How to Get Your Driver’s Licence in New Brunswick — Complete Guide

Getting a driver’s licence in New Brunswick takes longer than most new drivers expect — but it’s straightforward once you know the steps. This guide walks through the entire process, from your first learner’s licence to a full Class 5.

Everything below is based on the Government of New Brunswick’s Graduated Driver Licensing program. We link the official sources so you can verify every detail yourself.

NB doesn’t hand out a full licence to a brand-new driver. Instead, you graduate through three stages:

1. Class 7 — Level 1 (Learner’s Licence): Pass a written knowledge test. You can drive only with a fully-licensed supervising driver.
2. Class 7 — Level 2 (Novice): Pass a road test. You can now drive alone, but with restrictions.
3. Class 5 — Full Licence: Pass a final exit road test. All restrictions removed.

The minimum total time in the graduated program is 24 months, even if you complete an approved driver education course.

Eligibility:

• You must be at least 16 years old (parental consent required if you’re under 18).
• Pass a vision test.
• Pass the written knowledge test based on the New Brunswick Driver’s Handbook.

Where: Any Service New Brunswick office. You’ll need proof of identity, proof of NB residency, and the licence fee.

Study material: The official NB Driver’s Handbook (PDF). Don’t skip it — the questions on the written test come straight from this book.

This is the longest stage and where most learners spend their time.

• Without driver education: You must hold Level 1 for at least 12 months before you can take the road test.
• With GNB-approved driver education: The hold time drops to 8 months. That’s 4 months saved.

Level 1 restrictions you must follow:

• A fully-licensed driver (Class 5, held for 3+ years) must be in the front passenger seat at all times.
• Zero blood alcohol while driving.
• No driving between midnight and 5 AM.
• Everyone in the car must wear a seatbelt.
• No use of any electronic devices, including hands-free.

Book your road test through Service New Brunswick’s online portal or by phone at 1-888-762-8600.

The road test is around 30 minutes. The examiner will check basic vehicle control, intersections, lane changes, parking (parallel and reverse), and observation. You’ll need to bring a roadworthy vehicle (most students use their instructor’s car) and proof of insurance and registration.

Once you pass, you move to Level 2 (Novice). You can now drive without a supervising driver, but you still must:

• Maintain zero blood alcohol.
• Avoid all electronic devices, even hands-free.
• Stay in Level 2 for at least 12 more months before becoming eligible for a full Class 5.

After 12 months at Level 2 (with no licence suspensions), you take an exit road test. Pass it, and you have a full Class 5 licence with all restrictions removed.

Costs change, so always confirm with Service NB. Approximate ranges as of 2026:

• Class 7 learner’s licence + written test: ~$80–$100.
• Road test fee: ~$50–$75.
• Class 5 licence (4-year): ~$80–$100.
• GNB-approved driver education program: $695–$1,135 at Republic of Drivers (this is optional but unlocks the 8-month Level 1 and the First Chance Discount on insurance).

It’s optional, but it pays off in two ways:

1. You skip 4 months of Level 1. 8 months instead of 12.
2. First Chance Discount on insurance. Approved driver education gives you 6 years of insurance “experience credit” instead of 3. For most new drivers, that’s thousands of dollars saved over the first few years on the road. Read our full breakdown.

If you live in or near Moncton, view our programs — all of them are GNB-approved and qualify for both benefits above.

• ☐ Read the NB Driver’s Handbook
• ☐ Pass the vision + written test → get Class 7 Level 1
• ☐ Practice with a supervising driver (and ideally an instructor)
• ☐ Hold Level 1 for 8 months (with driver ed) or 12 months
• ☐ Book and pass road test → Level 2
• ☐ Hold Level 2 for 12 months
• ☐ Pass exit road test → Full Class 5

• GNB — Driver’s Licence overview
• GNB — Class 7 Beginner Licence
• GNB — Driver’s Handbook (PDF)
• Service NB — Book a road test

This article reflects rules in effect as of May 2026. Government policy can change — always verify current rules on the official GNB website.