Each Canadian province has its own set of rules and regulations when it comes to getting a driver’s license. The best way to ensure that this experience will go smoothly for you is to get yourself acquainted with the process beforehand. First off, you should know what the requirements are for such a license. You must be at least 16 years of age and if you are under 18 then you will also need written permission from your parents or legal guardians.
Permit Test - Nova Scotia
The first step in the process is a written exam known as the permit test. It will consist of three stages which include a road signs test, a road rules test and a vision test. For the first two, you need to score at least 16 out of 20 in order to qualify. It is highly advisable that you study the Nova Scotia’s driver’s handbook beforehand and that you take online tests in order to familiarize yourself with the material. As far as the vision test goes, if you fail it the first time, you will be allowed to retake it while wearing corrective lenses.
Class 7 License - Learner's Permit Nova Scotia
If you pass the permit test, you will be awarded a learner’s permit, also known as a class 7 license which will allow you to drive on the roads of Nova Scotia under certain conditions. You will need to have an experienced driver with you at all times, someone who holds a class 5 license or higher. If you choose to take a driver’s education training course, this stage will last for 3 months. If you choose to practice on your own time only, it will take 6 months. You are not allowed to drink any kind of alcohol before or while driving.
Road Test
Once enough time has passed, you will qualify for the road test which you can schedule at your local testing center. The road test is designed to gauge your current driving skills, especially vital aspects such as parking, signaling, changing lanes etc, as well as your understanding of road rules and road signs. Once the test is over you will know immediately if you passed or failed. If you failed, you can retake the test after a period of time.
Class 5 License - Nova Scotia
If you pass the test, you are now eligible to upgrade your license to class 5. You do this on your own by taking all the necessary documents to the Registry of Motor Vehicles and paying the required fee. Once you have the driver's license, you will be able to drive with a few restrictions: you cannot have more than one passenger with you and you cannot drive alone between midnight and 5 a.m. You will need to take another special course for new drivers in order to remove these restrictions, which you can do afterwards by presenting a certificate of completion at the Ministry of Transportation.
