Classes of Driver Licenses

There are nine different classes of driver's license on Prince Edward Island; each one authorizes its holder to drive a specific category of motor vehicle. New residents of PEI with a valid driver's license from another jurisdiction must transfer to a PEI license within four months (refer to Driving with an Out-of-Province Driver’s License).

What class of license do I need?

Class 1: Truck tractor and trailer with fifth wheel

A Class 1 authorizes its holder to drive:

• any combination of truck-tractor and trailer equipped with a fifth wheel and air brakes;
• any motor vehicle permitted under classes 3, 5, 8 and 9.

To qualify for a Class 1 driver's license:

• successfully complete entry-level training (as of August 5, 2024);
• be at least 18 years and 9 months old or 19 years old;
• held a valid driver’s license for at lest two years; and,
• meet current medical standards for Class 1 drivers.

 To review Class 1 license requirements and the pre-operating inspection checklist, refer to Class 1-Tractor Trailer ​

Class 2: Bus (more than 24 passengers), including school bus

A Class 2 authorizes its holder to drive:

• a bus with capacity to transport more than 24 passengers, including a school bus
• any motor vehicle permitted under classes 3, 4, 5, 8 and 9

To quality for a Class 2 Non-School Bus driver's license:

• successfully complete a driver`s education course
• at least 18 years and 275 days, or 19 years old
• held a valid driver’s license for at least two years
• meet current medical standards for Class 2 drivers

To qualify for a Class 2 School Bus driver's license:

• successfully complete a school bus driver training course (as per the education authority)
• at least 21 years old
• hold a valid driver’s license for a minimum five years
• meet current medical standards for Class 2 school bus drivers

To review Class 2 license requirements and pre-operating inspection checklist, refer to the brochure: Class 2 (All Buses-25 Passengers and Up).

Class 3: Trucks over 14,000 kg 

A Class 3 authorizes its holder to drive:

• any truck-trailer combination over 14,000 kg gross mass;
• any motor vehicle exceeding 14,000 kg gross mass, but not including a truck-tractor towing a semi-trailer;
• any truck tractor without a trailer;
• any special mobile equipment;
• motor vehicles permitted under classes 5, 8, and 9.

To qualify for a Class 3 driver's license:

• held a Class 5 for at least one year;
• at least 18 years old; and,
• meet current medical standards for drivers.

Drivers who have successfully completed Stage 2 of the Graduated Driver Licensing Program (GDL), may apply for a Class 3 driver's license. To review Class 3 license requirements and pre-operating inspection checklist, refer to the brochure: Class 3 – Trucks.

Class 4: Taxi, ambulance, van or small bus

A Class 4 authorizes its holder to drive:

• a taxi;
• an ambulance;
• a van;
• a bus with a capacity of 24 passengers or less;
• motor vehicles permitted under classes 5, 8, and 9.

To qualify for a Class 4 driver's license:

• successfully complete a driver education course;
• at least 18 years and 275 days or 19 years old;
• held a valid driver’s license for at least two years; and.
• meet current medical standards for Class 4 drivers.

To review Class 4 license requirements and pre-operating inspection checklist, refer to the brochure: Class 4 -Ambulances, Taxis, Vans/Buses.

Restricted Class 4: Taxicab or motor vehicle in a "ride-sharing service"

A Restricted Class 4 authorizes its holder to drive:

• a taxicab or a motor vehicle in a "ride-sharing service" with a seating capacity less than 10 passengers including the driver. 

To qualify for a Restricted Class 4 driver's license:

• a valid PEI driver’s license;
• not participating in the Graduated Driver Licensing Program;
• must have a good driving record; and,
• meet current medical standards for a Class 4 driver.

To review Restricted Class 4 license requirements, refer to: Class 4 Restricted Driver's Licence

Class 5: Passenger Vehicle (cars and light trucks)

A Class 5 authorizes its holder to drive:

• a personal car or light truck not exceeding 14,000 kg gross mass, excluding  ambulances, taxis, motorcycles or truck-tractors;
• any motor vehicle not exceeding 14,000 kg gross mass towing a vehicle that does not exceed 4,500 kg;
• farm tractor (Class 9);
• mopeds (Class 8); and,
• motor-assisted pedal bicycles.

To qualify for a Class 5 driver's license:

• held a Stage 1 driver's license for 365 days, or 275 days if successfully completed a driver education program;
• successfully passed a practical driving examination; and,
• 16 years of age or older.

Class 6: Motorcycle

A Class 6 authorizes its holder to operate:

• 2 and 3-wheeled motorcycles 

A Restricted Class 6 will be issued if the road test is completed on a motorcycle under 550 cc or on a 3-wheeled motorcycle. In each case, the holder will be authorized to only operate motorcycles under 550 cc or a 3-wheeled motorcycle.

To qualify for a Class 6 driver's license:

• at least 17 years old or 16 years old if the operator has completed 275 days in a driver education program

Class 7: Instruction Driver's Permit

A Class 7 authorizes its holder to drive the following vehicles provided the driver is enrolled in the GDL Program and an accompanying driver holding a valid driver's license for at least four years is in the passenger seat:

• passenger vehicle (car or light truck)
• motorcycle
• moped 

To qualify for a Class 7 Instruction Permit:

• at least 16 years old;
• written consent completed and signed by a parent or guardian if the applicant is below 18 years of age;
• successfully pass a written knowledge test and signs test; and,
• successfully pass a vision test.

For more information:Getting an Instruction Driver's Permit in PEI.

Class 8: Moped or motor-assisted pedal bicycle

A Class 8 authorizes its holder to operate:

• moped or a motor-assisted pedal bicycle

To qualify for a Class 8 driver's license:

• at least 17 years old or 16 years old if you have completed 275 days in a driver education program

Class 9: Farm tractor

A Class 9 driver's license authorizes its holder to operate a farm tractor. Applicants for a Class 9 must be at least 14 years of age. 

For detailed driver licensing requirements, conditions, and exceptions, refer to the Highway Traffic Act, the Driver's Licenses Regulations or the  Graduated Driver Licensing Regulations.

Learning Resources

• Co-pilot: A Guide for Parents and Guardians of New Drivers
• Graduated Drivers Licensing Program Booklet
• The Driver's Handbook provides new drivers with essential information about PEI road rules, safe driving practices, and how to obtain a driver's license. 
• For commercial drivers, the Commercial Vehicle Driver's Handbook provides information about qualifications, safety, and updates on new laws and legislation serving both as a study guide to prepare for a commercial vehicle tests and a refresher for experienced drivers.
• As you review these handbooks, remember they are guides. For official details on driver licensing and vehicle registration laws, refer to the Highway Traffic Act and relevant Regulations.