Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I renew my learner's licence?
A: Yes you can. You have to go in person to an SAAQ service centre or licensing agent to renew it. However, if a vision test is required, you must go to a service centre.

Consult the table entitled Cost of a learner's licence. Renewal for the purpose of taking a road test only, however, is free.

A first learner's licence is valid for a period of 18 months from the date of issue. A renewed licence is valid for 12 months.

Q2: How can I schedule an appointment to take a knowledge test or road test?
A: To make an appointment, You can:

• Use our online service;
• Use our automated response system;
• Call general information.

Q3: When can I obtain a photo licence?
A: When you receive a notice to renew your health insurance card, go to an SAAQ service outlet to have your photograph taken. Your new photo licence will be mailed to you within several days. The SAAQ directly forwards your photograph and signature to the Régie de l'assurance automobile du Québec, which then prepares your health insurance card. Costs for obtaining a licence for various classes of driver's licence.

Photo licences are issued every four years. To maintain a valid licence fees must be paid each year. You will therefore receive a payment notice each year.

Q4: Can I cancel my driver's licence over the phone?
A: Yes, but you must contact the SAAQ on the day you would like the licence cancellation to take effect. To ensure that you receive service quickly, have your driver's licence on hand, because you will be asked to provide your file number. This number consists of the first letter of your last name, followed by 12 digits. You will also be asked to provide the reference number of your licence, which consists of 9 characters.

Q5: Can I obtain information about my driving record?
A: Yes, you can contact our general information centre or order it quickly and easily by going to our Driving record Web page. It is important to have your driver's licence on hand because you will be asked to provide your file number. This number consists of the first letter of your last name, followed by 12 digits. You will also be asked to provide the reference number of your licence, which consists of 9 characters.

Q6: My driver's licence has expired. What should I do if I want to drive?
A: A driver's licence can be reinstated simply by paying the applicable fees. Your licence must have expired less than 3 years ago. A licence that has been suspended or revoked cannot be reinstated.

If payment is received more than 26 days after your licence has expired, additional charges may apply. You can pay for your licence by going in person to one of the SAAQ service outlet.

If you are renewing a learner's licence, you must go in person to an SAAQ service centre. SAAQ licensing agents do not provide this service.

Q7: My driver's licence is cancelled. How can I reinstate it?
A: By paying the applicable fees. Your licence, however, must have been cancelled less than 3 years ago and must not be suspended or revoked. To reinstate a driver's licence, probationary licence and learner's licence, you must go in person to an SAAQ service centre. An SAAQ licensing agent cannot reinstate a licence.

Q8: I cancelled my driver's licence three months after I paid for it. Can I be reimbursed?
A: Yes, if you hold a driver's licence or probationary licence, fees can be reimbursed according to the number of complete months remaining on your licence. No fees are reimbursed for a learner's licence.

If you selected pre-authorized debits as your method of payment, you must contact the SAAQ to make arrangements to finalize payment. Contact us or go in person to one of our service outlets.

Q9: Is a probationary licence cost more for those drivers who had demerit points entered on their record while they were holders of a learner's licence?
A: Yes. Demerit points on a driver's record impact the probationary licence insurance rate. It costs more for drivers who had demerit points entered on their record while they were holders of a learner's licence.

Q10: How do I find out if my licence to drive a passenger vehicle authorizes me to operate a motorcycle?

• Check your licence; if it bears Classes 5 and 6A, B or C you are also licensed for motorcycles.
• If in doubt, you can ask for a copy of your driving record.
• Another way would be to use the telephone.

Q11: I've received a payment notice. What methods can I use to pay the amount due?
A: There are 6 ways to make your payment. Consult the Driver's Licence Fee Payment and Renewal section for all the details.