Licensed Driver Education Course
Overview
The Prince Edward Island government has introduced a new process to recognize previous driving experience of motorists from non-reciprocity countries where validation of out-of-country driving documents is difficult or may not be possible. Experienced drivers relocating to Prince Edward Island from outside Canada will now have the option of using their driving experience as credit towards obtaining a Prince Edward Island Class 5 driver's license. Recognition of previous experience means new residents will have an alternative to the three-year Graduated Driver Licensing program that was developed to extend the learning stage for new drivers.
A new course, the Licensed Driver Education Course, has been developed following discussion with stakeholders on ways to enhance driver education training for new residents. The Licensed Driver Education Course will be administered by an approved Licensed Driving School and will focus on new arrivals to the Province from jurisdictions that do not have a Driver License Reciprocity Agreement (exchange agreement), with Prince Edward Island.
Foreign License Driving Experience
PEI follows a graduated licensing system with a focus on increasing a new driver’s privileges as they gain experience and enhanced driving skills. As part of this graduated licensing system, there are mandatory test and wait-time requirements. Drivers that hold a valid foreign licence with at least two years' experience may qualify for reductions in these mandatory test and wait-time prerequisites if they meet certain requirements.
You may take advantage of the Licensed Driver Education Course if:
- you are a new resident over the age of 19;
- you are from a non-reciprocity country;
- you meet the vision standards of Highway Safety;
- you are an experienced driver with a minimum of two years driving experience;
- you hold a valid Class 5 (or equivalent) license from your country-of-origin; and,
- you present acceptable supporting documentation.
Preliminary Requirements
Applicants who have decided to enroll in the new Licensed Driver Education Course will be advised to first register with a Licensed Driving School. All applicants are required to submit their documentation to Highway Safety so that previous driving experience and identity can be verified.
The Licensed Driving School will contact Highway Safety and schedule an appointment for you so your Driver's License from your home jurisdiction is validated and your immigration documents provide evidence of identity and residence. It will be the responsibility of the Licensed Driving School to ensure that all applicants are aware of the fee to take the Licensed Driver Education Course, have proof of validation, a photo on file, and a valid Record Identification Number (RIN) before training begins.
How do I enroll in the Licensed Driver Education Course?
To begin the process, contact an approved Licensed Driving School in PEI. The School will provide information on the application process, the fee and the required documentation. The School will contact Highway Safety on your behalf to arrange your appointment to determine your eligibility for the Course. Please be aware that all required documents must be original and not copies.
Licensed Driving School
The Driving School will provide you with all required classroom and in-car training including the required written and driving examinations. Following successful completion of the Licensed Driver Education Course, you will receive a certificate of completion from the driving school and can then apply for an unrestricted Class 5 Driver License due to the added training and experience gained from participating in this new program.
What documents will I need for my appointment with Highway Safety?
- A valid driver's license with photo from your home jurisdiction
- Date of issue must be at least two years prior to application to the Licensed Driver Education Course
- A valid passport
- Immigration documents that show your legal status and length of stay in Canada
- Two documents that show your current residence address in Prince Edward Island (list of documents to show your current address)
- A certified translation of your driver's license if the language on your license is not in English or French
- For translations services, please see Immigrant and Refugee Services Association of PEI
What happens after my documents are approved by Highway Safety?
After your meet with a Highway Safety staff person and you are eligible for the Licensed Driver Education Course, you will:
- Fill out an application form for a 90-day Photographic Identification Card
- Pay the required $20 fee and receive a 90-day Identification Card by mail
- Successfully complete the Licensed Driver Education Course thorough a licensed driving school
- Receive a certificate of completion from the driving school
- Be given a test slip (pink in colour) from the driving school confirming that you successfully completed the Course
Once I complete the Licensed Driver Education Course, when will I obtain my Class 5 Driver's License?
At a minimum, the Licensed Driver Education Course involves 41 hours of training. This includes in-classroom instruction, in-car observation and in-car driver training. Once you have successfully completed the Course, you will visit an Access PEI location to exchange your country-of-origin license for a Prince Edward Island Class 5 license.
What am I expected to bring to Access PEI to obtain my Class 5 Driver's License?
When you come to an Access PEI location to exchange your license, you MUST have the following with you to complete the exchange:
- Your Certificate of Completion from the Licensed Driving School;
- The pink test slip confirming you completed the Licensed Driver Education Course;
- Your Country-of-Origin Driver's License;
- Your 90-day PEI Photographic Identification Card; and
- The appropriate fee to complete the exchange.
At this point, you will surrender your country-of-origin driver's license and the Photographic Identification Card.
Do I have the option of not enrolling in the Licensed Driver Education Course?
Yes. New residents from non-reciprocity countries that do not want to enroll in the Licensed Driver Education Course will retain the option of having their driver license and immigration documents validated by staff at Highway Safety; passing the required written and vision exams; completing the Novice Driver Course for Newcomers (NDCN); and passing the road test. Successful completion of the required tests will result in the driver being placed in the appropriate stage of the Graduated Driver Licensing Program.
For more information, please contact:
- Highway Safety: Charlottetown (902) 368-5271
- Highway Safety, Summerside (902) 432-2714