PART 1: LICENSING OF DRIVERS

Part1: Licensing of drivers

Possession of a driver’s licence and the
privilege of driving is a major responsibility.
The Registrar of Motor Vehicles, under the
authority of the Motor Vehicle Act issues,
renews and suspends driver’s licences.

Every person who operates a motor vehicle

in New Brunswick must demonstrate that
they have the qualifications necessary to safely operate a motor vehicle. A valid
driver’s licence for the class of vehicle being
operated is a requirement of the law. You must DID YOU KNOW?…
always carry your driver’s licence when oper- All motorists in New Brunswick
ating a vehicle and must produce it for under the age of 21 must
inspection on the request of any peace officer maintain a 0% Blood Alcohol
or display it on request to any other driver with Level while driving.
whom you may be involved in a collision.

1.1  Types of Licences

Class 7 Graduated Licence (Level I and II)

This is an instructional type of licence for the driver to acquire experience, over
a minimum of 24 months, before becoming a fully licensed driver. While the
holder of a graduated licence, the driver must maintain 0 per cent blood alcohol
content while driving and not consume any drugs that could impair ability to
drive. Any breach of this condition will result in a one year suspension, followed
by a return to the beginning of the graduated licence period with no credit given
for previously passed tests or driver training course.

Suspension for loss of all points will result in at least a three month suspension
followed by a return to the beginning of the graduated licence period with no
credit given for previously passed tests or driver training courses.

• Applicant must be at least 16 years of age.

• Applicants under 18 years of age must have a parental consent form that must
be witnessed by a non-relative.
• Must pass vision screening (20/40 best eye).
• Must pass written, basic and signs tests.

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Level 1
• Must be accompanied by only one passenger who has a Class 5 or better
licence, at least three years of driving experience and who is seated in the
front passenger seat.
• Cannot drive between midnight and 5:00 a.m.
• Can be eligible to take the road test for Level 2 after eight months if graduated
from a licensed driver training school or after 12 months if they have not.

Level 2
• If under 21, cannot drive between midnight and 5:00 a.m. except for education
or work purposes or if they’re accompanied by a driver who has a Class 5 or
better licence and at least three years driving
experience. They can apply to the Registrar DID YOU KNOW?…
of Motor Vehicles for an exemption to this It is your responsibility to
night time restriction for other reasons. apply for a Class 5 Licence
• Cannot have more than three passengers in upon completion of a Class 7
their vehicle and no more than one passen- Graduated Licence (Level 2).
ger in the front seat.

Class 5
Class 5 licence permits the holder to operate:
• Any two-axled motor vehicle, except taxis, ambu-
lances, or buses;
• Any three-axled motor home;
• Any three-axled motor vehicle, other than a truck,
of a type designed for use in the construction, main-
tenance and repair of highways, whether or not the vehicle is to be so used;
• Any of above-noted vehicles towing a vehicle which is registered up to and
including 4,500 kg. gross vehicle mass.

Requirements
• Applicant must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must pass vision screening (20/40 best eye).
• Must pass road test in mechanically fit vehicle supplied by the applicant that
is included in this Class.

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 PART 1: LICENSING OF DRIVERS

Class 4
The Class 4 licence permits the holder to operate:
• Any motor vehicle which the holder of a Class 5 licence
may operate.
• Any ambulance.
• Any taxicab.
• Any bus with a capacity of less than 25 passengers.

Requirements
• Applicant must be at least 18 years of age.
• Applicant must meet medical standards before written test.
• Must pass vision screening (20/30 best eye; 20/50 weakest eye).
• Must pass all written tests.
• Must pass road test in mechanically fit vehicle supplied by applicant that is
included in this Class.
• Note that your licence may be restricted to the type of vehicle in which your
test is conducted.

Class 3
The Class 3 licence permits the holder to operate:
• Any motor vehicle which the holder of a Class 5 licence
may operate.
• Any two-axled motor vehicle towing a towed vehicle,
the towed vehicle being registered for over 4,500 kg.
gross vehicle mass but not equipped with air brakes.
• Any motor vehicle with three or more axles.
• Any motor vehicle with three or more axles, towing a towed vehicle not
equipped with air brakes.

Requirements DID YOU KNOW?…

• Applicant must be at least 18 years of age. Class 3/4 authorizes a person
• Applicant must meet medical standards to drive any motor vehicle
before written test. which the holder of a Class 3
• Must pass vision screening (20/30 best eye; or Class 4 licence may operate.
20/50 weakest eye).
• Must pass all written tests.
• Must pass road test in mechanically fit vehicle supplied by applicant that is
included in this Class.

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Class 2
The Class 2 licence permits the holder to operate:
• Any motor vehicle which the holder of a Class 3, 4 or
5 licence may operate.
• Any bus with a capacity of more than 24 passengers.

Requirements
• Applicant must be at least 18 years of age.
• Applicant must meet medical standards before written test.
• Must pass vision screening (20/30 best eye; 20/50 weakest eye).
• Must pass all written tests.
• Must pass road test in mechanically fit vehicle supplied by applicant that is
included in this Class.
• A “B” or “C” endorsement is required to drive a school bus.
• Must be at least 21 years of age to drive a school bus.

Class 1
The Class 1 licence permits the holder to operate:
• Any motor vehicle which the holder of a Class 2, 3, 4 or 5
licence may operate.
• Any truck tractor.
• Any truck tractor towing a semi-trailer.
• Any truck tractor towing a semi-trailer and a trailer.
• Any truck tractor towing a trailer equipped with air brakes.
• Any truck towing a trailer equipped with air brakes.

Requirements
• Applicant must be at least 18 years of age.
• Applicant must meet medical standards before written test.
• Must pass vision screening (20/30 best eye; 20/50 weakest eye).
• Must pass all written tests.
• Must pass road test in a mechanically fit vehicle supplied by applicant that is
included in the Class. Normally this will be a tractor-trailer combination. There
are limited exceptions: (1) straight truck with
flatbed trailer over 4,500 kg. gross vehicle DID YOU KNOW…
mass; (2) straight truck with pole trailer; (3) Any driver operating or
truck used for towing mobile homes. These towing a vehicle with air
exceptions will be Class 1 with Restriction brakes must have an air brake
10 (not valid for tractor trailer). endorsement.

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Class 6
The Class 6 licence permits the holder to operate a motor-
cycle and all vehicles included in Classes 6D and 9 on a
street or highway. A class 6D authorizes the holder to
operate a motorcycle up to and including 550 cc’s and
a class 9 vehicle. The same requirements apply to both
Class 6 and Class 6D.

Requirements
• Applicant must be at least 16 years of age.
• Applicants under the age of 18 years must have parental consent form.
• Must have successfully completed an approved mandatory motorcycle training
course (blue certificate).
• Must pass vision screening (20/40 best eye).
• Must pass all written tests.
• Not eligible to attempt road test for minimum of 12 months.
• May not carry any passengers or tow a trailer.
• May not ride between sunset and sunrise.
• Zero tolerance for alcohol and drugs.
• Must pass road test on mechanically fit motorcycle.

Graduated Driver’s Licensing Program for motorcyclists

Motorcyclists are among the most vulnerable road users in New Brunswick. The
Graduated Driver’s Licensing (GDL) program introduces new drivers to high risk
situations slowly, as experience is gained.

• The program is 12 months in duration.

• The minimum age of entry is 16 (applicants under 18 years of age must have
consent that is witnessed by a non-relative).
• Participants must successfully pass an approved motorcycle driver training
course.
• Participants will be required to pass a vision screening and their written, basic
and sign tests.
• Participants must maintain zero Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) and zero
drug use while driving for the duration of the GDL program regardless of age.
• Participants cannot drive from sunset to sunrise.
• Participants are not permitted to tow a “vehicle” as defined in the Motor Vehicle
Act (i.e. trailer).
• Participants cannot have any passengers on their motorcycle for the duration
of the GDL program.

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 PART 1: LICENSING OF DRIVERS

• Participants must have their motorcycle GDL licence for 12 months without
interruption before attempting the road test.
• Participants must successfully pass an on-road test before becoming fully
licensed.

For more information on operating a motorcycle, see Part 8: What every motor-
cyclist should know.

Additional Classes

Class 8
The Class 8 licence permits the holder to operate a farm
tractor on a street or highway as well as on farmland.

Requirements
• Applicant must be at least 14 years of age.
• Applicants under 18 years of age must have parental consent that must be
witnessed by a non-relative.
• Must pass vision screening (20/40 best eye).
• Must pass all written tests.

Class 9
The Class 9 licence permits the holder to operate a motor driven cycle and farm
tractor on a street or highway. The motor driven cycle must be 50 ccs or under.

Requirements
• Applicant must be at least 14 years of age.
• Applicants under 18 years of age must have parental consent that must be
witnessed by a non-relative.
• Must pass vision screening (20/40 best eye).
• Must pass all written tests.
• Must pass road test on a mechanically fit motor driven cycle.
• Must wear adequate protective headgear.

1.2  List of possible endorsements

A Valid for all motorcycles

B Valid for school buses
C Valid for school bus and motorcycle
D Valid for motorcycles up to and including 550 ccs

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 PART 1: LICENSING OF DRIVERS

E Valid for air brake

H  Valid for motorcycles up to and including 550 ccs (graduated driver)
I  Valid for all motorcycles (graduated driver)

1.3  Learning to drive vehicles requiring higher class licences

Classes 5, 4, 3 and 2 are valid for learning to drive higher classes of vehicles;
however you must be accompanied by a person who has a valid licence for that
class of vehicle.

Also, you must have in your immediate possession a satisfactory medical certifi-
cate stamped by an authorized Driver Examiner.

1.4  Examination for learner’s licence

Before you, as a resident of New Brunswick,

may obtain a learner’s licence, you must pass DID YOU KNOW…
an examination to determine if you meet the There is a separate fee for
required vision standards. You must also have both written and road tests
an acceptable knowledge of road signs, rules of and an additional fee for the
the road and safe driving practices. In addition, licence issuance. Check with
you must present one original or certified copy Service New Brunswick or
of a valid passport, birth certificate, or court SNB.ca for the amounts.
order to verify your name and date of birth and
two pieces of identification to verify your current address. Contact Service New
Brunswick for a complete list of acceptable documents or review the list online
at www.gnb.ca (search the keywords “driver’s licence”). It may be a requirement
for a parent or guardian to accompany you to verify your address.

You must have the written consent of a parent or guardian before applying for
a licence if you are less than 18 years of age. A consent form is provided at the
back of this book and must be witnessed properly.

This written consent may be withdrawn by the parent or guardian at any time
prior to age 18, by making written application to the Registrar of Motor Vehicles
who may then cancel the licence.

Vision Test
If it is found that you need visual correc-
tion to drive safely, you will be advised

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 PART 1: LICENSING OF DRIVERS

accordingly and no further testing can occur and a licence cannot be issued to
you until you obtain the necessary correction. When a driver’s licence is issued, it
will display the appropriate restriction “Valid only while licence holder is wearing
proper visual correction”.

Road Sign Recognition Test

You will be given a written or oral examination on your ability to recognize and
understand the meaning of highway road signs. This test consists of twenty
(20) signs. In order to pass the test you must correctly identify “stop”, “yield”, and
“school zone” signs and have not more than four errors on the remaining signs.

Rules Test
You will be given a written or oral examination on the traffic laws and rules
for safe driving as contained in this book. The written exam consists of twenty
(20) multiple choice questions. To pass, you must answer sixteen (16) correctly.
Although this guide offers measurements in both Metric and Imperial systems,
the written test refers only to the Metric system.

1.5  Examination for driver’s licence

Note: Appointments for testing can only be booked through Service New
Brunswick Teleservices (1-888-762-8600).

You must pass a driving examination to determine whether you are qualified to
operate a motor vehicle safely before you can be issued a driver’s licence. These
examinations are conducted by a Driver Examiner who also indicates the areas
of your driving which need further improvement and stresses the importance
of your attitude as a determining factor in safe driving.

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Driving Test
This is an examination to test your actual driving skills and your ability to operate
a vehicle safely while abiding by the rules of the Motor Vehicle Act. You must come
to the examination office with a vehicle that is in good mechanical condition,
preferably the one which you expect to operate after you obtain your driver’s
licence. (You must have the valid motor vehicle registration and insurance card
to show the Examiner upon request). As part of the road test, the vehicle will be
checked by the Examiner to ensure that it meets the standards set out under
the Motor Vehicle Act. The road test will not be conducted if the vehicle is not in
satisfactory mechanical condition. Defective equipment or improper registration
plates will result in a delay of the driving test until legal requirements are met.
If the test is delayed, you must arrange for a new driving test.

If you have an instructional licence, you must be accompanied to the Examining

Station by a licensed driver. If you are presently unlicensed, then a licensed driver
must drive your vehicle to the Examining Station.

Applicants for a Class 4 licence will be road tested in the type of vehicle they
intend to drive. The medical fitness report will be identified as being either for
an ambulance, taxi or small bus. The road test will then be taken only in that
type of vehicle.

Applicants for all other classes (Classes 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 and 9) will be road tested in
the type of vehicle covered by those classes.

During the driving test, do not talk unnecessarily to the examiner who will be
busy giving instructions, observing your performance and recording your score.
No tricks will be played on you. The examiner will not ask you to do anything
which is a violation of the law. The purpose of the exam is to determine if you
can operate a motor vehicle well enough to receive a driver’s licence.

The driving test includes such operations as:

• Stopping and starting, both on a level road and on a hill.
• Changing gears in vehicles not having automatic transmissions, both on a
level road and on a hill.
• Making left and right turns.
• Backing.
• Following another vehicle properly.
• Giving proper signals.
• Parallel and/or angle parking.

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 PART 1: LICENSING OF DRIVERS

• Observing and complying with traffic control devices (signs, signals and
pavement markings).

The examination will be conducted over a course of at least 3 km, and when
possible, will be conducted in fairly dense traffic. The exam also tests your abil-
ity to apply your knowledge of the rules of the road, recognition of road signs,
visual perception, etc.

You may know every safe driving rule, may have adequate vision and other
physical abilities and may exhibit the most exemplary attitude, but until you
show your ability and skill in an actual driving test, you have not proven that you
are competent to operate a motor vehicle safely upon the highway.

Road Test Summary

At the end of the test the examiner will explain the ways in which your driving
skills require improvement and will advise you on how to improve.

Re-examination
If you are a new driver or applying for an additional class of licence and you
are unsuccessful on a written or road test, the examiner will advise you of the
reasons why and you will be asked to return after further study or practical road
experience. Minimum wait periods apply in most cases.

All test results are valid for only six months. If you are unable to successfully
complete all components required for a particular class or you neglect to have
your licence issued, you will be required to redo all tests that have expired.

Restrictions
If you are unable to pass the complete examination without some type of special
equipment, or if you were not tested in a vehicle that allowed you to operate all
vehicles covered by the class of licence being issued, or if there was a medical
requirement imposed, your licence will restrict you to driving with such equip-
ment or other limitations.

Possible restrictions are:

1. Must wear corrective lenses.
2. Vehicle must be equipped with side view mirrors.
3. Vehicle must be equipped with hand controls.
4. Vehicle must be equipped with automatic transmission.
5. Steering wheel must be equipped with steering knob.

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 PART 1: LICENSING OF DRIVERS

6. Restricted to Daylight Driving Only.

7. Combination of Restrictions 1 and 2.
8. Combination of Restrictions 3 and 4.
9. Combination of Restrictions 4 and 5.
10. Head Office Restriction – Contact Head Office
– Automatic Transmission: Commercial and Bus
– Not Valid for Tractor Trailers
– Not Valid for Ambulance
– Not Valid: Ambulance/Bus <25 Passengers
11. Medical Restriction – Contact Head Office.
12. Valid in NB only.
15. For work only.
16. Ignition Interlock.
21. Motor Driven Cycle and Farm Tractor.
22. Medical purposes only.
23. Zero tolerance for alcohol or drugs until age 21.
W. Commercial – Canada Only.

Expiry Date
An individual’s driver’s licence expires on the licensee’s birthday in the year of expira-
tion. You are responsible for keeping track of the expiry date of your driver’s licence.

Change of Address
Drivers are required by law to advise the Motor Vehicle Branch of any change in
address within ten (10) days.

Change of Name
Drivers are required by law to advise the Motor Vehicle Branch of any change in
name within ten (10) days.

Renewal of Licence
When renewing your driver’s licence you must notify the Motor Vehicle Branch of:
• any changes in your physical or mental condition which might limit or alter your
ability to operate a vehicle (some examples are heart condition, mental condition,
mental breakdown, eye diseases, limbs, diabetes or conditions resulting in loss
of consciousness); and
• revocation or suspension.

Failure to provide this information may prohibit renewal of driving privileges. The
renewal application form should be carefully read before signing.

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 PART 1: LICENSING OF DRIVERS

1.6  How you may lose your driving privilege

The Registrar MUST suspend your driving privileges for any of the following
reasons:
• When a total of 10 points is assessed against your driving record (other than
a newly licensed driver).
• When a newly licensed driver loses all points credited to them.
• Upon conviction for operating or permitting operation of a motor vehicle
that is uninsured.
• When any points are assessed against an unlicensed driver or a non-resident
unlicensed driver.
• A conviction for altering a licence.

Newly licensed driver point suspension

A newly licensed driver means any driver who has been licensed for less than
four years.

Every driver in this category is credited with four points after being issued a
licence. A further two points will be credited to these drivers each subsequent
year to a maximum of 10 points.

When a newly licensed driver loses all points they will be suspended by the
Registrar.

Ten (10) point suspension

Every driver, other than a newly licensed driver, is included in this category for
suspension purposes. A notice of assessed demerit points will be issued each
time points are assessed against a driver. Demerit points are returned two (2)
years after conviction date.

A loss of all ten (10) points within two (2) years will result in automatic suspension.

Appeals
A suspension of driving privileges for loss of all points for offences under the
Motor Vehicle Act may be appealed to the Registrar of Motor Vehicles if it is the
first such suspension in three years.

A suspension of driving privileges as the result of a Criminal Code conviction

may be appealed to a Judge of the Court of Queen’s Bench if it is the first such
suspension in three years.

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You may file an appeal to the Registrar or the Courts if the ability to operate a
motor vehicle is essential in avoiding the loss of your livelihood. However, the
filing of an appeal application does not guarantee the reinstatement of one’s
driving privileges.

No appeal can be processed by the Court while a prohibition order is in force.

Suspension of driving privilege

Suspensions resulting from loss of demerit points for offences under the Motor
Vehicle Act are for a period of three months.
Criminal Code of Second and
Canada offence First conviction subsequent conviction
Criminal negligence 12 month suspension 24 months for a
of driving privilege second or subsequent
conviction within a
three year period
Dangerous operation of 12 month suspension 24 months for a
a motor vehicle of driving privilege second or subsequent
conviction within a
three year period
Driving while 12 month suspension 24 months for a
disqualified of driving privilege second or subsequent
conviction within a
three year period
Alcohol or drug-related 12 month suspension Three years for second
convictions of driving privilege conviction in 10 years
Five years for a 3rd or
subsequent conviction
in 10 years
Any other Criminal Six month suspension 12 months for a
Code conviction of driving privilege second or subsequent
involving the use of a conviction within a
motor vehicle three year period

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 PART 1: LICENSING OF DRIVERS

SOME EXAMPLES OF Suspensions for a conviction for failing

POINT LOSS OFFENCES: to stop when requested by a peace
officer or continuing to avoid a peace
For any offence under the Criminal Code
officer who is pursuing them can be
involving the use of a motor vehicle
for a period up to three years, imposed
……… 10 points
by the court.
For failure to report a collision
……… 5 points Suspensions resulting from a convic-
For driving without due care tion under the Motor Vehicle Act for
……… 5 points driving while suspended are 12 months
For speeding more than 25 km for the first conviction and 24 months
(15 miles) per hour over speed limit for the second or subsequent convic-
……… 5 points tion within three years.
For distracted driving
……… 5 points Reinstatement
For speeding 25 km (15 miles) per hour After the suspension period has lapsed,
or less over speed limit a licence may be reinstated by the
……… 3 points Registrar provided the reinstatement
conditions have been met. Depending
Failing to stop for school bus flashing
on the reason for suspension, condi-
lights
tions for reinstatement could include:
……… 6 points
• Payment of a reinstatement fee.
Illegal parking in prohibited places • Completion of an impaired driver
……… 2 points education course.
For any offence under the Motor Vehicle • Enrollment in the Ignition Interlock
Act involving the equipment of a motor Program.
vehicle • Other requirements that will be listed
……… 2 points on the suspension notice forwarded
For driver not properly wearing a seat to the driver at the time of suspen-
belt sion.
……… 2 points

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1.7  When a re-examination is required

The Registrar may, at any time, require any driver to be re-examined if there is
a question about the driver’s physical or mental condition or driving ability. If a
re-examination is required due to a poor driving record (collisions, convictions,
etc.) it will be conducted by a Driver Examiner.

The re-examination is similar to the qualifying examination. It is designed to

correct and improve driving skills that are below set standards for the safe
operation of a motor vehicle.

From the results of the re-examination the Registrar will consider whatever
further driver improvement action is necessary. If a medical condition appears
to be contributing to an individual’s driving problems, a medical report may be
required. This medical report is reviewed by the Medical Advisory Board on driver
licensing and its recommendation is provided to the Registrar.

Under Section 309 of the Motor Vehicle Act, a driver may be retested to see if the
medical reason affects their ability to drive.

Doctors, optometrists and nurse practitioners are required by law to report

anything that would affect the driving ability of their patient.

A guide to learning safe driving skills 23