Get your N

To get your N (Novice), you’ll need to pass the Class 7 road test. Make sure you understand what’s required of N drivers before taking the test.

Prepare for your N road test

You can take your road test as long as you’ve had your L licence (learner’s) for at least 12 months and have stayed prohibition-free.

To get ready for your test, be sure to get lots of on-road driving practice with a qualified supervisor and consider taking a driver training course. Try to practice at different times of day, in different weather and road conditions, and in unfamiliar neighbourhoods.

Whether you’re taking the Class 7 road test to get your N or the Class 5 road test to get your full licence, these study guides will help you pass:

Read Tuning up for Drivers
Read Learn to Drive Smart
Take the road ready quiz
Take the road signs practice test

ID tip

For ID, you’d usually use your photo learner’s licence and another piece of ID with your name and signature or photo on it.

What to expect on your Class 7 road test

Your full road test — including time at the end to go over how you did — will take about 45 minutes. Your examiner will take you out on a route that tests your driving skills.

What you’ll be tested on

Your driver examiner will be looking to see that you’re able to demonstrate different driving skills in a safe, smooth and controlled manner. They are not looking for perfection, so don’t worry too much about whether you can parallel park perfectly. Be safe and follow their directions.

Feeling nervous?

We understand that you might be nervous about your road test. It’s totally normal and many other people that way too!

Just so you know, our examiners are there to help you feel comfortable. They want you to pass your test — they mark everyone fairly, based on their skills.

Didn’t pass on your first try?

To make sure everyone gets a turn to book a road test appointment, if you don’t pass on your first try, you can take the test again after waiting 14 days. (You’ll have to pay another road test fee.)

Retest waiting period changes

As of June 25, 2018, after your first N test attempt, you can take the test again after 14 days.

If you take the test a second time and you don’t pass, you can try again after 30 days.

If after three or more tries you don’t pass, you can take the test again after 60 days.

Displaying your N sign

In the novice stage, you’ll have a new, reflective green N sign to replace your red L. It works the same as the L did — it must be displayed on the back of your car while you’re driving.

Lost your N sign?

If you’ve lost your N sign, you don’t need to buy a new one – you can get one for free at any driver licensing office. Please don’t make your own with duct tape (it’s very creative… but not actually allowed).

If you can’t get a new N right away, download and print a temporary N sign.

Novice driving restrictions

Having an N means you are now a novice driver and are allowed to drive on your own.

It’s important to follow the restrictions of graduated licensing when you get your N. If you violate these restrictions or get any other tickets or prohibitions, you must pay graduated licensing penalties.

Use of cellphone while driving

If you have a Novice (N) licence, you are not allowed to use any electronic devices while driving except to make an emergency call to 911. This means you cannot:

touch, operate, hold or adjust your cellphone,
use hands-free system such as Bluetooth or wired headset,
use speakerphone that can be operated with one touch or voice commands,
program a GPS system,
select music from your cellphone,
wear earbuds, or
connect your cellphone or hand-held device to play music on your in-vehicle audio system.

The law applies even when you’re stopped at a red light or in bumper-to-bumper traffic.

Why not take a break from your phone? Time to check tips on safe cellphone use.

Penalties for GLP drivers

If you receive one ticket, your driving record may be reviewed and you may face driving prohibitions.

The penalty for using a hand-held electronic device while driving is a $368 fine and four penalty points ($175) for a total of $543.

Identity theft and driver licence fraud

Identity theft is one of the fastest-growing crimes in North America. It occurs when someone uses your personal information without your knowledge or consent to commit a crime.

Remember to protect your identity

Taking selfies with your driver’s licence exposes your personal information to identity theft. Be careful with what you share online.

A driver’s licence has become a universally accepted and trusted form of identification. If your licence is scanned or faked from social media, it can be used as a tool for committing crime.

You can’t entirely control whether you become a victim of identity theft, but you can take steps to minimize your risk.

	No alcohol or drugs: Zero alcohol or drugs in your blood when you drive
	Display N sign: Display N sign on the back of your vehicle
	No electronic devices: No hand-held or hands-free electronic devices
	Limit one passenger: 1 passenger only (immediate family exempt) unless with supervisor age 25+ with a valid Class 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 licence.