Prince Edward Island Driver's License

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Prince Edward Island—
Driver's License

What Is a Driver's License in Prince Edward Island?

A driver's license in Prince Edward Island is an official document issued by the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure that grants individuals the legal authority to operate motor vehicles on public roads within the province. This license serves as a form of identification and proof of the holder's qualification to drive specific types of vehicles.

What Are the Different Types of Driver's Licenses Available in Prince Edward Island?

Prince Edward Island offers several classes of driver's licenses based on the type of vehicle being operated:

  • Class 1: Truck tractor and trailer with fifth wheel and air brakes
  • Class 2: Bus (more than 24 passengers), including school bus
  • Class 3: Trucks over 14,000 kg
  • Class 4: Taxi, ambulance, or small bus
  • Class 5: Cars and light trucks
  • Class 6: Motorcycle
  • Class 7: Instruction Driver's Permit
  • Class 8: Moped or motor-assisted pedal bicycle
  • Class 9: Farm tractor

Each class has specific age, training, and testing requirements.

What Is the Minimum Age Required to Get a Driver's License in Prince Edward Island?

The minimum age to obtain a driver's license in Prince Edward Island depends on the license class:

  • Class 7 (Learner's): 16 years old
  • Class 5 (Full): 17 years old of age or age 16 with 275 days with a driver education program
  • Class 6 (Motorcycle): 17 years old of age or age 16 with 275 days with a driver education program
  • Class 1, 2, or 4 (Commercial): 18 years nine months old
  • Class 3: 18 years old

Applicants under 18 must have parental or guardian consent for all license classes and are subject to graduated licensing restrictions.

Where Can I Get a Driver's License in Prince Edward Island?

Driver's licenses in Prince Edward Island can be obtained through Access PEI offices located throughout the province. These offices are the primary point of contact for various government services, including driver licensing and vehicle registration.

How to Get a Driver's License in Prince Edward Island?

To obtain a driver's license in Prince Edward Island, individuals must follow a structured process based on their age and the type of license they are applying for.

Step 1: Obtain an Instruction Driver’s Permit (Class 7)

  • Eligibility: Applicants must be at least 16 years old.
  • Documentation: Provide valid identification (birth certificate, passport, etc.) and proof of residency (utility bills, lease agreements, etc.).
  • Testing: Pass a vision test and a written test based on the PEI Driver’s Handbook.
  • Driver Education: If enrolled in a certified driver education program, the test will be conducted in class, and the instructor will later administer a road test.

Step 2: Practice Driving

  • Hold the Instruction Permit for at least one year while practicing driving under the supervision of a licensed driver.
  • Follow all graduated driver restrictions outlined in the program.

Step 3: Complete the Novice Driver Course

  • If not in a driver education program, complete the Novice Driver Course, a five-hour course typically taught in two sessions.

Step 4: Take the Road Test

  • Appointment: Arrange an appointment with Access PEI for the road test.

  • Requirements for the Road Test:

    Be accompanied by a driver with a valid license for at least four years.

    Use a fully inspected vehicle that meets safety requirements.

    Bring the Instruction Driver’s Permit and proof of completion of the Novice Driver Course.

Step 5: Obtain the Full Driver's License (Class 5)

  • After passing the road test, you must pay the required fees and have a photo taken for the Class 5 Driver’s License.

After passing, individuals will enter Stage Two of the Graduated Driver Licensing Program, which lasts one year.

What Documents Are Required for a Driving License in Prince Edward Island?

To obtain an Instruction Driver’s Permit (Class 7), applicants must provide the following documents:

  1. Valid Identification
  • Birth certificate
  • Passport
  • Immigration papers (Canadian Immigration Identification Record of Entry)
  1. Proof of Residency

Applicants must provide two pieces of documentation showing their PEI address. Acceptable documents include:

  • Current utility bills (e.g., cable, electricity, phone)
  • A formal lease or rental agreement
  • Letter of employment on company letterhead or a pay stub that includes the applicant's name and address
  • Federal or provincial government correspondence (e.g., tax, GST)
  • Bank documents indicating name and address (e.g., personal cheque, mortgage document, credit card or bank statement)
  1. Parental or Guardian Consent

For applicants under 18, a consent form from a parent or legal guardian is required. The consent form can be found in the Co-Pilot brochure, which parents are encouraged to review before signing.

How to Get a Class 7 license in Prince Edward Island

A Class 7 learner's permit is the first step towards driving independently in Prince Edward Island. Individuals must follow a specific process to obtain a Class 7 driver’s license, also known as the Instruction Driver’s Permit.

  1. Minimum Age: Applicants must be at least 16 years old.

  2. Gather Required Documents:

  • Birth certificate, passport, or immigration papers (Canadian Immigration Identification Record of Entry).
  • Proof of Residency:
  • Two documents showing a PEI address, such as utility bills, lease agreements, or government correspondence.
  • For applicants under 18, a consent form from a parent or legal guardian is required.
  1. Pass the Required Tests:
  • Vision Test: A standard vision screening.
  • Written Test: A test based on the PEI Driver’s Handbook covering driving rules and safety.
  1. Schedule the Tests:
  • Contact Access PEI to book an appointment for the written and vision tests. Bring all necessary documents and payment for fees.
  1. Obtain the Class 7 License:

Upon passing the tests, you will receive your Class 7 license, valid for two years. This permit allows for supervised driving under the restrictions of the Graduated Driver Licensing Program.

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Driver's License in Prince Edward Island?

The fees for obtaining a driver's license in Prince Edward Island vary by license class and term. As of 2024, the costs are:

  1. Five-Year License Fee: A driver's license, valid for five years, costs $116.

  2. Driving Instructor's License:

  • Application: $15
  • Issue: $15
  • Renewal: $10

  1. Instruction Permit: $20

  2. Test for Instruction Permit: $20

  3. Novice Driver Course: $100

  4. Driver’s Handbook: $20

  5. Driver’s License Tests:

  • Classes 5 and 6: $20
  • Classes 3 and 4: $40
  • Classes 1 and 2: $60

Is a Driver's License Issued in Prince Edward Island Online?

No, driver's licenses are not issued online in Prince Edward Island. They require an in-person visit to an Access PEI location.

During the visit, applicants must:

  • Prove their identity and residency with original documents
  • Have their photo and signature captured for the license card
  • Pass required vision, written, or road tests
  • Pay applicable fees

Is a US-Issued Driver's License Recognized in Prince Edward Island?

Yes, Prince Edward Island recognizes valid driver's licenses issued by U.S. states for visitors and new residents. Tourists and short-term visitors can drive with their U.S. license for up to 4 months without obtaining a Prince Edward Island license.

New residents moving to Prince Edward Island from the U.S. can exchange their state-issued license for an equivalent class Prince Edward Island license without retaking knowledge or road tests, provided their license is valid and in good standing. They must do so within 120 days of establishing residency.

What Is the Procedure for a Foreigner to Obtain a Prince Edward Island Driver's License?

Driver's License?

The procedure for foreigners to obtain a Prince Edward Island driver's license depends on their country of origin and the status of their existing license.

Visitors from countries with a license exchange agreement with Prince Edward Island can transfer their license to an equivalent class Prince Edward Island license without testing. As of 2024, this includes:

  • Austria (Class 5 and 6)
  • Australia (Class 5 and 6)
  • France (Class 5)
  • Germany (Class 5 and 6)
  • Japan (Class 5 and 6)
  • South Korea (Class 5 and 6)
  • Switzerland (Class 5 and 6)
  • Taiwan (Class 5)
  • Ukraine (Class 5, effective August 15, 2022)
  • United Kingdom* (Class 5 and 6)
  • United States (Class 1, 2, 3.4, 5 and 6)

To exchange, the driver must provide their original license, pass a vision test, prove identity and legal status in Canada, and pay the exchange fee.

Visitors from other countries must follow the same graduated licensing process as new drivers in Prince Edward Island.

International Driver's Permits are not a substitute for a Prince Edward Island license for foreigners establishing residency but can be used in conjunction with the home license for short visits of up to 120 days.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Prince Edward Island Driving License?

In Prince Edward Island, obtaining a driving license involves a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system. This system consists of three stages and typically takes a minimum of three years to complete. This period allows beginner drivers to gain experience in lower-risk driving situations before progressing to more challenging conditions.

If an individual enrolls in a certified driver education program, they may be able to complete the GDL program in at least two years plus 275 days.

Can Tourists and Visitors Drive in Prince Edward Island?

Yes, tourists and visitors can drive on Prince Edward Island using their valid driver's license from their home country or jurisdiction. Prince Edward Island honors licenses from all Canadian provinces and territories, all U.S. states, and many foreign countries for non-residents.

Tourists can drive with their out-of-province license for up to 120 days before taking a Prince Edward Island license.

Is a Prince Edward Island Driver's License Valid Internationally?

A Prince Edward Island driver's license is valid as proof of driving privileges throughout Canada and the United States. However, its recognition internationally varies by country. Many nations require a separate International Driver's Permit (IDP) in conjunction with the Canadian license.

An IDP is a translation document that verifies the validity of the driver's Canadian license for local authorities abroad. It is not a substitute for a license itself.

Before travelling abroad, Prince Edward Island drivers can apply for an IDP through any Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) office. The permit is valid for one year and must be carried with the driver's provincial license when driving in foreign countries.

How to Convert an International Driver's License to a Prince Edward Island One?

New residents moving to Prince Edward Island with a valid driver's license from this country can convert their international license to an equivalent class Prince Edward Island license without retesting:

  • Austria (Class 5 and 6)
  • Australia (Class 5 and 6)
  • France (Class 5)
  • Germany (Class 5 and 6)
  • Japan (Class 5 and 6)
  • South Korea (Class 5 and 6)
  • Switzerland (Class 5 and 6)
  • Taiwan (Class 5)
  • Ukraine (Class 5, effective August 15, 2022)
  • United Kingdom* (Class 5 and 6)
  • United States (Class 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6)
  • The United Kingdom includes England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and the Isle of Man.

To exchange an out-of-province or international license for a PEI license, the following documents are required:

  • A valid photo driver's license from the home jurisdiction.
  • Two documents confirm the current address on Prince Edward Island.
  • If needed, a driver's abstract outlining the driving history (for U.S. residents) is needed.
  • If required, a certified translation of the driver's license or a translation provided by the Immigrant and Refugee Services Association of PEI.
  • Immigration documents showing legal status and length of stay in Canada.

Does Prince Edward Island Have a Digital Driver's License?

No, Prince Edward Island does not currently offer a digital version of its driver's licenses. The province issues physical, hard-copy licenses printed on secure plastic card stock and mailed to drivers upon licensing or renewal.

What Are the Regulations Around Suspension and Revocation of Driving Licenses in Prince Edward Island?

The rules regarding the suspension and revocation of driver's licenses in Prince Edward Island are governed by the Administrative Driving Prohibition and Vehicle Repossession Regulations and are applied to maintain road safety. Licenses may be suspended or revoked for a variety of reasons, including:

  • Accumulation of demerit points
  • Serious traffic violations
  • Impaired driving offenses
  • Medical conditions that affect driving ability

The duration and conditions of suspension or revocation vary depending on the nature and severity of the offense. In some cases, drivers may be required to complete remedial programs or pay reinstatement fees before their license can be restored.

How Long Does a Driving License Last in Prince Edward Island?

A driver's license in Prince Edward Island is valid for five years. At the end of this period, the license must be renewed to continue driving legally.

How to Know When Prince Edward Island Drivers License Expires?

There are several ways to check when your Prince Edward Island driver's license expires:

  • Look at the expiration date printed on your physical license card, located below your photo
  • Contact the Access PEI/Highway Safety Head Office at 902-368-5200 with your license number and identifying information.
  • Visit an Access PEI office in person and inquire with a representative.

What Happens if Your Prince Edward Island Drivers License Expires?

If a driver's license in Prince Edward Island expires, the individual cannot legally operate a motor vehicle. However, renewal options are available:

  • Online Renewal: If the license has been expired for no longer than six months and the address on the license remains unchanged, it can be renewed online.
  • In-Person Renewal: If the license has expired for more than six months or there has been a change of address, the individual must visit an Access PEI location to complete the renewal process.

Driving with an expired license can lead to fines and penalties.