This section provides instructions on how to prepare for the knowledge and road tests.
The key to passing any test is preparation. To obtain your driver's licence, you must pass the knowledge test, which consists of three sections:
The three parts of the test are based on the competencies targeted in the Road Safety Education Program (RSEP). To learn more about the competencies you must develop to obtain a driver’s licence, see the section on the driving course.
To prepare for this test, you will have to study these three reference guides:
You can also practise using the "Illustrated situation scenarios" category of questions in the Check Your Road Safety Knowledge online quiz. Each question in this category features a situation scenario.
Once you are well prepared for the knowledge test, you must make an appointment:
Making an Appointment for a Knowledge or Road Test – Automobiles.
On the To Reach Us webpage, you will find the number to call under the heading “Appointment for a Knowledge or Road Test.” You will have to provide your file number.
The knowledge test has been adapted for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. The test can be administered with the help of a sign-language interpreter, whose services are paid for by us, at the following service centres:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday: 9:30 a.m to 4:30 p.m.
Montréal area: 514-954-7763
Elsewhere in Québec: 1-800-565-7763
The test can be taken in French or English. New residents in Québec may also take the test in Modern Standard Arabic, Spanish or Mandarin upon request.
French- and English-language audio tracks are also available to candidates via the computer used in the test. This measure is provided to help lighten the reading effort.
New residents may also take the test with the assistance of an interpreter upon request. To learn more about conditions and applicable fees, call us at one of the following numbers:
It is important that you take your time. Make sure you do not rush through the test.
For questions that include illustrated situations, you can expand the illustration by clicking on it. It will then fill the entire screen.
After expanding the illustration, look at every element and every rule you must consider. Identify any violations of the Highway Safety Code, or any failures to obey road signs or traffic signals. Be sure to:
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 make another appointment. You will only have to retake the parts of the test that you failed.
Before making an appointment for the road test, you must have passed the knowledge test.
The road test is used to evaluate your ability to drive safely.
If you lack French- or English-language skills, the driving examiner will use hand signals to give you instructions during the road test.
We do not provide a vehicle for the test. You must report for the test with a vehicle that is in good mechanical condition, otherwise you will have to make another appointment.
Making an appointment for a road test
Québec area: 418-643-5213
Montréal area: 514-873-5803
Elsewhere (Québec, Canada, United States): 1-888-667-8687
TTY/TDD
Montréal area: 514-954-7763
Elsewhere in Québec: 1-800 565-7763
Regardless of the vehicle used for the test, you will not be allowed to carry a passenger or pet. In the case of poor weather, check to make sure your appointment has not been cancelled.
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 make another appointment.
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 make another appointment.
All vehicles must be registered (other than rare exceptions) and bear a rear licence plate. If you purchase a vehicle in Québec, you must have the vehicle registered as soon as you take possession of it. You will have to prove to the SAAQ that you are the owner (or long-term lessee) of the vehicle and pay certain fees for the initial registration.
You will subsequently have to pay the annual vehicle registration fees to be allowed to drive your vehicle. If you do not wish to operate your vehicle for an extended period, you can put it into storage.
If you are a new resident and are coming to Québec with a vehicle (e.g. from another province or the United States), you must have the vehicle registered within 90 days after settling in Québec.
You must always be prepared to show your vehicle registration certificate and your property damage insurance certificate. You must therefore keep them with you or inside the vehicle.
Last update: February 16, 2023
