Anyone applying for a driver's licence for the first time (regardless of age), completes the required driver’s test and is issued a Class 7 Level 1 Graduated Licence. This is an instructional type of licence for the driver to acquire experience, over a minimum of 24 months at two levels, before becoming a fully licensed driver. A Graduated Licence is identified with a "G" on the front of the licence. The following table outlines all the requirements of the GDL program:
Requirements to the Graduated Driver's Licence Program
Graduated Driver's Licence - Level 1
Minimum Age |
16 years (applicants under 18 years of age must have consent that must be witnessed by a non-relative) |
|---|---|
Requirements |
Successfully pass a vision screening (20/40 best eye) Successfully pass written, basic and sign tests |
Duration |
Until October 1, 2009 - Minimum 12 months or 4 months if graduated from a recognized licensed driving school Effective October 1, 2009 - Minimum 12 months or 8 months** if graduated from a recognized licensed driving school |
Class |
Class 7 |
Blood Alcohol Level |
Zero |
Accompanying Driver |
One person who has a Class 5 or better licence, a minimum of 3 years driving experience*, and who is in the front passenger seat |
Driving Hours |
Prohibited from driving between midnight and 5:00 a.m.* |
Passengers |
No passengers allowed except the accompanying driver. |
| Exit Requirement |
Successfully passes road test to advance to Level 2 |
Graduated Driver's Licence - Level 2
Minimum Age |
Until October 1, 2009: 16 years + 4 months or 17 years (if no driver training course) Effective October 1, 2009: 16 years + 8 months** or 17 years (if no driver training course) |
|---|---|
Requirements |
Successful completion of Level 1 and road test |
Duration |
Minimum 12 months If Level 2 is entered early as a result of a driver training course, the balance of the 24 month graduated period is spent in this level. Total time in GDL Program: 2 years (minimum) |
Class |
Class 7 |
Blood Alcohol Level |
Zero |
Driving Hours |
If under 21, prohibited from driving between midnight and 5:00 a.m. unless accompanied by a licensed driver (Class 5 or better) with at least 3 years driving experience. No other passengers are permitted. - Automatic exemption granted for work and education - Written application to the Registrar of Motor Vehicles required for other purposeful activities to obtain exemption* |
Passengers |
No more than 3 passengers, with only one in the front seat * |
Exit Requirement |
Learner's licence without interruption for previous 24 months with at least 12 months in Stage 2 to advance to Class 5. No road test is required to obtain Class 5 Licence; however, it is the responsibility of the driver to apply for a Class 5 Licence upon completion of a Class 7 Graduated Licence (Level 2). |
* New requirement effective June 1, 2009
** New requirement effective October 1, 2009
While the holder of a graduated driver licence, the driver must maintain a zero blood alcohol content (BAC) while driving. 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 a previously passed road test or driver training course.
Suspension for loss of all points will result in a three month suspension followed by a return to the beginning of the graduated licence period with no credit given for a previously passed road test or driver training course.
Drivers (minimum 16 years of age) being transferred from other provinces receive credit for their participation in a graduated program in their province, however, once they have registered as a driver in New Brunswick, they are then required to follow New Brunswick’s GDL program.
Note: Effective June 1st, 2009, all drivers under the age of 21(regardless of the class of licence) must maintain a zero BAC. This applies to all drivers under 21, whether they are enrolled in the graduated driver's licence program or not. This requirement will be identified on the driver's licence as Restriction 23.