How to get a Driver’s licence in New Brunswick? Find out the Facts
Having a New Brunswick driver’s licence is one of the most eagerly anticipated privileges for residents of all ages. While this privilege is freely extended to all individuals who meet the mandatory licensing requirements the Registrar of Motor Vehicles wants everyone to understand that driving is also a responsibility which should be taken very seriously.
All drivers in the New Brunswick province are required to show that they have the skill and knowledge that is needed to safely operate motor vehicles. Drivers have to learn the traffic rules that New Brunswick enforces and must also abide by these rules whenever they are operating a motorcycle, truck or car.
You should be prepared when you want to apply for a driver’s licence at a New Brunswick Service Center. Applicants will need to show proper identification and understand how to navigate their way through the NB licensing process.
New Brunswick has more than one service center that offers testing and licensing assistance for those individuals who want to obtain their NB driver’s licence. Find the center that is located near your home and contact them to schedule an appointment. These offices are quite busy throughout the day and a scheduled appointment time is strongly recommended.
Required Documentation for Driver licence Applicants
When you are ready to apply for your New Brunswick driver’s licence there are some legal documents that must be presented to the Motor Registration officials. Make certain that you bring
A birth certificate (original, certified copy)
A passport (if available)
A minimum of 2 different papers that will provide verification of your NB address
(address verification papers could include power and utility bills, pay stubs or income tax forms)
*Those applicants who are younger than 19 must show that they have parental/legal guardian consent before being allowed to begin the licensing process. Just make certain that your parent (or guardian) accompanies you when you arrive for that first appointment.
Canada’s GLP
The New Brunswick driving test is structured so that it meets the requirements of Canada’s GLP (Graduated Licensing Program). This is a nation-wide system that has been designed to provide all Canadian drivers with a standardized form of driving instruction. Although it can take many months to advance your way through the licensing process the GLP provides each new applicant with the time needed for them to learn and develop adequate driving skills.
Nunavat is the only exception to Canada’s GLP system.
Getting Started
Once you have reached your 16th birthday you can apply for a New Brunswick driver’s licence. All new applicants will be given a vision test. The minimum vision requirement is 20/40, although you will be allowed to use corrective lenses to pass this eye exam.
Knowledge Testing
There is a written test (with multiple-choice questions) that you must take in order to be issued your first learner’s licence. You should use one of the New Brunswick driver handbooks to study for this test ahead of time. This test will rate your level of driver’s knowledge regarding road safety, traffic signs and safe driving practices.
*If you want to get a driver’s handbook you can buy one for $5 or download one of these study guides for free. The handbook contains all of the information you need to pass the written test and will also acquaint you with the driving requirements necessary to pass the New Brunswick road test.
Applicants are required to first complete the application form and pay the testing fee. Then the driving examiners will give them the eye test and written test.
Beginning to Drive-Class 7/Level 1
Once you pass these two tests you will become eligible for a class 7 level 1 licence. This is a learner’s licence that is issued to new (beginner) drivers. You will only be permitted to operate a motor vehicle with adult supervision. The adult who is going to supervise your driving must possess a Class 5 licence and have at least 3 years of driving experience.
A fully licenced adult driver should be riding in the front passenger seat whenever you are behind the wheel of a car. With a Class7/Level 1 driving licence you cannot be ferrying about your friends or driving alone. Drivers with the learner classification are not allowed to drive a car between the hours of 12am-5am. Drinking alcohol, or texting when driving, will result in fines and automatic suspension/revocation of a learner’s licence.
Gaining Practical Driving Experience
New Brunswick driving schools are some of the best places for new drivers to safely gain real-world driving experience. The instructors will teach you how to properly operate a vehicle and help you establish responsible driving habits.
When you successfully complete an approved course in driver training it will be possible to apply for an upgraded Level 2 driver’s licence 8 months after you have received your Level 1 licence. If you do not enroll in a driver’s training class you will have to wait for a year before being allowed to advance to a higher licence classification.
Testing your Driving Skills with a Road Test
You will have to pass a road test before being issued a Level 2 licence in New Brunswick. This is an opportunity to show the driving examiner that you understand the traffic laws and can safely operate a vehicle. Your skills will be challenged as you are asked to demonstrate a variety of driving techniques that include parallel parking, lane shifts and proper vehicle turns.
If you fail the road test you can schedule another testing time in one week. Those who fail the road test a second time will be required to wait for 2 weeks before retaking this test. You will be asked to wait for 3 weeks if you fail this test on your 3rd attempt. Any individual who fails to pass the road test on their 4th consecutive attempt will have to repeat the written test. After you pass the written test you will have to discuss when to make a new appointment time with a driving examiner.
Moving up to Level 2
With a Level 2 licence New Brunswick drivers can operate their vehicle without adult supervision. The only time you will need to be accompanied by a licenced adult driver is if you are driving from 12am-5am.
You will also be able to drive with as many as three passengers in your car/truck. New drivers will be easily identified as to the licence classification they hold. There is either a G(graduated) or an R (restricted) stamped directly onto the licence.
Stepping up and Moving on with a Class 5 New Brunswick Driver licence
There will be time for you to gain more driving experience before you will become eligible for a Class 5 licence designation. This is a licence that is free of restrictions and verifies that you have earned the full rights and privileges that are available to New Brunswick drivers.
New Brunswick Class 7 Test Signs-Practice Quiz1
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