From Learner to Licensed: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Getting a New Brunswick Driver's License

Embarking on the journey to get your driver's license in New Brunswick is an exciting milestone, opening up a new world of freedom and independence. Whether you're a teen eager to get behind the wheel, a newcomer to the province, or simply a new driver, understanding the process is the first step toward success. This comprehensive guide will walk you through New Brunswick's Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program, ensuring you're well-prepared for every stage.

Understanding the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) Program

New Brunswick employs a GDL program designed to help new drivers gain experience and skills in a controlled, lower-risk environment. This system is focused on experience rather than age, recognizing that inexperience is a key factor in collisions involving new drivers. The program consists of a multi-stage process that every new driver, regardless of age, must complete to obtain a full, unrestricted Class 5 driver's license. The entire process takes a minimum of 24 months to complete.

The Three Stages of the GDL Program:

1. Class 7, Level I (Learner's License): The initial stage for all new drivers.
2. Class 7, Level II (Intermediate License): The second stage after passing the first road test.
3. Class 5 License (Full License): The final stage with no restrictions.

Throughout the GDL program, a zero Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) is mandatory for all drivers. For drivers under 21, a 0% BAC is required at all times.

Step 1: Obtaining Your Class 7, Level I Learner's License

This is where your journey begins. The Class 7, Level I license is your learner's permit, allowing you to practice driving under specific conditions.

Requirements for a Class 7, Level I License:

• Age: You must be at least 16 years old.
• Parental Consent: If you are under 18, you must have a parental consent form witnessed by a non-relative.
• Vision Screening: You must pass a vision test to ensure your eyesight meets the provincial standard (20/40 in the best eye).
• Knowledge Tests: You must pass a written knowledge test covering road signs, rules of the road, and safe driving practices.

The Written Knowledge Test

The written test is a crucial first step. It assesses your understanding of the New Brunswick Driver's Handbook. You can take the test online or in person at a Service New Brunswick (SNB) location. The fee for the full test is $25 (plus HST). If you fail, a retest fee of $15 (plus HST) applies.

Once you pass the written tests and the vision screening, you'll be issued your Class 7, Level I license after paying the $90 fee, which is valid for four years.

Restrictions for Level I Drivers:

• You must be accompanied by a supervising driver who holds a valid Class 5 (or better) license, has at least three years of driving experience, and sits in the front passenger seat.
• You are not permitted to drive between midnight and 5:00 a.m.
• You must maintain a 0% BAC.

Step 2: Advancing to Your Class 7, Level II Intermediate License

After gaining sufficient experience at Level I, you can take your first road test to graduate to Level II.

Eligibility for the Level II Road Test:

• You must hold your Level I license for at least 12 months.
• This period can be reduced to 8 months if you complete a recognized driver training program.

The Road Test

The road test evaluates your practical driving skills, including maneuvers like parallel parking, lane changes, and reversing. You must provide a mechanically sound vehicle for the test, and the examiner will inspect it beforehand. The fee for the road test is $25.

Restrictions for Level II Drivers:

• If you are under 21, you cannot drive between midnight and 5:00 a.m. unless it's for work or education, or you are accompanied by a driver with a Class 5 license and three years of experience.
• You are limited to a maximum of three passengers, with only one in the front seat.
• A 0% BAC is still mandatory.

Step 3: Achieving Your Full Class 5 Driver's License

This is the final stage of the GDL program, granting you the freedom to drive without the previous restrictions.

Eligibility for a Class 5 License:

• You must hold your Class 7, Level II license for a minimum of 12 months.

After successfully completing the 12 months at Level II without any suspensions, you can apply for your full Class 5 license at a Service New Brunswick location. The fee for a Class 5 license is $90 for a four-year term.

For Newcomers to New Brunswick

The process of obtaining a New Brunswick driver's license can differ for those moving from another province, the U.S., or another country.

From Another Canadian Province or the U.S.:

If you hold a valid driver's license from another Canadian province or the United States, you can typically exchange it for a New Brunswick license of the same class without taking a written or road test. You will need to surrender your old license, complete an application, pay the fee, and provide proof of identity and residency.

From Another Country:

If you have a driver's license from a country that has a reciprocal agreement with New Brunswick, you may be able to exchange it for a Class 5 license without testing. These countries include Australia, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Japan, the Netherlands, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom.

For those from countries without a reciprocal agreement, you will need to undergo the full licensing process, including a vision test, written exam, and a road test. You will also need to provide your original foreign license and a certified translation if it's not in English or French.

Required Documents and Fees

When applying for your license, you will need to present specific documents to prove your identity and residency.

Acceptable Identification:

• Canadian birth certificate
• Valid Canadian passport
• Permanent Resident Card
• Citizenship Certificate

Proof of New Brunswick Residency (Two Documents Required):

• Utility bill (power, cell phone, cable)
• Rental or purchase agreement
• Bank statement

Associated Fees:

• Written Test: $25
• Written Retest: $15
• Road Test: $25
• Class 7 or 5 License (4-year term): $90

By following these steps and preparing for each stage, you'll be well on your way to safely and confidently navigating the roads of New Brunswick. Good luck!