How Long Does a Driving Course Take in Quebec? Theory, Practice and Total Duration
Are you thinking about signing up for a driving course in Quebec and wondering how long it will take? The answer depends on several factors: the length of the theory modules, the pace of your practical lessons, and the structure of the program set by the SAAQ. Here is a complete and clear overview of what to expect.
Driving Course Duration at a Glance
Before getting into the details, here is a summary of how long each component of a driving course in Quebec takes:
| Component | Duration |
|---|---|
| Theory classes | 24 hours (12 modules of 2 h each) |
| Practical lessons | 15 hours (15 sessions of 55 min) |
| Total program duration | 10 to 12 months on average |
| Intensive course option | Available — condensed theory possible |
The SAAQ’s Road Safety Education Program (RSEP) governs this training. Every new learner driver who wants a Class 5 licence in Quebec must complete it.
The Theory Component: 12 Modules, 24 Hours
How Are the Theory Classes Structured?
The theory component consists of 12 modules of 2 hours each, for a total of 24 hours of instruction. You must complete each module in the prescribed order — you cannot begin the practical component before finishing the theory modules required for each phase.
Schools typically run theory classes in groups, either on-site or online. Some offer a hybrid format, which gives you more flexibility in scheduling.
Your module frequency directly affects how long this stage takes:
- 1 module per week → 12 weeks to complete the theory
- 2 modules per week → 6 weeks
- Intensive format (3 or more modules per week) → theory completed in under a month
At Somerled Driving School, theory classes are offered in regular sessions in Montreal. You can plan your module schedule according to your availability, while following the order required by the SAAQ.
The Practical Component: 15 Hours on the Road
How Are the Practical Lessons Structured?
The practical component includes 15 driving sessions of 55 minutes each, for a total of 15 hours on the road. Each session takes place with a certified instructor in the school’s vehicle. The program progresses gradually — from basic manoeuvres in local traffic to highway driving and more complex conditions.
In practice, most students complete one to two sessions per week. The more consistent the pace, the better the learning consolidates. Try to avoid leaving several weeks between lessons, especially at the beginning of the program.
What Is the Total Duration of the Program?
The 4 Phases of the Quebec Driving Program
The program breaks down into 4 distinct phases — complete them in order:
| Phase | Content | Approximate Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | Theory modules 1 to 4 + SAAQ knowledge test → obtaining the learner’s permit | A few weeks to a few months depending on your pace |
| Phase 2 | Theory modules 5 to 12 + practical sessions with instructor | Minimum 10 months with the learner’s permit |
| Phase 3 | SAAQ road test → obtaining the probationary licence | Depending on SAAQ exam availability |
| Phase 4 | Independent driving under probationary conditions | Minimum 24 months → full Class 5 licence |
Is There an Intensive Driving Course in Quebec?
What Can Be Accelerated
Yes, it is possible to follow a more intensive driving course in Quebec. By concentrating the theory modules at a faster pace, some students complete the theory component in 3 to 4 weeks rather than 3 months. Here is how an intensive course works in practice:
- Frequency: 3 to 5 modules per week instead of one
- Theory duration: as short as 3 to 4 weeks
- Practical sessions: can also be scheduled more closely together — 2 to 3 sessions per week if availability allows
- Cost: the same as a regular course — the Quebec government sets a maximum price of $1,130 + taxes for a Class 5 driving course, regardless of the format
This approach is especially popular among newcomers to Quebec or people who need to obtain their licence quickly for professional reasons.
What Cannot Be Shortened
Despite the intensive options available, the SAAQ sets certain program timelines that you cannot bypass:
- Hold your learner’s permit for at least 10 months before taking the road test
- Hold your probationary licence for at least 24 months before obtaining the full licence
- Complete your 15 hours of practical driving with a certified instructor from a SAAQ-recognized driving school
The SAAQ put these timelines in place to ensure every driver builds enough real-world experience before getting a full licence.
Conclusion
The timelines set by the SAAQ are fixed, but how quickly you progress through the theory component is entirely up to you. By choosing an intensive format, you can obtain your learner’s permit within a few weeks and get started on your practical sessions sooner.
Ready to get started? The team at Somerled Driving School can help you plan your training at your own pace and according to your schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does the theory component take if you do 2 modules per week?
At 2 modules of 2 hours per week, the theory component (12 modules) is completed in 6 weeks. In an intensive format with 3 or more modules per week, it can be finished in under a month.
Can you start the practical lessons before finishing all the theory modules?
No. Each phase of the program requires completing the theory modules before beginning the corresponding practical sessions. The SAAQ sets the order of the phases — you cannot change it.
How long does it take to get a driver’s licence in Quebec?
From the first theory session to obtaining the probationary licence, expect 10 to 12 months on average. The full Class 5 licence is obtained 24 months after the probationary licence — approximately 3 years from the start of the program.
Can driving theory classes be taken online in Quebec?
Some schools offer theory modules online or in a hybrid format. Complete the practical component on the road with a certified instructor — the SAAQ requires in-person driving sessions.
How much does a driving course cost in Quebec?
The Quebec government sets a maximum price of $1,130 + taxes for a Class 5 driving course. This applies regardless of whether you choose the regular or intensive format.