Newfoundland and Labrador Driver's License

What Is a Driver's License in Newfoundland and Labrador?

A driver's license in Newfoundland and Labrador is an official document Digital Government and Service NL issued that grants individuals the legal right to operate a motor vehicle on public roads within the province. This license serves as a form of identification and proof of qualification to drive specific types of vehicles.

What Are the Different Types of Driver's Licenses Available in Newfoundland and Labrador?

Newfoundland and Labrador offers several classes of driver's licenses based on the type of vehicle being operated:

1. Class 1: For operating semi-trailer trucks.
2. Class 2: For operating all buses with over 24 passengers.
3. Class 3: For operating trucks with three or more axles, including a combination of vehicles.
4. Class 4: For operating taxis, ambulances, all Class 5 motor vehicles, and buses with up to 24 passengers.
5. Class 5: Standard license for passenger vehicles or light trucks.
6. Class 5 Level I and II (Novice Drivers):

• Level I: Includes a 12-month mandatory period with supervision and restrictions on alcohol consumption and passenger carriage.
• Level II: Continues the restrictions with slight modifications, focusing on passenger limits and operating times.

7. Class 6: Full motorcycle license. Includes two novice levels (6I and 6II)
8. Class 8: Specifically for operating traction engine vehicles only.

Each license class is designed to ensure that drivers have the necessary training and experience to operate specific types of vehicles safely. The progression through classes, especially for novice drivers, is structured to gradually expose them to more complex driving situations.

What Is the Minimum Age Required to Get a Driver's License in Newfoundland and Labrador?

In Newfoundland and Labrador, the minimum age required to obtain a driver's license under the Graduated Driver Licensing Program is 16 years. If under 19, parental or guardian consent is required.

Where Can I Get a Driver's License in Newfoundland and Labrador?

Service NL issues driver's licenses in Newfoundland and Labrador through its network of service centres across the province. These locations offer various driver licensing services, including knowledge tests, road tests, and license renewals.

How to Get a Driver's License in Newfoundland and Labrador?

You must participate in the Graduated Driver Licensing Program to obtain a driver’s license in Newfoundland and Labrador. This program is designed to help new drivers develop the skills and knowledge necessary for safe driving through a step-by-step process.

1. Eligibility and Age Requirement:

• You must be at least 16 years old.
• If under 19, you need parental or guardian consent.

2. Levels of Graduated Licensing:

Level I (Learner): Novice drivers start here, needing to be accompanied by a licensed driver with at least four years of experience. During this phase, you must:

• Have 0% Blood Alcohol Content (BAC).
• Do not carry passengers other than the accompanying driver.
• Do not drive between midnight and 5 a.m.
• Display a “NOVICE DRIVER” sign on the vehicle.
• You must remain at this level for a minimum of 12 months, which can be reduced to 8 months by completing an approved Driver Education Program.

Level II (Novice, Licensed Driver): After passing the road test following Level I, you enter Level II where:

• You must maintain 0% BAC.
• Driving between midnight and 5 a.m. requires the presence of an accompanying experienced driver.
• Passenger restrictions apply based on the number of seat belts.

3. Tests Required:

• A written test covering road rules and safe driving practices.
• A vision test to ensure you meet the minimum sight requirements.
• An on-road driving test to move from Level I to Level II.

4. Completion of Program:

• After successfully completing Level II for 12 months, you can apply for a full license.

What Documents Are Required for a Driving License in Newfoundland and Labrador?

When applying for a driving license in Newfoundland and Labrador, applicants must provide specific documents to verify their identity, residency, and eligibility. Service NL requires these documents to ensure the integrity of the licensing process.

The primary documents required typically include:

• Proof of identity (e.g., birth certificate, passport)
• Proof of residency in Newfoundland and Labrador
• An additional piece of ID (e.g., bank card, student ID)
• Parental consent form (for applicants under 19)

Acceptable documents must be original, not photocopies or digital scans.

How to Get a Class 5 license in Newfoundland and Labrador

You must follow the steps outlined in the Graduated Driver Licensing Program to obtain a Class 5 driver's license in Newfoundland and Labrador. This program is designed to ensure new drivers acquire the necessary driving skills in a structured, safe manner. Here's how you can go about it:

Steps to Obtain a Class 5 License

• Meet the Minimum Age Requirement: You must be at least 16 to start the process. If you are under 19, you will need parental or guardian consent.
• Complete the Knowledge Test: Register for and pass the written knowledge test on road signs and rules, which is available through the MyGovNL platform.
• Obtain a Learner's Permit (Class 5 Level I): After passing the knowledge test, you'll receive your Class 5 Level I permit. Spend a minimum of 12 months at the Class 5 Level I stage. This period can be reduced to 8 months if you successfully complete an approved driver education program.
• Road Test: After fulfilling the waiting period and meeting all conditions, schedule and pass the road test.
• Class 5 Level II License: Once you pass the road test, you move to the Class 5 Level II license stage, where fewer restrictions apply, but you must still maintain a 0% BAC and may have restrictions on the number of passengers based on the number of seat belts in the vehicle.
• Full Class 5 License: After completing 12 months at the Class 5 Level II stage without any suspensions, you can obtain the full Class 5 license, allowing you to drive without the previous restrictions.

This process ensures that new drivers are thoroughly prepared and capable of managing the responsibilities of driving before being fully licensed.

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Driver's License in Newfoundland and Labrador?

The fees for obtaining a driver's license in Newfoundland and Labrador vary by license class and term.

1. Driver's Licence Fees:

• Class 1, 2, 3, 4, 8 (valid for five years): $125 (reduced to $115 if renewed online)
• Class 5I, 6I (valid for two years): $60 for general applicants; $26 for seniors
• Class 5, 5II, 6, 6II (valid for five years): $125 for general applicants; $65 for seniors

2. Additional Fees:

• Road Test - Class 5 and 6: $78 ($39 for seniors)
• Road Test - Class 1, 2, 3, 4: $130

Is a Driver's License Issued in Newfoundland and Labrador Online?

No, driver's licenses are not issued online in Newfoundland and Labrador. While some steps of the licensing process, such as booking road tests and checking application status, can be done through the Digital Government and Service NL, issuing a driver's license requires an in-person visit to a Motor Registration Division office.

During the visit, applicants must:

• Prove their identity and residency with original documents
• Have their photo and signature captured for the license card
• Pass required vision, written, or road tests

Is a US-Issued Driver's License Recognized in Newfoundland and Labrador?

Yes, Newfoundland and Labrador recognizes valid driver's licenses issued by U.S. states for visitors and new residents. Tourists and short-term visitors can drive with their U.S. license for up to 3 months without obtaining a Newfoundland and Labrador license.

What Is the Procedure for a Foreigner to Obtain a Newfoundland and Labrador Driver's License?

The procedure for foreigners to obtain a Newfoundland and Labrador driver's license depends on their country of origin and the status of their existing license.

Visitors from countries with a license exchange agreement with Newfoundland and Labrador can transfer their license to an equivalent class Newfoundland and Labrador license without testing. In 2024, this includes:

• Australia
• Austria
• Germany
• Japan (passenger vehicles only)
• South Korea
• Switzerland
• Taiwan
• United Kingdom
• United States

To exchange, the driver must provide their original license, proof of identity, and legal status in Canada. If your existing license is valid and has not expired for more than five years, there is no need for a written, vision, or road test. You will be placed directly into Class 5, Level I or II, depending on whether you have completed an approved driver education course.

Visitors from other countries must follow the same graduated licensing process as new drivers in Newfoundland and Labrador.

International Driver's Permits are not a substitute for a Newfoundland and Labrador license for foreigners establishing residency but can be used for short visits of up to 3 months.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Newfoundland and Labrador Driving License?

The process to get a full Newfoundland and Labrador driving license through the Graduated Driver Licensing Program typically takes a minimum of two years and is divided into several stages:

• Class 5 Level I (Novice): New drivers must spend at least 12 months at this initial level. This period can be reduced to 8 months if they successfully complete an approved Driver Education Program.
• Class 5 Level II (Novice): Once the road test is passed, drivers move to Level II, where they must spend another 12 months.

Can Tourists and Visitors Drive in Newfoundland and Labrador?

Yes, tourists and visitors can drive in Newfoundland and Labrador. Visitors with valid driver's licenses from their home country can drive in Newfoundland and Labrador for up to three months without obtaining a local driver's license. This applies to those who are visiting from other Canadian provinces or territories, as well as those from outside Canada.

However, if you plan to stay longer after three months, you must exchange your existing driver's license for a Newfoundland and Labrador driver's license.

Is a Newfoundland and Labrador Driver's License Valid Internationally?

Yes, a Newfoundland and Labrador driver's license is valid internationally, but the specific acceptability can vary by country. When traveling and planning to drive outside of Canada, obtaining an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended. The IDP is a translation of your domestic driver's license and is recognized internationally. It is particularly useful if your driver's license is outside the official language of the country you are visiting.

How to Convert an International Driver's License to a Newfoundland and Labrador One?

New residents moving to Newfoundland and Labrador with a valid driver's license from certain countries can convert their international license to an equivalent class Newfoundland and Labrador license without retesting. The eligible countries are:

• Australia
• Austria
• Germany
• Japan (passenger vehicles only)
• South Korea
• Switzerland
• Taiwan
• United Kingdom
• United States

To convert, drivers must:

• Present residency in Newfoundland and Labrador
• Surrender their original international license
• Provide acceptable identity documents and proof of legal status in Canada
• Pay the license conversion fee

Those from countries not listed must start the licensing process as new drivers, completing the graduated license program requirements before being granted full driving privileges.

Does Newfoundland and Labrador Have a Digital Driver's License?

No, Newfoundland and Labrador does not offer a digital driver's license version. The province issues physical, hard-copy licenses printed on secure plastic card stock and mailed to drivers upon licensing or renewal.

What Are the Regulations Around Suspension and Revocation of Driving Licenses in Newfoundland and Labrador?

In Newfoundland and Labrador, the driving license suspension and revocation regulations are governed primarily by the Highway Traffic Act (HTA). The act specifies the conditions under which driving privileges are suspended, particularly following convictions under the Criminal Code of Canada.

Suspension Periods for Criminal Code Convictions

• First Conviction: The minimum suspension period is one year.
• Second Conviction: If the second criminal code offence occurs within ten years of the first, the suspension period extends to three years.
• Third Conviction: A third offence within ten years leads to a five-year suspension.
• Subsequent Convictions: Any further convictions within ten years of the first result in a lifetime suspension of driving privileges.

Review and Reinstatement

• Lifetime Suspension Review: Drivers who are indefinitely suspended can apply for a review of their suspension after ten years by submitting a written request to the Registrar.
• 10-Year Suspension for Impaired Driving Causing Bodily Harm: This can also be reviewed after five years, subject to conditions set by the Registrar.
• Impaired Driving Causing Death: This results in a lifetime suspension, with a possibility for review after ten years, similar to other lifetime suspensions.

How Long Does a Driving License Last in Newfoundland and Labrador?

A driving license in Newfoundland and Labrador typically has a validity period of five years. This standard duration applies to most classes of licenses issued in the province, including the common Class 5 license for passenger vehicles.

How to Know When Newfoundland and Labrador Drivers License Expires?

There are several ways to check when your Newfoundland and Labrador driver's license expires:

• Look at the expiration date printed on your physical license card, located below your photo
• Check your license status online through the MyGovNL portal
• Contact the Motor Registration Division by phone at 1-877-636-6867 with your license number and identifying information
• Visit a Motor Registration Division office in person and inquire with a representative

What Happens if Your Newfoundland and Labrador Drivers License Expires?

If a Newfoundland and Labrador driver's license expires, it is no longer valid for driving, and operating a vehicle with an expired license is illegal. Driving with an expired license can result in penalties and may impact insurance coverage in the event of an accident.

Consequences of driving with an expired license may include:

• Fines and penalties
• Potential vehicle impoundment
• Impact on insurance claims if involved in an accident
• Accumulation of demerit points on the driving record

If a license has expired, the holder should cease driving immediately and contact Service NL or visit a Service NL centre to renew the license:

1. Expired Less Than 5 Years:

• You can renew your license without retaking the written, vision, or road tests.

2. Expired More Than 5 Years But Less Than 10 Years:

• You are required to take the written, vision, and road tests again.
• You may receive credit for previous driving experience and could potentially be exempted from parts of the Graduated Driver Licensing Program.

3. Expired More Than 10 Years:

• You must re-enter the Graduated Driver Licensing Program, starting from the beginning.