Driving In Newfoundland And Labrador

The rules for driving in Newfoundland and Labrador state that all new residents who wish to drive in the Province are required to obtain a Newfoundland and Labrador driving licence within 3 months of moving to the Province. Licensing and Driver Examinations are carried out through the Driver Examination Centres. Newfoundland and Labrador operates a Graduated Drivers Licencing Program, which is to help novice drivers acquire the knowledge and skill needed to safely operate a motor vehicle. It is done as a step by step licensing process and gradually increases driving privileges for the first two years as a new driver.

There are different classes of license for driving in Newfoundland and Labrador; unless you intend to drive heavy goods or large passenger vehicles then the two to concentrate on are Classes 6 (Motorcycle) and 5 (passenger car or light truck). You can apply for a learners license from age 16 with parental consent.

You will need to pay any necessary fees and provide two pieces of identification and your immigration status for the Licensing Process. Class 5 or Class 6 level 1 is your learner's license, to obtain this you will need to take and pass a written test and a vision test. It is a good idea to study the Driving In Newfoundland and Labrador Handbook prior to sitting the test as there are different rules of the road when driving in Newfoundland and Labrador that you will need to understand.

Once you have passed your class 5 level 1 licence you will have to wait 12 months as part of the graduated license process before you are able to take your road test. If you can prove previous driving history, however, you may not have to wait the 12 months period.

You have to pay for the road test prior to making your appointment; you cannot take a road test without an appointment. You must provide the vehicle and the examiner will check the vehicle over to ensure that is road worthy, you will also need to bring your current drivers licence, vehicle insurance, vehicle registration permit and road test payment receipt.

On passing the road test you will then be given your Class 5 drivers license, which entitles you to start driving in Newfoundland and Labrador and is renewable every 5 years. * People from Canada, the USA, Germany and Austria that have a valid drivers licence can usually exchange their current licence for a Newfoundland and Labrador licence of equivalent class with out having to take a written, vision or road test, provided you meet certain Criteria.

There will be a fee payable for the licence. People arriving from anywhere else will have do take the tests but you will be given credit for the time spent as a licenced driver and may be exempted from the Graduated Driver Licencing Program.

I was really nervous about having to take a drivers test again, but it was easy compared to the road test I had taken 13 years earlier in England. My advice is to study the handbook well, get lots of practice driving with new rules and just go for it as soon as you feel confident. If you fail then you can take it again!

You must always carry your valid driver's license, Valid Auto Insurance and vehicle registration when driving in Newfoundland and Labrador. If you get stopped by the police and cannot produce it there is a hefty fine.

One of the major considerations for driving in Canada has to be when winter arrives. Definitely familiarise yourself with the section on Winter Driving.

Vehicle Licensing

All vehicles in Newfoundland and Labrador that are driven on highways must be Registered, have minimum $200,000 public liability insurance and have a licence plate attached to the rear of the vehicle. If you are buying a vehicle through a dealership in the province they will complete the registration forms for you.

If you are buying a vehicle through a private sale both the buyer and seller must complete the section on the back of the vehicle registration permit and forward it to the Motor Registration Division. Vehicle registration is renewable every 12 months. Most insurance companies do not take your previous no claims discount and driving experience into consideration. We were also told that once we had our Driving License then the cost of insurance would go down, so it's advisable to do that as soon as you can.

Make sure you get an up to date no claims certificate from your current insurance company before leaving as it may help.

Another vital service that is available if you are looking to buy a preowned vehicle is the vehicle history checking by Carproof. For a small fee they will provide a full report on any previous accidents, odometer level, the correct owner/registrant and if there are any other claims against the vehicle ownership. No one needs their vehicle to be repossessed because it has finance against it or find out it has been previously written off! For more information click on the logo - remember peace of mind is priceless!

For your convenience, here are other relevant pages:

1. Alberta
2. British Columbia
3. Manitoba
4. New Brunswick
5. Auto Insurance In Canada
6. Newfoundland and Labrador

1. Nova Scotia
2. Ontario
3. Prince Edward Island
4. Saskatchewan
5. Winter Driving