New Brunswick Driver's License

What Is a Driver's License in New Brunswick?

A driver's license in New Brunswick is an official document issued by Service New Brunswick that authorizes an individual to operate a motor vehicle on public roads within the province. It serves as proof of the holder's identity and driving privileges.

To obtain a driver's license in New Brunswick, individuals must meet age, residency, and training requirements and pass written and practical driving tests administered by Service New Brunswick. The driver must carry the license at all times when operating a vehicle.

What Are the Different Types of Driver's Licenses Available in New Brunswick?

New Brunswick offers several classes of driver's licenses based on the type of vehicle being operated:

• Class 7: Learner's license for new drivers
• Class 5: Full license for passenger vehicles and light trucks
• Class 4: License for taxis and limousines
• Class 3: License for heavy trucks with or without air brakes
• Class 2: License for buses carrying more than 24 passengers
• Class 1: License for semi-trailers and tractor-trailers
• Class 6: License for motorcycles and motor-driven cycles
• Class 8 - Farm Tractor Licence - authorizes the holder to drive a farm tractor only
• Class 9: Seasonal license for farm vehicles and equipment

Each class has specific age, training, and testing requirements. Some classes also have endorsements for additional privileges like operating a school bus or transporting hazardous materials.

What Is the Minimum Age Required to Get a Driver's License in New Brunswick?

The minimum age to obtain a driver's license in New Brunswick depends on the license class:

• Class 9 License: At 14 years old, with parental consent.
• Class 8 License: At 14 years old, with parental consent.
• Class 7 License: At 16 years old, with parental consent, as part of the Graduated License Program.
• Class 6 License: At 16 years old, with parental consent.
• Class 4, 3/4, 2, 1 Licenses: At 18 years old, the Graduated License Program must be completed.

Applicants under 18 must have parental or guardian consent for all license classes and are subject to graduated licensing restrictions.

Where Can I Get a Driver's License in New Brunswick?

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

It's advisable to check the specific services offered at each location and any appointment requirements before visiting.

How to Get a Driver's License in New Brunswick?

Getting a driver's license in New Brunswick for the first time involves progressing through the Graduated Driver's Licence (GDL) Program. This program allows new drivers to practice and improve their driving skills over time under lower-risk conditions.

1. Instructional Licence (Class 7 Level 1)

Minimum age:

• Sixteen years (applicants under 18 must have parental consent witnessed by a non-relative).

Requirements:

• Pass a vision screening (20/40 best eye).
• Pass written, essential, and sign tests.
• Duration minimum of 12 months, or eight months if you graduated from a recognized driving school (after October 1, 2009).

Exit requirement:

• Pass a road test to advance to Level 2.

2. Intermediate Licence (Class 7 Level 2)

Minimum age:

• Sixteen years + 8 months, or 17 years (depending on whether a driver training course was completed).

Requirements:

• Successful completion of Level 1 and road test.
• The duration is a minimum of 12 months and is spent as part of the 24-month minimum in the GDL Program.

Exit Requirement:

• Hold the learner's license without interruption for the previous 24 months, with at least 12 months in Stage 2.

3. Transition to Class 5 Licence:

• After completing the required time in Level 2, no additional road test is required to move to a Class 5 Licence.

What Documents Are Required for a Driving License in New Brunswick?

To obtain a driver's license in New Brunswick, whether you are applying for a new permit, exchanging, or renewing an expired license, you must provide specific documentation as required by Service New Brunswick. Here's a detailed list of the required documents:

• Identification Documents: One document from the Acceptable Identification Documents list.
• Residency Documents: Two documents from the Acceptable Proof of New Brunswick Residency Documents list.
• Proof of Name Change (if applicable): If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or any other reason, you must provide corresponding proof, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or official name change document.
• Change of Address: If you need to update your driver's license address, you can do this online or by visiting a Service New Brunswick Centre. You'll need to present at least two documents from the list of acceptable proof of New Brunswick residency.
• Mandatory Photo: A new photo is required when applying for a new driver's license or renewing an old one. This must be done in person at a Service New Brunswick Centre.

How to Get a Class 5 license in New Brunswick

To obtain a Class 5 driver's license in New Brunswick, which allows you to drive passenger vehicles and light trucks, you have to go through the steps the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) Program in New Brunswick is structured to ensure new drivers gain adequate experience and skills before obtaining an entire Class 5 license:

1. Graduated Driver's Licence - Level 1

Minimum Age:

• 16 years. Applicants under 18 require consent from a non-relative witness.

Requirements:

• Pass a vision screening (20/40 best eye)
• Pass written, essential, and sign recognition tests

Duration:

• Minimum 12 months or eight months with driving school completion

Restrictions:

• Zero blood alcohol level
• Driving is only allowed under the supervision of an experienced driver (Class 5 or better) with at least three years of driving experience, who must sit in the front passenger seat.
• Driving is prohibited between midnight and 5:00 a.m.
• No passengers allowed except for the supervising driver

2. Graduated Driver's Licence - Level 2

Minimum Age:

• 16 years and eight months or 17 years without driver training

Requirements:

• Successful completion of Level 1 and the road test

Duration: Minimum 12 months; total time in GDL program is at least 24 months

• Restrictions:
• Zero blood alcohol level
• Driving between midnight and 5:00 a.m. is restricted unless accompanied by a licensed adult driver; written exemptions are possible for work or education.
• No more than three passengers, with only one in the front seat

3. Transition to Class 5 Licence

• After completing Level 2 without interruptions for 24 months, including at least 12 months in Stage 2, drivers can transition to a Class 5 license.

How to Get a Class 7 License in New Brunswick

To obtain a Learner's Licence (Class 7) in New Brunswick, follow these essential steps:

• Age Requirement: You must be at least 16 years old to apply.
• Parental Consent: If you are under 18, you must obtain consent from a parent or guardian, which must be verified by someone other than a family member.
• Vision Screening: Successfully complete a vision test to ensure you meet the minimum requirement of 20/40 vision.
• Knowledge Tests: Pass the required written examinations and basic and signs tests.
• Documentation: Provide one piece of identification from the approved list of Acceptable Identification Documents and two proofs of residency from the list of Acceptable Proof of New Brunswick Residency Documents.

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Driver's License in New Brunswick?

The fees for obtaining a driver's license in New Brunswick as of 2024, the costs are:

• Class 1-9 Driver's License: For a standard four-year period, the fee is $90.00.

These fees cover issuing or renewing a driver's license but do not include the costs for required tests or other administrative fees that may apply to new drivers or those transferring from another jurisdiction.

Is a Driver's License Issued in New Brunswick Online?

No, driver's licenses are not issued online in New Brunswick. While some steps of the licensing process, such as booking road tests and checking application status, can be done through the Service New Brunswick website, issuing a driver's license requires an in-person visit to a Service New Brunswick office.

Is a US-Issued Driver's License Recognized in New Brunswick?

Yes, New Brunswick allows valid U.S. driver's licenses for visitors and new residents. Visitors can legally drive with their U.S. license for up to three months without obtaining a New Brunswick license.

New residents relocating from the U.S). can swap their current state-issued license for a New Brunswick license that matches in class, bypassing the need for additional knowledge or road tests, as long as their license remains valid and not due for renewal.

To exchange a U.S. driver's license for a New Brunswick license, applicants need to follow these steps:

• If possible, surrender the existing driver's license from the other province or state.
• Complete the "Application for Driver's Licence."
• Be at least 16 years old.
• Pay the applicable application fee.
• Ensure the license does not expire within the next six months.
• Provide necessary proof of identity and residency documents.

What Is the Procedure for a Foreigner to Obtain a New Brunswick Driver's License?

In New Brunswick, foreigners wishing to obtain a driver's license must undergo a complete examination, including vision, written, and road tests. However, there are exceptions for individuals from certain countries who can exchange their existing license for a New Brunswick Class 5 or Class 6 license without further testing. These countries include:

Austria, Australia, Belgium, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Isle of Man, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Netherlands (Holland), New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Scotland, Republic of Korea (South Korea), Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Ukraine, and Wales.

Documentation Required:

Foreigners, including those from the countries listed above, need to provide the following documents to process their license in New Brunswick:

• Original Driver's License: The license from your home country must be presented.
• Official Translation: If your license is not in English or French, an official translation from a recognized translation agency or an International Driver's Permit is required.
• Proof of Identification and Residency:
• One piece of identification.
• Two documents proving residency in New Brunswick.

How Long Does It Take to Get a New Brunswick Driving License?

The time it takes to obtain a New Brunswick driving license varies depending on the applicant's age, driving experience, and progression through the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) Program. For new drivers entering the GDL Program, the process typically takes a minimum of 24 months.

The process may be shorter for experienced drivers from other jurisdictions, depending on their driving history and any reciprocal agreements with their home country or province.

Can Tourists and Visitors Drive in New Brunswick?

Yes, tourists and visitors can drive in New Brunswick using their valid driver's license from their home country or jurisdiction. New Brunswick honors licenses from all Canadian provinces and territories, all U.S. states, and many foreign countries for non-residents.

International visitors must also carry an International Driver's Permit (IDP) issued in their home country as a translation aid if their original license is not in English or French. The IDP alone is not sufficient to drive – the individual's valid regular license must accompany it.

Tourists can typically drive for up to 3 months with their out-of-province license before switching to a New Brunswick license.

Is a New Brunswick Driver's License Valid Internationally?

A New Brunswick driver's license is valid in many countries for short-term visits, but its international recognition depends on each country's specific laws and agreements. While the license itself does not serve as an International Driving Permit (IDP), it may be accepted in conjunction with an IDP in some jurisdictions.

For international travel, New Brunswick drivers should:

• Check the driving requirements of their destination country.
• Consider obtaining an International Driving Permit to supplement their New Brunswick license.

Be aware that an IDP is a license translation, not a license itself.

How to Convert an International Driver's License to a New Brunswick One?

To convert an international driver's license to a New Brunswick license, non-residents must generally undergo a complete licensing examination, including a vision, written, and road test. However, there are exceptions for license holders from certain countries who can exchange their licenses without undergoing these tests.

Required Documentation:

• Original driver's license from your home country.
• Certified translation of the driver's license if it is not in English or French.
• Proof of identification and residency (two separate documents verifying residency in New Brunswick).

Special Provisions for Taiwan and Ukraine:

• Taiwanese license holders must provide an authenticated English translation of their driver's license from the Taipei Economic and Culture Office in Toronto, and a Verification Certificate of Driver's License issued in Taiwan within the last three months.
• Ukrainian license holders can exchange their category B or BE license for a New Brunswick Class 5 license without needing to pass the written or road tests, provided they complete a vision test. They must also provide a certified translation of their Ukrainian license and sufficient proof of identification and residency.

Does New Brunswick Have a Digital Driver's License?

No, New Brunswick does not currently offer a digital version of its driver's licenses. 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 New Brunswick?

Regulations regarding the suspension and revocation of driving licenses in New Brunswick are governed by the Motor Vehicle Act and administered by Service New Brunswick and the New Brunswick Department of Public Safety. These regulations are designed to ensure road safety and encourage responsible driving behavior.

Reasons for license suspension or revocation may include:

• Accumulation of too many demerit points

• Serious traffic violations

• Impaired driving offenses

• Medical conditions affecting driving ability

• Failure to pay fines or child support

The duration and conditions of suspensions vary based on the offense and the driver's history.

How Long Does a Driving License Last in New Brunswick?

A driving license in New Brunswick is valid for four 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 New Brunswick Drivers License Expires?

Knowing when a New Brunswick driver's license expires is crucial for maintaining legal driving privileges. The expiration date is clearly printed on the front of the license card, typically in the format of YYYY-MM-DD (year-month-day).

Additional ways to keep track of license expiration include:

• Service New Brunswick sends renewal notices approximately 6-8 weeks before expiration.
• The expiration date always falls on the license holder's birthday.

Drivers are encouraged to proactively check their license expiration date and initiate the renewal process well in advance.

What Happens if Your New Brunswick Drivers License Expires?

If a New Brunswick 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 New Brunswick or visit a Service New Brunswick centre to renew the license.