The SAAQ road test in Quebec: booking, what is evaluated and how to pass
How the SAAQ Class 5 road test works: the requirements, booking in SAAQclic, the fee, what to bring, the vehicle inspection, the skills the evaluator checks, the errors that fail you on the spot, a day-of checklist and what happens after a pass or a fail, each fact linked to the SAAQ.
By the Canada Exam Prep Editorial Team ·
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- Independent · not a government site
- 6 steps to the test
- Official sources only
- Checked October 18, 2026
The SAAQ road test is the last test before your probationary licence in Quebec. You take it in your own vehicle at the SAAQ service outlet you chose when booking, with an SAAQ evaluator beside you. It checks that you drive safely, cooperatively and responsibly, applying the Highway Safety Code, signs and signals.
This guide covers the requirements, booking in SAAQclic, the fee, what to bring, the vehicle inspection before you leave, the skills the evaluator checks, the errors that can fail you immediately, a checklist for the day and what happens after a pass or a fail. Each fact links to the SAAQ page or handbook it comes from. Fees change every year, so check the SAAQ page before you go.
Canada Exam Prep is an independent study site, not affiliated with Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) or any test centre, and we do not book tests. Book only on the official site: Book a road test in SAAQclic (saaq.gouv.qc.ca)
Who can take it, and when
- You must have held your learner's licence for at least 12 months on the day of the test. Source: SAAQ — Obtenir un permis de conduire auto (classe 5), French page (archived copy, Sept. 2026)
- You must have passed the SAAQ knowledge test. Source: SAAQ — Obtenir un permis de conduire auto (classe 5), French page (archived copy, Sept. 2026)
- You must have passed a driving course at a school recognized by the SAAQ. Source: SAAQ — Obtenir un permis de conduire auto (classe 5), French page (archived copy, Sept. 2026)
How to book and take the test
Meet the requirements
Hold your learner's licence for at least 12 months, pass the SAAQ knowledge test and finish your driving course at a recognized school.
Source: SAAQ — Obtenir un permis de conduire auto (classe 5), French page (archived copy, Sept. 2026)Book in SAAQclic
Make your appointment in the SAAQclic online services portal. If you cannot attend, cancel or reschedule there at least 48 hours ahead, or a cancellation fee applies.
Source: SAAQ — Obtenir un permis de conduire auto (classe 5), French page (archived copy, Sept. 2026)Bring a safe vehicle
The SAAQ does not supply a vehicle. Before the test the evaluator checks its mechanical parts; if it does not meet the standards, the test does not take place and you book again.
Source: SAAQ — Obtenir un permis de conduire auto (classe 5), French page (archived copy, Sept. 2026)Check in and pay
Go to the service outlet you chose, show your documents and pay the test fee. Credit cards are not accepted.
Source: SAAQ — Obtenir un permis de conduire auto (classe 5), French page (archived copy, Sept. 2026)Drive the test
The evaluator first explains how the test will go. The test lasts about 30 minutes; plan about 1 hour for the whole appointment.
Source: SAAQ — Obtenir un permis de conduire auto (classe 5), French page (archived copy, Sept. 2026)Hear your feedback
Pass or fail, the evaluator tells you your strengths and what to improve. If you pass, you pay for your probationary licence.
Source: SAAQ — Obtenir un permis de conduire auto (classe 5), French page (archived copy, Sept. 2026)
What it costs
| Item | Amount | Official source |
|---|---|---|
| SAAQ road test, each attempt | $33.75 | Source: SAAQ — Obtenir un permis de conduire auto (classe 5), French page (archived copy, Sept. 2026) |
| Probationary licence, if you pass | $107.96 (covers 24 months) | Source: SAAQ — Obtenir un permis de conduire auto (classe 5), French page (archived copy, Sept. 2026) |
| Road test not cancelled or rescheduled in time in SAAQclic | Not confirmed by an official source; check with the provider | Source: SAAQ — Obtenir un permis de conduire auto (classe 5), French page (archived copy, Sept. 2026) |
Fees change. Check the amount on the official page or with the provider before you pay.
What to bring or have ready
- Your learner's licence. Source: SAAQ — Obtenir un permis de conduire auto (classe 5), French page (archived copy, Sept. 2026)
- The valid, signed registration certificate of the vehicle used for the test, and a paper copy of your proof of liability insurance. Source: SAAQ — Obtenir un permis de conduire auto (classe 5), French page (archived copy, Sept. 2026)
- Your driving course attestation; if you attended more than one driving school, the attestation from each school. Source: SAAQ — Obtenir un permis de conduire auto (classe 5), French page (archived copy, Sept. 2026)
- For a rental car, the rental contract or receipt. Source: SAAQ — Obtenir un permis de conduire auto (classe 5), French page (archived copy, Sept. 2026)
- Payment in cash, debit (not at every outlet), one or more pre-authorized debits with a specimen cheque, cheque or money order. Source: SAAQ — Obtenir un permis de conduire auto (classe 5), French page (archived copy, Sept. 2026)
Vehicle requirements
- The SAAQ does not provide a vehicle. You need a safe vehicle in good mechanical condition. Source: SAAQ — Obtenir un permis de conduire auto (classe 5), French page (archived copy, Sept. 2026)
- The evaluator checks, among other things, the windshield, side and rear windows, turn signals, brake lights and headlights, mirrors, wipers, brakes including the parking brake, horn, muffler, speedometer, head restraints, seatbelts and tires. Source: SAAQ — Obtenir un permis de conduire auto (classe 5), French page (archived copy, Sept. 2026)
- No passengers or animals may be in the vehicle during the test. The SAAQ installs a removable sign marked Examen de conduite on the car. Source: SAAQ — Obtenir un permis de conduire auto (classe 5), French page (archived copy, Sept. 2026)
- Deaf or hard of hearing candidates need a dual-control vehicle; the SAAQ reimburses the rental cost and the cost of a sign language interpreter. Source: SAAQ — Obtenir un permis de conduire auto (classe 5), French page (archived copy, Sept. 2026)
What the examiner assesses
The skill areas below are summarized in our own words from the official material. The examiner watches each one throughout the drive.
- Driving independently — Analyzing the situation (observe), making the right decision (evaluate) and doing the manoeuvre at the right moment (act). Source: SAAQ — Obtenir un permis de conduire auto (classe 5), French page (archived copy, Sept. 2026)
- Visual checks — Shoulder checks when turning and changing lanes, and regular visual scanning. Source: SAAQ — Obtenir un permis de conduire auto (classe 5), French page (archived copy, Sept. 2026)
- Vehicle control — Controlling your vehicle and speed, keeping a proper lane position and a safe space from other road users. Source: SAAQ — Obtenir un permis de conduire auto (classe 5), French page (archived copy, Sept. 2026)
- Confident, courteous driving — Driving close to the speed limits and using your right of way when you have it. Source: SAAQ — Obtenir un permis de conduire auto (classe 5), French page (archived copy, Sept. 2026)
- Respecting the rules — Making mandatory stops, keeping to the legal speed and respecting right-of-way. Source: SAAQ — Obtenir un permis de conduire auto (classe 5), French page (archived copy, Sept. 2026)
Common reasons people fail
- Some errors can fail you immediately, such as missing a mandatory stop, driving over the speed limit or driving against the flow of traffic. Source: SAAQ — Obtenir un permis de conduire auto (classe 5), French page (archived copy, Sept. 2026)
- Having any electronic device with you (phone, watch, smart glasses, camera), or filming, recording or photographing, counts as cheating: an automatic fail and a 90-day wait before you can retake the test, or 180 days for a repeat. Source: SAAQ — Obtenir un permis de conduire auto (classe 5), French page (archived copy, Sept. 2026)
Day-of checklist
Our checklist, built from the official requirements and skill list above. Tick each item before you leave home and again before the examiner gets in.
- Learner's licence held 12 months on the test date, knowledge test passed, course attestation in hand. Source: SAAQ — Obtenir un permis de conduire auto (classe 5), French page (archived copy, Sept. 2026)
- Registration certificate signed, paper proof of insurance and, for a rental, the contract.
- Car checked the night before: windows and windshield, all lights, mirrors, wipers, brakes and parking brake, horn, muffler, speedometer, head restraints, seatbelts and tires.
- No passengers or pets in the car, and no phone, smart watch or other device on you.
- Payment ready in cash, debit, cheque or money order (no credit card).
- Someone to come with you, since the SAAQ recommends having a driver to take you home if you fail.
- Full stops at every stop sign and red light, speed at the limit, and shoulder checks at every turn and lane change.
Results and your next licence
If you pass, you pay for your probationary licence. To keep it you must have fewer than 4 demerit points and follow the zero-alcohol rule, and, if you are 19 or under and have held it for less than 12 months, passenger limits apply between midnight and 5 a.m. With a good driving record you can get your Class 5 driver's licence after 2 years. Source: SAAQ — Obtenir un permis de conduire auto (classe 5), French page (archived copy, Sept. 2026)
If you fail: rebooking
If you fail the road test, you must wait at least 28 days before taking it again. Book a new appointment when you are ready. Source: SAAQ Driver's Handbook (archived copy, April 2026)
Prepare for the test
Practise the rules first: the road test assumes you know every sign and rule from the knowledge test. Our free practice tests, simulator and guides are written from the official material.
- SAAQ Class 5 practice tests268 original practice questions with explanations
- SAAQ Class 5 exam simulator30 new random questions every time, full screen, no hints
- How to get a Quebec driver's licenceHow to get a Quebec driver's licence (Class 5, passenger vehicles) from the SAAQ: the driving course, learner's licence, knowledge test, road test, probationary licence and every SAAQ fee, with each fact linked to saaq.gouv.qc.ca.
- SAAQ Class 5 study guideFree SAAQ Class 5 study guide: 817 key points from the Driver's Handbook (SAAQ) in plain words, organised by topic, each topic linked to its practice questions.
We last checked the official pages on October 18, 2026. Rules and fees can change; the official source always wins.
FAQ
SAAQ road test guide: common questions
How much is the SAAQ road test?
$33.75 per attempt. If you pass, the probationary licence costs $107.96 and covers 24 months.
How long is the SAAQ road test?
About 30 minutes; plan about 1 hour for the whole appointment.
Does the SAAQ provide a car for the road test?
No. You bring a safe vehicle in good mechanical condition, which the evaluator inspects before the test. A rental car is fine if you bring the rental contract or receipt.
What makes you fail the SAAQ road test immediately?
Errors such as missing a mandatory stop, speeding or driving against traffic can fail you on the spot. Having an electronic device with you counts as cheating and also means an automatic fail.
How long do I wait after failing the SAAQ road test?
At least 28 days before you can take it again.
Can I take the SAAQ road test with an interpreter?
Yes, a sign language interpreter can assist (instructions before departure and feedback after), on site or by video, at every service centre that offers road tests; the SAAQ reimburses the cost.
Keep practising
- SAAQ road signs testPractise the signs section of the SAAQ Class 5 knowledge test: 60 questions on Québec road signs, pavement markings and traffic lights, with explanations.
- Québec road signs chartEvery sign drawing from our SAAQ question bank on one page with its meaning: regulatory, warning, school zone, road work and information signs for Class 5.
- SAAQ knowledge test PDF100 original SAAQ Class 5 practice questions from all three sections of the knowledge test, with the answer key on separate pages. Print or save as a PDF.
- How to get a Quebec driver's licence
- SAAQ Class 5 study guide
- SAAQ Class 5 Mock Exam 1 – 30 QuestionsUntimed practice · answers explained
- SAAQ Class 5 Mock Exam 2 – 30 QuestionsUntimed practice · answers explained
- SAAQ Class 5 Practice Test 130 questions with explanations
- SAAQ Class 5 Practice Test 230 questions with explanations
- SAAQ Class 5 Practice Test 330 questions with explanations
Practice by topic
- Traffic lights and signal lightsRed, yellow and green lights, arrows, flashing lights, dark signals, pedestrian countdown lights, cyclist lights, lane-use lights, railway signals, work-site lights and bus priority lights.
- Pavement markingsYellow and white lines, broken, solid, double and combined lines, reversible and two-way left-turn lanes, reserved lanes, stop lines, crosswalks, parking markings and pavement symbols.
- Regulatory signsSign colours and shapes, stop, all-way stop and yield signs, speed limits, one-way and lane direction signs, green-circle and red-circle signs, no passing, parking, stopping and reserved-lane signs.
- Warning signsYellow diamond signs for stops and lights ahead, curves, intersections, lane endings, narrowing roads, steep grades, school zones, crossings, slippery or icy surfaces, hazard markers and chevrons.
- Road work, information and cyclist signsOrange work-site signs, flagperson signals, work-zone speed limits, detours and lane merges, green and blue guide and service signs, exit signs, and signs for cyclists.
- Getting your Class 5 licenceMinimum age, the mandatory driving course, the learner's licence and its rules, when you can take the knowledge and road tests, the probationary licence and passenger limits for young drivers.
- Licence conditions and driver obligationsHealth declarations and licence conditions, documents you must carry, change of address, renewal, new residents and non-residents driving in Québec.
- Demerit points and licence revocationDemerit point brackets by licence and age, revocation periods, how long points stay on your record, restricted licences, and the points for common offences.
- Alcohol, drugs and impaired drivingBlood alcohol limits, the zero-alcohol rule for new and young drivers, drug limits, care or control of a vehicle, roadside suspensions, vehicle impoundment and the cost of a first offence.
- Vision, fatigue, distraction and attitudeHow vision, physical problems, fatigue and emotions affect driving, the ban on hand-held electronic devices and its penalties, observation, and keeping your judgment in traffic.
- Your vehicle: registration, equipment and winter tiresVehicle registration and insurance, required lights, brakes, mirrors and windows, studded and winter tire dates, clearing snow, mechanical inspection and doing your own checks.
- Seat belts, lane use and speed limitsSeat belts and child car seats, air bags and headrests, which lane to use, centre left-turn lanes, Québec's default speed limits and safe following distance.
- Passing, turning and traffic circlesWhen passing is allowed or banned, passing cyclists and pedestrians, right and left turns, right turns on red and the Montréal exception, traffic circles, signals and headlight use.
- Right of way, emergency vehicles and school busesYielding to pedestrians and cyclists, stop signs and all-way stops, entering highways and driveways, emergency vehicles, the Move-Over law, city buses, school buses, level crossings and heavy vehicles.
- Work zones, stopping, parking and unlawful practicesDriving near work sites, parking and stopping distances, disabled parking permits, driving on the shoulder, passengers and seat belts, car surfing and street racing.
- Pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclesRules for pedestrians, cyclists and power-assisted bicycles, foot scooters, motorcycles, mopeds and scooters, and what drivers must do around them.
- Accidents, insurance and finesQuébec's public no-fault insurance, mandatory liability insurance, what to do at the scene of an accident, and fines for common offences, speeding and work-zone speeding.