If you plan to own and drive a personal vehicle, or if your job requires you to drive, you will need to have a valid driver’s license. If you have an International Driving Permit you can drive a corresponding vehicle for six months. If you plan to settle in the Saint John Region you should get a local New Brunswick driver's license. In order to do this you have to pass a written test and a road test.
The easiest way to learn about driving in New Brunswick is by reading the official “New Brunswick Driver’s Handbook”. You can buy it in English or French at a Service New Brunswick office, or read it online for free.
Written test
A written driving test consists of questions on road signs and questions on the rules of the road. You will have one hour to finish it. It can be done online or in person in a designated place.
Passing a written test online is more convenient since it can be performed at any time, and if you fail it, you can take it again right away. To help prevent cheating, it is mandatory to take the test with your computer’s camera on!
If you pass your written test, you will receive a temporary learner’s license. This permits you to drive, but only with an experienced driver, who has a valid license, in the car with you.
Road test
After you pass the written test you may book a road test. Be sure to arrive at the Service New Brunswick office in advance, since you will have to surrender your previous driver’s license and take an eyesight test. If you fail the eyesight or road test you won’t get your previous driver’s license back, so be sure to have an alternative way of getting home. A word of advice: You and your spouse or other family member should NOT plan to complete your road tests on the same day. This is because if you both fail your eyesight test or road test you won’t be able to drive your car home.
After you pass your road test you will have your photo taken and receive your temporary license, valid for 30 days. About 14 days after you receive your temporary you will receive your local driver’s license, which is valid for up to four years. Validity expires on the date of your birth.