Your Essential NWT Document Checklist: What to Bring for Your Driving Test Appointment

A trip to a Driver and Vehicle Services office in the Northwest Territories is a major step, whether you're applying for your first learner's license or showing up for your final road test. There's nothing more frustrating than arriving for your appointment only to be turned away because you're missing a required piece of identification or paperwork.

To ensure your visit is smooth, efficient, and successful, use this complete document checklist. We've broken it down by appointment type so you can be confident you have everything you need before you head out the door.

The Most Important Rule: Originals and Proof of Residency

Before we dive into the lists, remember these two golden rules for any new application or license exchange:

Original Documents Only: You must bring original documents. Photocopies, scanned images, or pictures on your phone will not be accepted.
Proof of NWT Residency: You must prove you live in the Northwest Territories.

Checklist 1: For a First-Time Class 7 Learner's Licence

This is your very first application and has the most rigorous identity requirements. You must prove who you are and where you live.

[ ] A Completed Application Form: These forms are available at the Driver and Vehicle Services office. You can fill one out when you arrive.
[ ] Proof of Legal Name and Date of Birth: You will need one primary piece of identification.
- Acceptable documents include:
  - Birth Certificate (from a Canadian province/territory)
  - Valid Canadian Passport
  - Canadian Citizenship Certificate Card
  - Permanent Resident Card
[ ] Photo Identification: A government-issued photo ID is required. This could be your passport or another form of accepted ID.
[ ] Proof of Residency in the Northwest Territories: You need a document showing your current residential address in the NWT.
- Acceptable documents include:
  - A recent utility bill (power, phone, cable)
  - A signed residential lease agreement
  - A bank statement
  - A property tax statement
  - A letter from an employer on company letterhead confirming your address
[ ] Parental/Guardian Consent: If you are under 18 years old, a parent or legal guardian must be present to sign the consent form.
[ ] Payment for Fees: Be prepared to pay for the written knowledge test and the fee for your license card. Driver and Vehicle Services offices accept various forms of payment.
[ ] Corrective Lenses: If you wear glasses or contact lenses, bring them with you. You will be required to take a vision test on the spot.

Checklist 2: For Your Class 5 Road Test Appointment

On the day of your practical driving test, you need documents for yourself and for the vehicle you'll be driving.

[ ] Your NWT Class 7 Learner's Licence: You must have your physical permit card.
[ ] Road Test Payment Receipt: This is the proof you received when you pre-paid the test fee. You must present this to the examiner before the test begins.
[ ] Valid Vehicle Registration Permit: The original registration document for the vehicle you are using for the test. Make sure it is not expired.
[ ] Valid Insurance Liability Card (Pink Card): The original, unexpired insurance slip for the test vehicle. The vehicle you use must be properly insured.

Checklist 3: For Exchanging a License from Another Province or Country

If you are a new resident moving to the NWT, here's what you'll need to swap your old license for a new one. Remember, you have 30 days to do this after becoming a resident.

[ ] Your Existing, Valid Driver's License: You will be required to surrender your license from your previous province, state, or country.
[ ] Proof of Legal Name and Date of Birth (see list from Checklist 1).
[ ] Photo Identification (see list from Checklist 1).
[ ] Proof of NWT Residency (see list from Checklist 1).
[ ] Immigration Documents (if applicable): If you are not a Canadian citizen, you must provide your valid immigration documents (e.g., work permit, permanent resident card) to prove your status.
[ ] Medical Examination Report (for commercial licenses): If you hold a professional class of license (1, 2, 3, 4), a medical examination from an NWT physician is required.

Taking five minutes to gather and organize these documents in a folder the night before your appointment can save you a huge amount of time and the frustration of a wasted trip. A prepared applicant is a successful applicant.