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New Brunswick handbook · chapter 1 · 19 min read

Licensing of Drivers

Part1: Licensing of drivers

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.

Level 2

Class 5 Class 5 licence permits the holder to operate:

The Class 4 licence permits the holder to operate:

Class 3 The Class 3 licence permits the holder to operate:

The Class 2 licence permits the holder to operate:

Class 1 The Class 1 licence permits the holder to operate:

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.

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.

• 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.

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.

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

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, DID YOU KNOW… may obtain a learner’s licence, you must pass There is a separate fee for an examination to determine if you meet the both written and road tests required vision standards. You must also have and an additional fee for the an acceptable knowledge of road signs, rules of licence issuance. Check with the road and safe driving practices. In addition, Service New Brunswick or you must present one original or certified copy SNB.ca for the amounts. of a valid passport, birth certificate, or court 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.

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.

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:

• 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.

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:

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

1.6 How you may lose your driving privilege

The Registrar MUST suspend your driving privileges for any of the following reasons:

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.

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 negligence 12 month suspension of driving privilege 24 months for a second or subsequent conviction within a three year period

Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle 12 month suspension of driving privilege 24 months for a second or subsequent conviction within a three year period

Driving while disqualified 12 month suspension of driving privilege 24 months for a second or subsequent conviction within a three year period

Alcohol or drug-related convictions 12 month suspension of driving privilege Three years for second conviction in 10 years Five years for a 3rd or subsequent conviction in 10 years

Any other Criminal Code conviction involving the use of a motor vehicle Six month suspension of driving privilege 12 months for a second or subsequent conviction within a three year period SOME EXAMPLES OF POINT LOSS OFFENCES: For any offence under the Criminal Code involving the use of a motor vehicle ……… 10 points For failure to report a collision ……… 5 points For driving without due care ……… 5 points For speeding more than 25 km (15 miles) per hour over speed limit ……… 5 points For distracted driving ……… 5 points For speeding 25 km (15 miles) per hour or less over speed limit ……… 3 points Failing to stop for school bus flashing lights ……… 6 points Illegal parking in prohibited places ……… 2 points For any offence under the Motor Vehicle Act involving the equipment of a motor vehicle ……… 2 points For driver not properly wearing a seat belt ……… 2 points Suspensions for a conviction for failing to stop when requested by a peace officer or continuing to avoid a peace officer who is pursuing them can be for a period up to three years, imposed by the court.

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.

Next chapter
Registration of Vehicles