OnlineHow to budget your courses?
Calculate the costs
Driving courses are not the only cost of getting a driver’s license. There are other costs associated with learning to drive that are not often discussed but should be budgeted for to avoid surprises.
The following tables show you what to include and how to calculate your costs. The prices for each item in these tables are subject to change, so check with your school and the SAAQ for the prices in effect when you take your course.
Car (Class 5 license - passenger vehicle)
To calculate the true cost of acquiring your driver’s license, you must include all of the following fees:
- The driving course
- The Participant’s Guide (sometimes free depending on the promotion)
- The initial theory test and the certificate of achievement (SAAQ)
- The learner’s permit (valid for 18 months)
- Rental car for the exam (if you don’t have a car)
- The practical test (SAAQ)
- Photo taking for the probationary licence
- Probationary licence (valid for 24 months)
- The photo session for the driver’s licence
- Driver’s licence (valid for 12 months from your date of birth)
Motorcycle (Class 6A, 6B or 6C - Motorcycle license)
Motorcycle driving courses have been mandatory since July 2000, even if you have your Class 5 passenger vehicle license.
What to include:
To calculate the true cost of acquiring your driver’s license, you must include all of the following fees:
- The driving course
- The Participant’s Guide (sometimes free depending on promotions)
- Initial theory test and certificate of completion
- DOT certified helmet
- Learner’s permit, class 6R (for closed circuit driving during the exams for classes 6A, 6B or 6C)
- Motorcycle rental for the closed circuit test (if you do not have a motorcycle)
- Closed Circuit Test
- Class 6A, 6B or 6C learner’s permit valid for 18 months
- Motorcycle rental for the road test (if you do not have a motorcycle)
- The road test
- Picture taking for the probationary licence
- Probationary license (valid for 24 months)
- The photo shoot for the driver’s license
- Driver’s license (cost varies depending on the class of license included)
Click here for more information on the exam and license fees payable to the SAAQ.