Newfoundland and Labrador handbook · chapter 1 · 30 min read

Licensing and Registration

Driver’s drivers Handbook handbook Table of Contents

• Licensing and Registration 1
• Road Safety 27
• Traffic Signs and Pavement Markings 64
• Rules of the Road 81
• Motorcycle Safety 136
• Information for Commercial Drivers 155 Licensing and Registration

• Who can drive in Newfoundland and Labrador?

To drive a motor vehicle in Newfoundland and Labrador, you must hold a valid licence for the type of vehicle being driven. To obtain a driver’s licence in Newfoundland and Labrador, applicants must complete the Graduated Driver Licensing Program.

• Licence classifications

Each driver’s licence issued in the Province is a classified licence. This means it belongs to a group or category, and allows drivers to operate the types of vehicles listed in that category.

Your licence will be classified on its main category and endorsed for other classes of vehicles you may be entitled to drive. For example, you may have a Class 5 driver’s licence, which is also endorsed for Class 6, because you may have a valid motorcycle licence.

Residents

Any resident who is 16 years of age or older, holds valid ID and who has not been refused for a medical reason, may apply for a Newfoundland and Labrador driver’s licence. A resident is defined as any person who has been living in the province for a minimum of 90 days.

Visitors

Visitors to the province are not required to hold a provincial driver’s licence if they drive the same type or class of motor vehicle for which they hold a licence outside Newfoundland and Labrador.

New residents

From other parts of Canada

If you have recently moved to Newfoundland and Labrador, you may use your valid out-of-province driver’s licence for the first 90 days of your residency. You must apply for a Newfoundland and Labrador driver’s licence and surrender your old licence to a Motor Registration office within those 90 days. It is illegal to hold more than one driver’s licence.

A Class 5 driver’s licence from another Canadian jurisdiction is accepted without testing. Applicants for Class 1, 2, 3 or 4 licences must provide a medical report and pass a vision-screening test.

From the United States

Individuals taking up residence from the United States can exchange their existing licence for a Newfoundland and Labrador driver’s licence, without taking a written, vision or road test, provided:

• you are 17 years of age; you present the required identification documents; your existing licence is valid (not suspended, cancelled or revoked); and your licence, if expired, is not expired more than five years.

If you are exchanging a commercial driver’s licence (Class 1 - 4), you will also be required to complete a medical report and pass a vision screening test.

From other countries

A valid licence from a country that has a reciprocal or unilateral licensing agreement with Newfoundland and Labrador can be exchanged for a provincial driver’s licence if you present a valid licence of the equivalent class.

Newfoundland and Labrador has reciprocal/unilateral agreements with the following jurisdictions:

• Class 5 only: Germany, Austria, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Republic of Korea, Ukraine, and Denmark.
• Class 5 and 6: France, Isle of Man, Northern Ireland, Ireland, Japan, Taiwan and Belgium.

NOTE: All licence exchanges must be completed at a Motor Registration office. Parental consent for applicants under 19 years of age is required. All other licence classes require testing, medical and vision screening. Applicants must disclose all medical conditions and/or physical disabilities that may affect their ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. All applicants must produce immigration and residency documentation, along with acceptable identification.

• Countries without reciprocal agreements

If you hold a valid driver’s licence from outside Canada, you must apply for a Newfoundland and Labrador driver’s licence when you move to the province. A successful applicant may be granted partial exemption from the Graduated Driver Licensing Program, and allow for immediate written, vision and road testing for a Class 5 driver’s licence (without holding a learner’s permit for one year).

Further information for new residents and visitors is available online.

• Applying for your driver’s licence

Identification documents In order to receive a learner’s permit, photo ID card or a Newfoundland and Labrador driver’s licence, you must be a resident of the province and provide the appropriate identification documentation.

If you are a Canadian resident, you will need two pieces of identification; one must be an original primary document, and the second, an original secondary document in the following categories:

Primary: Government-issued birth certificate; valid Canadian passport; Canadian Armed Forces identification card; municipal, provincial or federal police identification; federal firearms identification card; photo ID card issued by Motor Registration Division.

Secondary: Baptismal certificate (with church seal); marriage certificate; Social Insurance card; credit card; school identification card with photograph (Newfoundland and Labrador schools only); Government of Newfoundland and Labrador employee identification; photo driver’s licence from another Canadian jurisdiction; MCP card; Health Authority card (Newfoundland and Labrador only); other documentation satisfactory to the Registrar.

If you are moving to Newfoundland and Labrador from another country, and are applying for a learner’s permit, driver’s licence or ID card, you MUST provide proof of your legal presence in Canada. You must show one primary proof of legal presence document, plus one secondary document, or; two primary documents; one of which must be an acceptable document for proof of legal presence as listed within each category below.

Proof of legal presence: Valid foreign passport with appropriate immigration documents; permanent resident card or immigration papers; record of landing; study or work permit; Canadian citizenship card; temporary resident permit; Secure Certificate of Indian Status Card (with photograph); valid Canadian passport.

Primary: Government-issued birth certificate; valid Canadian passport; Canadian Armed Forces identification card; municipal, provincial or federal police identification; federal firearms identification card; photo identification card issued by Motor Registration.

Secondary: Baptismal certificate (with church seal); marriage certificate Social Insurance card; credit card; school identification card with photograph (Newfoundland and Labrador schools only); government identification card (Newfoundland and Labrador only); photo driver’s licence from another Canadian jurisdiction; MCP card; Health Authority card (Newfoundland and Labrador only); other documentation satisfactory to the Registrar.

Note: You may produce two pieces of identification from the primary list. We cannot accept two pieces of identification from the secondary list.

Photo requirements

• New applicants seeking a learner’s permit or driver’s licence must be photographed before the permit or licence is issued. If you need to update your photo, you will be notified on your driver’s licence renewal application.

Fitness to drive

The safety of other people depends on your fitness to drive. Safe driving is a complex activity that requires skills and knowledge, including adequate cognitive, sensory and motor skills. In order to receive a Newfoundland and Labrador driver’s licence, you must pass a vision test and declare your medical fitness to drive. Any illness, disease or disability that could affect your ability to safely operate a motor vehicle must be truthfully disclosed on application or renewal for a driver’s licence or learner’s permit.

Medical professionals in the province are legally required to report patients with medical conditions that may affect driving to the Registrar. Your driving privileges will be reviewed and you may be asked to submit additional information if you have a condition, such as:

• diabetes epilepsy arthritis hypertension limb disability sleep disorder blackouts vertigo frequent fainting or dizziness psychiatric disorder severe coronary or cardiovascular disease, vision or hearing loss alcohol, and/or drug additions or various other conditions

It may be necessary to have a medical report completed by a doctor, or an evaluation completed by a specialist.

As we get older, the risk of developing a medical condition that may affect the ability to drive increases, and we may notice deterioration in both physical and mental abilities. You are required to submit a driver medical form upon turning 75 years of age, if you have a Class 5, 6 or 8 driver’s licence. A second medical is required upon turning 80, and then every two years, for as long as you continue to have a driver’s licence.

For commercial driver classes (1, 2, 3, 4), you will be required to submit a medial upon initial application and then every five years up to age 45, every three years from age 45-65, and every year after age 65.

Graduated Driver Licensing Program

Graduated licensing is a gradual step-by-step process designed to help novice drivers, regardless of age, acquire the knowledge and skills needed to operate a motor vehicle.

This is accomplished by gradually increasing driving privileges during a new driver’s first two years on the road. There are two levels during the novice driver period.

Level I: Learner Level II: Novice

Once you become a Level I driver, it is recommended that you enroll in an approved driver education program. The successful completion of a driver education program reduces the wait time for a Class 5II (Novice) road test from 12 months to eight. This will also help you better understand the rules of the road and safe driving practices.

In addition to fewer driving privileges, during your time as a novice driver you are required to follow the rules of the road. If you commit offences or are disqualified, obtaining your full licence can be delayed. Breaking these rules may result in a suspension of your learner’s permit or novice licence.

Parental consent requirement

If you are under age 19 and applying for a driver’s licence for the first time, your parent or legal guardian (who must show proof of guardianship) must accompany you to a Motor Registration office to sign consent on your licence application. Parents or legal guardians have the right to withdraw their consent in writing at any time until the person reaches age 19. If they withdraw consent, driver’s licence privileges will be suspended. The signature of your parent or legal guardian is not required if you can provide documentation that you are married or self- supporting.

Novice driver

A ‘novice driver’ sign must be prominently displayed in the rear window of the vehicle you are driving. The lettering must be a minimum of five centimeters in height, in black lettering, on a white background. If the sign is placed in the rear window, it is highly recommended that it be placed in the lower corner rear window, directly behind the driver. This location provides the least amount of vision obstruction for the driver. The sign can be placed on the trunk or rear bumper as well.

The ‘novice driver’ sign should only be displayed on the vehicle when the vehicle is being driven by a driver with a learner’s permit.

1. Learner (Class 05I)

Requirements:

• 16 years or older* Pass a written test Pass a vision test

Conditions:

• Must be accompanied by a licensed driver with at least four years’ experience as a full Class 5 driver. Driver and accompanying driver must have zero per cent Blood Alcohol Content. Not permitted to drive between Midnight and 5:00 a.m. No passengers permitted.** Must display a ‘novice driver’ sign.***
• Any one of these locations are acceptable for a novice driver sign. The lettering must be a minimum of five centimetres in height, in black lettering, on a white background.

• 1 Lower left corner of rear window, behind driver

• 2 Somewhere on the trunk

• 3 On the rear bumper

2. Novice

Requirements:

• Must have spent 12 months at Level 1 or eight months with successful completion of an approved driver education program. Pass a road test.

Conditions:

• Must be accompanied by a licensed driver with four years of experience as a full Class 5 driver when driving between Midnight and 5:00 a.m.^. Driver and accompanying driver must have zero per cent Blood Alcohol Content. Novice driver must have zero per cent Blood Alcohol Content. Number of passengers in vehicle are restricted to number of seat belts in vehicle.

3. Full

Requirements:

• Must have spent 12 months at Level II.

* Parent/guardian consent required if you are under 19 years of age. **Parent/guardian may be present if learner is enrolled in a driver education program and accompanied by a licensed instructor. *** Sign must be displayed in a prominent position in the rear window of the vehicle you are driving. Lettering must be a minimum of five centimeters in height, in black lettering, on a white background. ^Exemptions are available for employment. You must have confirmation of your work schedule, signed by your employer, in the vehicle with you. You are required to show this to a police officer when asked.

• Written test

You are required to pass a written test to obtain a learner’s permit. The questions consist of multiple choice questions about rules of the road, safe driving practices, road sign recognition and more. A mark of 85 per cent is required to pass. The questions on the test are based on information in this guide and the Highway Traffic Act and Regulations.

Class 5 written tests may be completed online through the MyGovNL portal. If you successfully complete your test online, you will need to visit a Motor Registration office or Government Service Centre to have your identity and test results verified, undergo a vision test and pay the fee for the learner’s permit. Your learner’s permit will not be valid until you have completed this step. Passed written test results are valid for six months. When you pass the test, you will receive a driver application form. You must take this document to the Motor Registration office to have your photo taken and to receive your learner’s permit card.

Your Class 5I (Learner) permit is valid for two years. It may be renewed by visiting a Motor Registration office. If you allow your learner’s permit to expire for more than 12 months, you will be required to take the written test again before the permit can be re-issued.

Written tests can be conducted in languages other than English. The Registrar must approve interpreters. If you require an interpreter, you are responsible for any costs.

• Road test

After 12 months as a learner or eight months with the completion of approved driver training, you may take your road test. This test determines whether you have developed the driving skills necessary to become a Class 5II (Novice) driver. Passing the road test allows you to move from a Class 5I (Learner) to a Class 5II (Novice) driver.

The road test takes approximately 30 minutes. This will include the driver examiner’s pre-test instructions, inspection of your vehicle, the parking and road components of your test and a summary of your results. You will be required to demonstrate the ability to operate your vehicle safely without supervision, while interacting with other road users.

The test will include identifying and operating your vehicle’s controls. In addition, you will be required to demonstrate your knowledge and skill in:

• handling the vehicle (steering, braking and speed control) selecting the proper lane for turns observing and obeying speed zones determining right of way at intersections and while changing lanes demonstrating knowledge and skill at intersections, with and without sign and signal controls parking

On the day of your road test, your vehicle will be checked for mechanical fitness, and you must present the following:

• a receipt for payment of your road test. valid Class 5I learner’s permit. valid insurance policy. valid vehicle registration permit for the vehicle in which you are being tested. proof of completion of an approved driver training course (where applicable).

Delays in processing your road test receipt may result in the cancellation of your appointment. It is recommended that you pay for your road test at least 24 hours before your scheduled test time. Payment for your test can be completed online at MyGovNL or by visiting your nearest Motor Registration office or Government Service Centre.

Once you pass your road test, a clerk must process you. During this process, you provide your passed road test receipt and pay the fee for your driver’s licence. One will not be issued until this step is complete. Passed road test results are valid for 12 months.

Common reasons for not passing the road test

• Exceeding the maximum number of points for errors. Exceeding the speed limit or driving too fast for the conditions. Failing to stop completely before proceeding through an intersection controlled by a stop sign, or before turning right on a red light. Failing to yield the right of way at an intersection or during a lane change. Obstructing traffic by driving too slowly or stopping unnecessarily. Any unsafe driving behaviour that requires the Examiner to stop the test.

• Motorcycle licensing

Obtaining a motorcycle licence

Motorcycle licences (Class 6) fall under the Graduated Driver Licensing Program. To qualify, you must be 16 years of age or older, pass a motorcycle balance test, written test, sign test, vision test and a road test in traffic. Gaining the skills for motorcycling requires a lot of practice. Before you go out on the road with other traffic, there are certain basic skills needed for your safety.

Motorcycle balance test and written test

When you report for the balance test, you should wear clothing that covers your entire body (reflective if possible), an approved helmet and eye protection. You should also carry proof of insurance and motorcycle registration. Your motorcycle must have no defects and pass an inspection.

The test will consist of the following maneuvers:

• operating the controls (being able to designate any of the major-minor operating controls)
• controlling the engine (starting and shutting down the engine during the test)
• up-shifting/down-shifting (changing gears while riding)
• weaving (riding in a weaving pattern through a pylon course)
• straight line balance (riding as slowly as you can through a pylon course)
• stopping quickly (stopping the motorcycle as quickly as possible without skidding the wheels)

The balance test requirement will be waived upon successful completion of a motorcycle training course. Proof of completion must be submitted.

The written test consists of questions about safe driving practices for motorcycle riders, rules of the road, traffic control signs and signals, as well as licensing information. The motorcycle (Class 6) knowledge test questions are based on information in this guide and the Highway Traffic Act. Upon successfully completing the balance, written and vision tests, you will be issued a Class 6I (Learner).

The above three tests can be completed in any order. A Class 6I (Learner) will not be issued until all tests have been completed successfully.

The written test may be taken at any driver examination centre.

Learning to ride

It is recommended that all new riders take a course to learn how to ride a motorcycle safely. Balance and control skills will be taught, as well as motorcycle riding theory. Some specific skills taught may include:

• weaving left and right through markers making a circle or figure eight pattern while riding riding at a slow speed in a straight line shifting up and down, then turning left and right changing gears to prepare for curves starting and moving on a hill stopping quickly in an emergency steering and braking methods to avoid obstacles or a collision

As a Class 6I (Learner) driver, you will have the following restrictions:

• must be accompanied by a licensed driver with four years driving experience as a full Class 6 driver on another motorcycle or in a motor vehicle not permitted to have passengers not permitted to drive after dark (half-hour before sunset to half-hour after sunrise) not permitted on highways where the speed limit exceeds 80 km/hour

Both you and your accompanying driver must have zero percent Blood Alcohol Content, and you must spend 12 months at Level I, or eight months with successful completion of an approved driver education program.

Road test

The road test takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. This provides time for the examiner to assess the rider’s skills and abilities in a variety of road and traffic conditions. The road test will include:

• an equipment and motorcycle fitness check an evaluation of the rider’s ability to follow the rules of the road, signal properly, perform left and right turns and use safe judgment at intersections an evaluation of the rider’s skills with balance, road position and speed control

After the road test, the examiner will explain the results of the test and areas where you did well or that need more attention. If you are successful, you will be eligible to receive a Class 6II (Novice).

As a Class 6II (Novice) driver, you will have the following restrictions:

• you must spend 12 months at Level II driver must have zero per cent Blood Alcohol Content driver is not allowed to drive between Midnight and 5:00 a.m.

Following a full year as a Class 6II (Novice) driver, you will then receive a full Class 6 licence.

• Renewing, replacing and updating your licence

Renewing

All driver’s licences issued in Newfoundland and Labrador are valid for a five-year period and expire on your birthday. The expiry date appears on the front of the card. You must renew your licence before that date, otherwise it will not be valid and you will be ineligible to drive.

Before your licence expires, Motor Registration will email a reminder through your MyGovNL account. You can renew your driver’s licence online, have your photo taken at a Motor Registration office (required every 10 years) and pay the appropriate fees.

If your driver’s licence is expired less than five years, you may renew your licence without taking any written, vision or road tests. If your driver’s licence is expired more than five years, you will be required to take a written, vision and road test. However, you may be given credit for the time previously spent as a licensed driver and you may be exempted from the Graduated Driver Licensing Program. The Registrar must review your application. If your licence is expired for 10 years or longer, you must complete the Graduated Driver Licensing Program.

Replacing

If your driver’s licence is lost, stolen, destroyed or is unreadable, you must apply for a replacement immediately at a Motor Registration office. If your driver’s licence is stolen, you must report it to the police, and provide the police report number to the Motor Registration office when you apply for your replacement. Requests for replacement can be done in person or by email. If you know your driver’s licence number, please provide it with your request. If you do not know your driver’s licence number, you must provide your name, address and date of birth. There is a $25 fee ($10 for seniors) to replace your driver’s licence.

Updating your information

If you change your name, you must inform Motor Registration within 10 days. You are required to provide documentation supporting the change. Accepted documents include an original of marriage certificate, an original birth certificate or an official name change document (issued by Vital Statistics). This request must be completed in-person at your nearest Motor Registration office.

If you move, you must inform Motor Registration within 10 days. Change of address notification can be completed online at MyGovNL. You will be required to upload proof of your new address.

To change the sex designation that appears on your driver’s licence, you must provide an official document issued by Vital Statistics. Acceptable documents include an original birth certificate or a Change of Sex Designation Certificate.

Please note: your information will be changed on the Motor Registration system and a new driver’s licence, photo ID (if applicable) and vehicle registration (if applicable) will be sent to you by mail.

• Department of National Defence (DND) 404 driver’s licence equivalencies

If you hold a Department of National Defence (DND) 404 licence, or have held a DND 404 licence that is expired less than two years, you may be eligible to obtain an equivalent class of driver’s licence without written or road testing.

Newfoundland and Labrador’s existing identification requirements, medical requirements and applicable fees still apply; however, you will not be required to surrender your DND 404 licence and testing and training may be waived.

Motor Registration will waive Class 1, 2, 3, 4 and full Class 5 knowledge and road test requirements for applicants who have been issued a DND-404. This allows for the operation of commercial and private passenger vehicles (must hold DND 404 for a minimum of two years) and issuance of an equivalent Class 1, 2, 3, 4 or full Class 5 driver’s licence, provided the following conditions are met:

You must complete and submit an upgraded driver application qualification form, along with a DND driver proficiency record, indicating your name and date of birth, DND-404 permit number, licence class(es) and, if applicable, air brake endorsement, restrictions, licence effective and expiry dates and licence status.

You will also need to submit confirmation that you are the holder of a current DND 404 Class 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 equivalent that is not expired, revoked or suspended, and a letter to the Registrar of Motor Vehicles, signed by the base or station transportation authority.

All documents submitted must be originals only. For Class 1, 2, 3 and 4 licences, you must provide a current driver medical examination (PDF file format) for Motor Registration dated within six months of upgrade application.

Restriction codes

A restriction code may be added to a driver’s licence to identify added requirements when operating a motor vehicle. For example, all drivers must meet specific vision standards to operate a vehicle. If you require glasses or contact lenses, which must be worn while driving, you will have a restriction placed on your driver’s licence indicating this requirement. A person may also be required to have a health examination by a doctor periodically to be allowed to drive. This will also be indicated on the driver’s licence.

Restriction codes: 1 – Corrective lenses 2 – Side mirrors 3 – Automatic transmission 4 – Power steering/brake 5 – W-Class<5 (Canada only) 6 – Daylight only 7 – Hand controls 8 – Bus/ambulance not valid 9 – Defined restriction

Endorsement codes

An endorsement code on a driver’s licence shows that the driver has had specific education or training. An endorsement may indicate that the person is permitted to drive a vehicle that has a specific feature, like a vehicle with air brakes. Each condition or endorsement has a code attached to it and may be shown on the driver’s licence.

Endorsement codes: 01 Semi and tractor-trailer 02 Bus over 24 passenger 03 Trucks with three or more axles 04 Bus up to 24 passenger, taxi and ambulance 05 Two axles, does not exceed 4,500kg 05I Learner Class 5 Level I 05II Novice Class 5 Level II 06I Learner Class 6 Motorcycle Level I 06II Novice Class 6 Motorcycle Level II 08 Traction engine only 09 (A) Air brakes or air brakes with adjustment 14 Photo ID only

Re-classing your licence

When re-classing your driver’s licence (excluding Class 5I to Class 5II), you must present proof that you have completed a knowledge test and vision test through a Motor Registration office. Additional requirements may also apply for commercial drivers. Re-classing your driver’s licence from your current Class to a Class 1, 2, 3 or 4 licence will also require a medical report. If you are not medically fit to hold a higher class of licence, you will not be permitted to proceed with the testing.

You must successfully complete a road test in traffic in the class of vehicle requested. A fee is charged for each road test.

Driving with the wrong licence class is against the law. It is an offence for vehicle owners to allow their vehicle to be used by someone who does not have the proper class of licence for that vehicle.

Losing your licence (suspension)

Irresponsible, unsafe or impaired driving may result in your licence being suspended. Suspension means you are disqualified from operating a vehicle or from holding or obtaining a licence or permit for a period of time.

To reinstate your licence after a suspension, you may be required to pay fines and reinstatement fees, complete designated courses, submit medical information or install an ignition interlock device. Testing or other requirements are at the discretion of the Registrar.

Read this guide carefully so you are aware of the significant consequences of breaking the law while driving. Losing your licence can have considerable impact, and it is best to avoid any situation that could cause you to have your licence suspended.

• Class (c) All vehicles in Class 5 (b) All vehicles in Class 4 Expires on birthdate Valid five years (a) Buses with a seating capacity of more than 24 passengers (c) All vehicles in Class 5 Expires on birthdate Valid five years Expiry (b) All vehicles in Class 3 (a) Semi-trailer and tractor trailer combinations Permitted to operate Vehicle types Must have held a valid licence of at least full Class 5 for a minimum of one year Must have held a valid licence of at least full Class 5 for a minimum of one year Minimum requirement (b) Type 1 vehicles except as learner (a) Trucks with three or more axles, motorcycles, or vehicles with air brakes or traction engine without proper endorsement (a) Vehicles with traction engine or air brakes, buses of any size while carrying passengers or motorcycles, without appropriate endorsements Not permitted to operate Classes of driver’s licences Required on initial issue: every five years to age 45, every three years to age 65, every year after 65 Required on initial issue: every five years to age 45, every three years to age 65, every year after 65 Medical Written test for air brakes, if vehicle is so equipped Vision, rules and sign test for Class 2 Written test for air brakes Vision, rules and sign test for Class 1 Vision and knowledge test Road test in type 2 vehicle Road test in type 1 vehicle Road test

• Valid five years (a) Trucks with three or more axles, including any combination of vehicles (c) All vehicles in Class 5 (b) Buses with a seating capacity of up to 24 passengers (a) Taxis, ride-sharing vehicles, ambulances and any emergency vehicles Expires on birthdate Valid five years Expires on (b) All vehicles in Class 5 birthdate Expiry

Permitted to operate

Class Vehicle types Must have held a valid licence of at least Class 5 for a minimum of one year Must have held a valid licence of at least Class 5 for a minimum of one year Minimum requirement (b) Type 1, 2 and 3 vehicles except as learner (a) Vehicles with air brakes, traction engines or motorcycle without proper endorsement (c) Buses carrying more than 24 passengers, or type 1 or 2 except as learner (b) Taxi, emergency vehicles, buses carrying less than 24 passengers or motorcycle without proper endorsement (a) Vehicles with air brakes or traction engine without proper endorsement Not permitted to operate Written test for air brakes Vision, rules and sign test for Class 3 Road test in type 3 vehicle Road test Road test in type 4 vehicle,

• Vision, ambulance,

• Required rules and bus seating

• on initial sign test for issue: every Class 4 passengers

• five years No written to age 45, No road test

• every three test required

• required

• years to for Taxi and

• for Taxi

• age 65, Ride-Sharing, and Ride- every year restrictions

• Sharing

• after 65 will apply for

• Only taxi and ride- sharing only

• Required on initial issue: every five years to age 45, every three years to age 65, every year after 65 Medical Vision and knowledge test

• 5I, 5II Class Expires on birthdate (b) self propelled motor homes with 2 or more axles (f) backhoes (e) trucks designed for off highway use (d) fork lifts (c) farm tractors Level II: valid five years Level I: valid two years from date of issue Expiry

• (a) All motor vehicles with not more than 2 axles and combinations of vehicles where the towed vehicle is not more than 4500 kilograms in weight other than • buses while carrying passengers • taxis while carrying passengers • motor vehicles used for a ride-sharing service while carrying passengers for compensation • ambulances while carrying passengers Permitted to operate Vehicle types Level II: 16 years, eight months with approved driver education training, otherwise 17 years of age Level I: 16 years of age with parental approval Minimum requirement (c) Taxi not permitted (b) Type 1, 2, 3 or 4 vehicles except as learner (a) Vehicles with air brakes, traction engines or motorcycles without proper endorsement Not permitted to operate Every two years thereafter Second medical required at age 80 Required at age 75 Medical Road test Road test

• Vision, rules vehicle, and sign test private for Class 5 passenger vehicle

Vision and knowledge test

• Written test only Practical test

• (a) Air brake-equipped vehicles in classes shown on licence with brake adjustment certification
• 9A See Class 5 See Class 5

• (a) Air brake-equipped vehicles in classes shown on licence (a) Any other vehicle except as learner Type 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 vehicles except as learner

• Expires on birthdate Age 17 years with parental approval See Class 5

• (a) Traction engines only Valid five years. See Class 5 Road test
• Written test Letter required from employer stating driver operates traction engine or Certificate for Heavy Operators course

• Balance test; Road test in vision, rules type 6 vehicle and sign test for Class 6

• Medical

• (a) Motorcycles and mopeds only Not permitted to operate

• 6I, 6II Expiry Vision and knowledge test

• Permitted to operate Minimum requirement

• Class Vehicle types

• Registration and insurance

Vehicles driven in Newfoundland and Labrador must be registered and insured. A valid licence plate must be attached to the vehicle for identification. The plate(s) must be visible and may not be altered in any way.

Commercial vehicles, including pick-up trucks, require two licence plates – one on the front and one on the back. The vehicle registration and insurance forms must be kept in the vehicle at all times and produced whenever requested by a police officer.

Applying

To register your vehicle, a registration application must be completed and signed. You must provide the name of your insurance company and the insurance policy number. Once you have produced the necessary documents, you will receive a registration form (vehicle permit) and a licence plate.

New vehicle from a Newfoundland and Labrador dealership

If you purchase a vehicle from any of the automobile dealerships in the province, they will complete the registration application for you. The dealership issues a temporary registration (valid for 120 days), collects the applicable registration fees and submits the application and fees to Motor Registration for processing. You will receive your official registration document by mail. Until it arrives you should keep the temporary registration, and proof of insurance in the vehicle. You must provide them to a police officer if requested.

Leased vehicle

If you have leased a vehicle from a company other than an automobile dealership, you will need to make an appointment with Motor Registration to register the vehicle.

Moving to the Province from another Canadian jurisdiction

You are required to register your vehicle within 90 days of entry into the province; however, you may be exempt from paying the Retail Sales Tax. For more information, contact the Tax Administration Division.

Vehicle previously registered outside Canada

For further information on eligibility and rules/costs on importing vehicles, Motor Registration encourages clients to contact the following agencies before importing a vehicle into Canada:

Canada Border Services –1-800-461-9999 Registrar of Imported Vehicles – 1-888-848-8240 Transport Canada – 1-800-333-0371

For more information about registering any vehicle visit: Vehicle Ownership - Digital Government and Service NL.

Transfer of ownership

If you sell a vehicle through a private sale, you must notify Motor Registration within 10 days. Both the buyer and seller must complete the section on the back of the vehicle registration and forward it to the nearest Motor Registration office. The vehicle seller is responsible for completing the notice of sale portion on the reverse side of the vehicle permit. The seller should also complete a bill of sale with the following information:

1. Date of sale 2. Purchaser’s name and address 3. Make, model and year of vehicle 4. Serial number 5. Licence plate number 6. Purchase price

The purchaser is required to complete the declaration on the back of the permit including the insurance company, policy number, date of birth and signature.

A motor vehicle inspection certificate is also required.

An in-transit permit may be issued for unregistered vehicles for the purpose of transport to a location where the vehicle will become registered or inspected prior to registration. You must pay a fee and provide proof of insurance before such an in-transit permit will be issued.

The registered owner is responsible for their motor vehicle. Any penalties or fines incurred by a person driving your vehicle could become your responsibility if the vehicle is being operated with your consent.

Back view of Notification of Sale – Transfer of Ownership

Affidavits are required if the purchase price is less than the Red Book Value.

Registration renewal

Vehicles in this province are registered for a 12-month period. Motor Registration will notify you annually through your MyGovNL account that your vehicle registration will soon expire, and renewal can be completed online. Registrations paid online are valid for 30 days from date of payment. Print a copy of your online confirmation. Keep your printed confirmation with your previous vehicle permit until your permanent registration is received.

Your new registration will be issued by mail.

If you have changed your address and have not notified Motor Registration, please use your MyGovNL account to change your address before renewing.

Outstanding fines or others monies owed

All fines or any other monies owing must be paid prior to processing the renewal application. These additional fees will be included in your registration renewal.

Replacement plates

Replacement plates are issued when they have been lost, stolen or are defective.

To replace a plate, you must complete a vehicle application form and a lost plate affidavit. If the plate is defective, the applicant must return the plate to a Motor Registration office. Defective plates are replaced at no charge. If you are replacing plates on a two-plate vehicle and only one plate is missing, you must return the remaining plate with the application.

Veteran licence plates

Motor Registration and the Provincial Command of the Royal Canadian Legion administer veteran licence plates. You may be eligible if you are serving or have honourably served:

• in the Canadian Armed Forces, the Commonwealth or its wartime allies as a regular member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police as a peace officer in a special duty area on a special duty operation in the Merchant Navy or Ferry Command during wartime

Insurance

Every vehicle operated on the any public roadway must have insurance, as required under the Automobile Insurance Act. Proof of insurance must be kept in the vehicle at all times.

You will require proof of insurance when you renew your vehicle registration or transfer a vehicle into your name. The insurance policy must be in the name of the person(s) applying for registration.

The Registrar may suspend or cancel the registration of a vehicle where there is no valid policy.

An insurance certificate is not required when you are licensing a trailer.

Insurance Validation Program

In Newfoundland and Labrador, insurance coverage is monitored digitally for all registered vehicles. Through partnership with the Insurance Bureau of Canada, insurance coverage is verified throughout the year using only the vehicle identification number (VIN).

Penalties

Penalties for not complying with registration and insurance laws are severe. A registered owner convicted of driving without insurance will be suspended from driving for three months (90 days) from the date of conviction, must pay a $200 re-instatement fee and must pay all outstanding fines. The vehicle may also be seized by the police and impounded for at least 24 hours. You are also responsible for all fees for the impoundment.