update: April 15, 2023