Sign-Language Services

The SAAQ can help you access a professional LSQ or ASL sign-language interpreter.

Are you deaf or hard of hearing and in need of a professional LSQLangue des signes québécoise or ASLAmerican Sign Language sign-language interpreter?

The SAAQ can help you obtain the services of such a specialist and cover their fees in the following cases:

  • taking knowledge and road tests for all licence classes (instructions before driving and feedback after the test). The SAAQ will designate an interpreter for you;
  • completing the theoretical and practical components of a driving course to obtain a licence to drive a passenger vehicle (Class 5), a motorcycle (Class 6), or a motorized scooter (Class 6D) (instructions before driving and feedback after the course);
  • receiving services at the counter of one of our service centres or licensing agents.

The above-mentioned services may also be offered by videoconference, with the exception of services at the counter offered by our licensing agents.

Conditions for payment of fees by the SAAQ

  • The services of a sign-language interpreter must be necessary for the provision of the service in a service outlet.
  • The professional interpreter must work for a mandated sign-language interpretation organization.

Please note:

Family members, friends, social workers, teachers and other acquaintances are not considered to be professional interpreters and their services do not qualify for payment by the SAAQ.

List of mandated interpretation organizations:

Abitibi-Témiscamingue

Ressource pour personnes handicapées Abitibi-Témiscamingue/Nord-du-Québec (LSQ)

Capitale-Nationale, Est du Québec, Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, Côte-Nord, Mauricie et Centre-du-Québec

Service régional d’interprétariat de l’Est du Québec (LSQ)

Estrie

Service d’interprétation pour personnes sourdes de l’Estrie (LSQ)

Lanaudière et Laurentides

Service d’interprétation visuelle et tactile (LSQ)

Montréal, Laval et Montérégie

Service d’interprétation visuelle et tactile (LSQ)

Centre de la communauté sourde du Montréal métropolitain (ASL)

Outaouais

Interprétation signes et paroles (LSQ)

Application for payment

Mandated interpretation organizations must submit their invoices to the SAAQ for payment.

The invoice must clearly indicate:

  • the name of the organization that provided the interpretation services, the date and the invoice number
  • the name of the deaf or hard-of-hearing client
  • the name of the interpreter
  • the date on which services were provided
  • the hourly rate
  • the number of hours billed, as well as the total amount charged. (The hours billed must correspond to the number of hours of interpretation noted by the service centre or licensing agent staff after the services requiring an interpreter had been provided.)

Last update: November 11, 2022