Booking Your Nunavut Driving Test: A Guide to Scheduling Your Appointment

You've held your Class 7 Learner's Licence for the required 12 months, practiced your skills in all four seasons, and now you're ready for the next big step: your Class 5 road test. In Nunavut, booking your road test appointment is a crucial part of the process that requires some planning and direct contact with the right office.

This guide will provide clear, step-by-step instructions on how to secure your driving test appointment, what you need to have prepared, and important policies to keep in mind.

First, Are You Eligible to Book Your Road Test?

Before you can schedule your test, you must have met the mandatory waiting period in Stage 1 of the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program.

Minimum Waiting Period: You must have held your Class 7 Learner's Licence for a minimum of 12 months without suspension.

Some older information suggests a shorter waiting period, but the GDL program requires a full year of supervised practice to ensure new drivers gain experience in a variety of conditions. If you have met this timeline, you are eligible to book your first road test.

How to Schedule Your Nunavut Road Test

In Nunavut, you must book your road test appointment directly with a Motor Vehicles Division office or a local Government Liaison Officer (GLO). Unlike southern provinces, there is no large-scale online booking system; direct contact is key.

Step 1: Find and Contact Your Local Issuing Office

You will need to contact the office in the community where you plan to take your test. The main testing centres are in Iqaluit, Rankin Inlet, and Cambridge Bay, but tests are scheduled in other communities based on demand.

In Iqaluit, Rankin Inlet, or Cambridge Bay: Contact the Motor Vehicles Division office in that community directly.
In Other Communities: Contact your local Government Liaison Officer (GLO). They manage the list of people waiting for a test and coordinate with the driver examiner when they visit the community.
Central Contact: You can also email the central driving test contact at drivingtest@gov.nu.ca to register your name and community, which helps the government schedule examiner visits.

Step 2: Prepare for Your Call or Visit

To make the booking process as smooth as possible, have the following information ready:

Your Class 7 Learner's Licence Number: This is the number on your permit card.
Your Full Name and Date of Birth.
Preferred Dates and Times: Be aware that in many communities, testing days are limited to when an examiner is in town. You may be placed on a waiting list, so it's important to get your name on it as soon as you are eligible.

Step 3: Book Your Appointment and Pay the Fee

When you contact the office or GLO, inform them that you would like to book a Class 5 road test.

Pay the Fee: You must pay the prescribed road test fee. It is essential to pay this in advance of your test day. The fee is currently $42.06 (subject to change).
Get a Receipt: Once you pay the fee, you will be issued a receipt. You must keep this receipt, as you will need to present it to the driver examiner on the day of your test as proof of payment.

Important Tips for Booking Your Nunavut Road Test

Get on the List Early: Because examiners often travel between communities, there can be a significant wait for a road test appointment. Contact your local issuer or GLO as soon as you are eligible to get your name on the list.
Understand the Cancellation Policy: If you need to cancel or reschedule your road test, you must do so well in advance. Be sure to ask about the specific cancellation policy when you book. Failing to provide enough notice (often 48 hours) can result in forfeiting your test fee, meaning you would have to pay again.
Prepare for Your Test Location: Once your test is booked, spend as much time as possible practicing in your community. Become familiar with the specific intersections, speed limits, school zones, and general traffic flow. This local knowledge can significantly boost your confidence on test day.
Vehicle for the Test: Remember, you must provide a vehicle that is in safe, working order and qualifies for a Class 5 license. Ensure it has valid registration and insurance. The examiner will inspect the vehicle before the test begins.

Securing your road test appointment is a significant milestone. By planning ahead and following these steps, you'll be one step closer to earning your probationary license and enjoying the freedom of the open road in Nunavut. Good luck!