Automobile (Passenger Vehicle)

You will learn to adopt safe behaviours, handle a passenger vehicle (automobile) and use the road network in an independent, cooperative and responsible manner.

The course has a minimum duration of 39 hours:

• A 24-hour theoretical component, divided into 12 modules (2 hours per module)
• A 15-hour practical, on-road component (55-minute in-car sessions with an instructor)

It is possible to register for a driving course before turning 16 in order to complete the theoretical component.

Course structure

The theoretical component is given by an instructor in the classroom or online. It is recommended that you review the course material independently to make sure you have a thorough understanding of what has been covered. For example, you can practise by completing the exercises applicable to the modules seen in class.

The practical component consists of 15 in-car sessions of approximately 1 hour each. Before each outing, the instructor will discuss manoeuvres to perform and behaviours to adopt. At the end of the lesson, you and the instructor will discuss:

• your strengths
• things to improve
• the elements to put into practice during your next in-car sessions

The 12 modules are divided into 4 phases.

Phase 1 : 28-day minimum duration

After you pass Phase 1, you may obtain your learner’s licence. You must have acquired the concepts presented in the following documents:

• Module 1 – The Vehicle
• Module 2 – The Driver
• Module 3 – The Environment
• Module 4 – At-Risk Behaviours
• Module 5 – Evaluation

Your learner’s licence is required to begin in-car sessions in Phase 2. For more information on obtaining your learner’s licence, visit Obtaining a Driver’s Licence: Automobile (Class 5).

Phase 2 : 28-day minimum duration

For your first in-car guided sessions, you must be familiar with the concepts presented in the following documents:

• Module 6 – Accompanied Driving
• Module 7 – OEA Driving Strategy

Phase 3 : 56-day minimum duration

For your semi-guided in-car sessions, you must be familiar with the concepts presented in the following documents:

• Module 8 – Speed
• Module 9 – Sharing the Road
• Modules 10 – Alcohol and Drugs

Phase 4 : 56-day minimum duration

For your transition to independent driving in-car sessions, you must be familiar with the concepts presented in the following documents:

• Module 11 – Fatigue and Distractions
• Module 12 – Eco-Driving

Before your in-car sessions, your instructor will ask you to watch the video clip associated with the relevant module. Video clips are also available in the Preparation for On-Road Instruction (PPTX, 63.9 MB)⁠ presentation.

Formative on-road evaluations are done by the instructor during in-car sessions 5, 10 and 15. In-car session 15 is the summary session before the SAAQ road test.

SAAQ tests and the driver’s licence

To prepare for the SAAQ tests or to learn about the process for obtaining your licence, visit Obtaining a Passenger Vehicle Driver's Licence (Class 5) or consult the quick reference guide to obtaining a passenger vehicle (Class 5) driver’s licence (PDF, 469.6 KB)⁠.