Probationary Licence in Quebec: Rules, Restrictions and Duration

You just passed your road test and can finally drive on your own. Before you hit the road, though, you need to know the rules of the probationary licence in Quebec, because they are much stricter than those of a regular licence. Here is everything you need to know to get through these 24 months without losing your licence.

What Is a Probationary Licence?

A Mandatory Step for Every New Driver

The probationary licence is the final step of Quebec’s graduated licensing system. The SAAQ issues it once you pass the road test at the end of your learning period.

Contrary to popular belief, it is not just for young drivers. Anyone who gets a first Class 5 licence in Quebec must go through the probationary period, whatever their age.

This period bridges the gap between supervised driving and driving on your own. It lets you build experience on the road while keeping the riskiest behaviours of new drivers in check.

What Changes Compared to the Learner’s Licence

The main change is simple: with a probationary licence, you can drive alone. You no longer need to be accompanied by someone who has held a licence for at least two years.

However, several learner’s licence rules still apply. Zero tolerance for alcohol remains in force, and the 4-demerit-point system stays exactly the same.

A new rule also applies to drivers aged 19 and under. During the first year, the number of young passengers is limited between midnight and 5 a.m.

How to Get Your Probationary Licence

The Requirements: 12 Months of Learning and the Road Test

To get your probationary licence, you must first hold a learner’s licence for at least 12 months. During this period, you complete the practical phases of your driving course at a recognized school.

Once your learning period is over, you can take the SAAQ road test. This test assesses your ability to drive safely in real traffic, with an examiner sitting beside you.

If you pass, the SAAQ issues your probationary licence. If you fail, you can book a new appointment and try again, after working on the weak points the examiner identified.

How Much Does a Probationary Licence Cost?

The cost of a probationary licence includes the road test fee and the licence issuing fees. These amounts are set by the SAAQ and updated every year on January 1.

The total price also depends on your journey, including the number of road test attempts and the rental of a vehicle for the test. For current amounts, see our article on the cost of a driver’s licence in Quebec.

Probationary Licence Rules and Restrictions

Zero Alcohol, No Exceptions

With a probationary licence, you cannot have any alcohol at all before driving. The rule also applies to cannabis and other drugs, regardless of your age.

A single offence is costly. According to the Montreal police service (SPVM), it brings 4 demerit points, an automatic 3-month suspension and a $300 fine, plus fees.

Note that zero tolerance still applies after the probationary period if you are under 22. The simplest approach is to plan another way to get home whenever alcohol is involved.

A 4-Demerit-Point Limit

A regular licence holder aged 25 or older can accumulate up to 15 demerit points. With a probationary licence, the limit drops to just 4 points.

In practice, a single serious offence is enough to reach this threshold. For example, speeding 46 to 60 km/h over the limit carries 5 demerit points. To see what each offence is worth, read our complete guide to demerit points in Quebec.

Points are added to your record once you are found guilty, which includes paying a ticket. They then stay on your record for 2 years from the date of conviction.

Passengers Between Midnight and 5 a.m. (Age 19 and Under)

This restriction only applies to probationary licence holders aged 19 or under. It applies during the first year of the licence, between midnight and 5 a.m.

During the first 6 months, you can carry only one passenger aged 19 or under during these hours. From the 7th to the 12th month, the limit rises to 3 passengers aged 19 or under.

There are two important exceptions, however. Members of your immediate family do not count, and the rule does not apply if someone who has held a licence for at least 2 years is sitting next to you.

Breaking this rule results in a $200 fine, plus fees. Before a night out with friends, it is worth checking who is getting in the car.

Can You Drive Alone or After Midnight?

Yes, you can drive alone as soon as you receive your probationary licence. That is exactly what sets it apart from the learner’s licence, which always requires a supervising driver.

There is no curfew for probationary licence holders in Quebec either. You can drive after midnight, as long as you respect the passenger limit if you are 19 or under.

Cellphones: A Single Offence Can Be Enough

In Quebec, holding a cellphone while driving brings a $300 to $600 fine and 5 demerit points, according to the SAAQ rules on portable electronic devices. For a regular driver, this is a serious penalty, but rarely a decisive one.

For a probationary licence holder, the situation is very different. Since 5 points exceed the 4-point threshold, a single offence is enough to lose your licence.

The safest habit is to put your phone out of reach or turn on “Do Not Disturb” before you start the car. Set your route before you leave, while the vehicle is parked.

What Happens If You Commit an Offence?

Licence Revocation

If you reach 4 demerit points, the SAAQ revokes your probationary licence. The revocation lasts 3 months for a first penalty, then 6 or 12 months for repeat offences or a high number of points.

During this period, you are no longer allowed to drive. Driving while revoked can lead to your vehicle being seized and a hefty fine, which makes the situation even worse.

To get your licence back, you must book an appointment with the SAAQ, pass a theory reinstatement exam and pay the fees. The exact durations are set out in the SAAQ document on demerit point penalties.

If you need to drive for work, you can apply for a restricted licence. You must then go before a Court of Québec judge and show that driving is necessary for your job.

An Extended Probationary Period

A penalty also has a lesser-known consequence: it can extend your probationary period. The purpose of the probationary period is to build 24 months of driving experience.

If your licence is suspended, you are not driving during that time. The SAAQ therefore extends your probationary licence, and its expiry date changes accordingly.

In other words, an offence does not just cost you points and money. It also delays the moment you get your regular licence and its more flexible rules.

Duration and End of the Probationary Licence

How Long Does the Probationary Licence Last?

The probationary licence is valid for 24 months from the date it is issued. This period is the same for everyone, whether you are 17 or 45 when you get it.

Only a suspension or revocation can change this period, as explained above. If all goes well, your probationary period ends two years after your road test.

Switching to a Regular Licence

The probationary licence cannot be renewed. Before it expires, you must go to an SAAQ service centre to get your regular driver’s licence.

During this visit, your photo will be taken, you will sign your licence and you will pay the required fees. No new test is needed if your record is in good standing.

A regular licence does not mean 15 points right away, though. Under 23, the limit is 8 points, then 12 points at ages 23 and 24, and 15 points from age 25.

Expired Probationary Licence: What to Do?

If your probationary licence has expired, you are no longer allowed to drive with it. Driving without a valid licence exposes you to a fine and even the seizure of your vehicle.

Go to an SAAQ service centre as soon as possible to sort out your situation. To avoid this problem, add the expiry date to your calendar as soon as you receive your licence.

Our Tips for a Successful Probationary Period

The probationary period goes smoothly when you build good habits from day one. Here are the reflexes that truly make a difference for new drivers.

First, plan your outings ahead of time. If you know alcohol will be involved, arrange a ride, a taxi or public transit before you leave.

Second, keep your cellphone away from the driver’s seat. A single distraction can cause a collision, and a single ticket can cost you your licence.

Third, watch your speed at all times, especially on highways and in school zones. Cruise control helps you stay within the limit on long trips.

Fourth, check your demerit point record regularly in SAAQclic. That way, you will always know exactly where you stand, with no unpleasant surprises.

Finally, keep improving your skills. A few extra hours of lessons for winter or highway driving will boost your confidence during the period when experience matters most.

Conclusion

The probationary licence finally lets you drive on your own, but it comes with strict rules. Zero alcohol, 4 demerit points and limited passengers at night for those 19 and under: every rule counts.

By knowing these rules and building good habits, you will get through these 24 months without a penalty. You will then receive your regular licence right on schedule.

Don’t have your probationary licence yet? Somerled Driving School supports you at every step, from theory classes to the SAAQ road test. See our prices and register online.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How many demerit points do you get with a probationary licence?

With a probationary licence, the limit is 4 demerit points. If you reach this threshold, the SAAQ revokes your licence for at least 3 months.

Can you drive after midnight with a probationary licence?

Yes. There is no curfew in Quebec. Only drivers aged 19 and under must limit their young passengers between midnight and 5 a.m., during the first year.

How many passengers can you carry with a probationary licence?

If you are 19 or under, you can carry only one passenger aged 19 or under between midnight and 5 a.m. during the first 6 months, then 3 until the 12th month.

How long does a probationary licence last?

The probationary licence is valid for 24 months, regardless of your age. This period can be extended if your licence is suspended during the probationary period.

Can you renew a probationary licence?

No, the probationary licence cannot be renewed. Before it expires, you must get your regular licence at an SAAQ service centre.