Classes of Driver Licenses

• A Class 5 driver’s license is required to drive a personal car or light truck on Prince Edward Island. 
• Other license classes are required if you want to drive a motorcycle, taxi or larger vehicle such as an ambulance, bus or tractor-trailer. 

New residents of PEI with a valid driver's license from another province, territory, or country, must transfer to a PEI license within four months.  For more information refer to Driving with an Out-of-Province Driver’s License. 

You can book an appointment for a driving test at Access PEI locations in Alberton, O'Leary, Summerside, Charlottetown, Montague and Souris. 

Learning Resources

• 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. 

What class of license do I need?

Each class of driver’s license allows you to operate specific vehicle types.  

For detailed requirements, conditions, and exceptions, refer to Driver's Licenses Regulations or  Graduated Driver Licensing Regulations.

License Classes Overview

Class 1: Truck tractor and trailer with fifth wheel and air brakes

Authorizes you to drive any combination of truck-tractor and trailer equipped with a fifth wheel and air brakes. 

Also, allows you to drive vehicles permitted under classes 3, 5, 8 and 9. 

To qualify for a Class 1 license, you must:

• Successfully complete driver’s education
• Be at least 18 years and 9 months old or 19 years old  
• Have held a valid driver’s license for two years 
• Meet current medical standards for 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

• Authorizes you to drive a bus with capacity of more than 24 passengers, including a school bus.  Also, allows you to drive vehicles permitted under classes 3, 4, 5, 8 and 9. 
• For non-school buses, you must have successfully completed driver`s education, be at least 18 years and 275 days, or 19 years old, have held a valid driver’s license for two years, and meet current medical standards for drivers.
• For school buses, you must be at least 21 years old and have held a valid driver’s license for a minimum five years.   

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

Class 3: Trucks over 14,000 kg 

• Authorizes you to drive any truck-trailer combination over 14,000 kg gross mass, a truck tractor without a trailer, and special mobile equipment.  Also, allows you to drive vehicle permitted under classes 5, 8, and 9. 
• You must be at least 18 years old, have completed Stage 2 of the Graduated Driver Licensing Program, and meet current medical standards for drivers.

To review Class 3 license requirements and pre-operating inspection checklist, refer to the brochure: Class III – Trucks.

Class 4: Taxi, ambulance or small bus 

• Authorizes you to operate a taxi, ambulance, van, or a bus with a capacity of 24 passengers or less.  Also, allows you to drive vehicles under classes 5, 8, and 9. 
• You must have successfully completed driver`s education, be at least 18 years and 275 days or 19 years old, have held a valid driver’s license for two years, and meet current medical standards for drivers.

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

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

• Authorizes you to drive a taxicab or a motor vehicle in a "ride-sharing service" with a seating capacity less than 10 passengers including the driver. 
• A road test  may be not required if you have a valid PEI driver’s license, are not in the Graduated Driver Licensing Program, 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: Cars and light trucks

• Authorizes you to drive any small vehicle not exceeding 14,000 kg gross mass, excluding  ambulances, taxis, motorcycles or truck-tractors. 
• Permits operation of farm tractors, mopeds or motor-assisted pedal bicycles, and towing vehicles under 4,500 kg gross mass.

You must be at least 17 years old, or 16 years old with 275 days in a driver education program.

Class 6: Motorcycle

• Authorizes you to operate all 2 and 3 wheeled motorcycles. 
• If your road test is completed on a motorcycle under 550 cc, a restricted Class 6 will be issued, allowing you to operate only motorcycles under 550 cc.
• If your road test is completed on a 3 wheeled motorcycle, a restricted Class 6 will be issued, allowing you to operate only 3 wheeled motorcycles. 

You must be at least 17 years old or 16 years old if you have completed 275 days in a driver education program. 

Class 7: Instruction Driver's Permit 

• Authorizes you to drive a motor vehicle, motorcycle or moped without the required Classes 5, 6 or 8 as long as you are receiving instruction for that motor vehicle and you are accompanied by another person who has held a valid driver’s license for at least 4 years of the class required for that vehicle. 

You must be 16 years old. 

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

Class 8: Moped or motor-assisted pedal bicycle

• Authorizes you to operate a moped or motor-assisted pedal bicycle. 

You must be at least 17 years old or 16 years old if you have completed 275 days in a driver education program.

Class 9: Farm tractor

• Authorizes you to operate a farm tractor. You must be at least 14 years old.