Your Essential Access PEI Document Checklist: What to Bring for Your Appointment

A trip to Access PEI for a driver licensing service is a major step, whether you're applying for your first permit or taking 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 the type of appointment 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:

Original Documents Only: You must bring original documents. Photocopies, scanned images, or pictures on your phone will not be accepted.
Proof of PEI Residency: For nearly all new applications and exchanges, you must prove you live in Prince Edward Island.

Checklist 1: For a First-Time Instruction Permit (Class 7)

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

[ ] One (1) Primary Identification Document: This must be an original document that proves your legal name and date of birth.
- Acceptable documents include:
  - Birth Certificate (from a Canadian province/territory)
  - Valid Canadian Passport
  - Canadian Citizenship Card
  - Permanent Resident Card
[ ] Two (2) Proofs of PEI Residency: You must provide two separate documents showing your current residential address on PEI.
- Acceptable documents include:
  - A recent utility bill (power, phone, cable, water)
  - A signed rental or lease agreement
  - A recent bank or credit card statement mailed to your PEI address
  - A letter from an employer or educational institution on official letterhead
  - A property tax notice
[ ] Parental/Guardian Consent Form: If you are under 18 years old, this form must be completed and signed by a parent or legal guardian. This can be done at the Access PEI counter.
[ ] Payment for Fees: Be prepared to pay for the written knowledge test and the fee for your permit card. Access PEI accepts cash, debit, and credit cards.
[ ] 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 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 PEI Instruction Driver's Permit (Class 7): You must have your physical permit card.
[ ] Road Test Payment Receipt: This is the proof you received when you pre-paid the $40 test fee.
[ ] Valid Vehicle Registration Permit: The original registration document for the vehicle. Make sure the permit is for the correct vehicle and is not expired.
[ ] Valid Insurance Liability Card (Pink Card): The original, unexpired insurance slip for the vehicle. The name on the policy must match the name on the vehicle registration.

Checklist 3: For Exchanging an Out-of-Province/Country License

If you are a new resident moving to PEI, here's what you'll need to swap your old license for a new one.

[ ] Your Existing, Valid Driver's License: You will be required to surrender your license from your previous province, state, or country.
[ ] One (1) Primary Identification Document (see list from Checklist 1).
[ ] Two (2) Proofs of PEI Residency (see list from Checklist 1).
[ ] Driver's Abstract (for some international drivers): If you are from a non-reciprocal country, you may need an official abstract (driving record) from your home jurisdiction to prove your years of driving experience. This can help you bypass parts of the GDL program.
[ ] Official, Certified Translation (if applicable): If your foreign license is not in English or French, you must provide a certified translation.

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.