Graduated Driver Licensing Program (GDL)
Beginner drivers in PEI must follow a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system before being issued a standard Class 5 driver’s.
The GDL program consists of three stages designed to gradually introduce drivers to higher risk driving situations as they gain experience in lower risk situations. It takes a minimum of three years to complete the program. If you enroll in a certified driver education program you may be able to complete the GDL program in a minimum of two years and 275 days.
Download a copy of the Graduated Driver Licensing Program Information Booklet.
When can I start the Graduated Driver License Program?
If you are 16 years of age or older, you may apply for an Instruction Driver's Permit (Class 7 license) also known as a Beginner’s Permit. This allows you to operate a motor vehicle under supervision for driving instruction during Stage 1.
This permit is valid for two years from the date of issue. Find how to apply at Getting an Instruction Driver’s Permit in PEI.
What are the three stages of the GDL Program?
Stage 1: (L)
Once you receive your Instruction Driver’s Permit and enter Stage 1, you are required to wait 365 days before you are eligible for a road test to obtain your class 5 Driver's License and move to Stage 2. This period is reduced to 275 days if enrolled in a certified driver education program.
Along with your Instruction Driver’s Permit you will be issued a decal that must be displayed directly above the Motor Vehicle Inspection sticker on the windshield whenever you are driving. The decal is a bright yellow sticker with a large black “L” in the center, designed to be easily removed and transferred to any vehicle you are driving during this first stage.
The following restrictions apply to driving during Stage 1 (L):
- The driving supervisor must have held a valid driver`s license for at least four years.
- The driving supervisor must be in the front seat at all times when the learning driver is operating the vehicle.
- Only the driving supervisor and that person`s immediate family are permitted in the vehicle.
- The driving supervisor cannot have a blood alcohol content of .05 or more.
- You (the learning driver) must have a blood alcohol count of zero when operating a motor vehicle.
- There cannot be more people in the vehicle than the number of seatbelts in the vehicle. You can be fined for any passenger not wearing a seatbelt in a vehicle you are driving.
- You cannot use a hand-held cell phone or other hand-held device while driving. A hands-free cell phone is permitted.
- If you are under age 21, you are not allowed to drive at night between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m.
Stage 2: (G)
After you pass the road test, you will be issued your Class 5 driver’s license along with a new identifying decal that must be displayed on your windshield whenever you are driving. The decal is a bright yellow sticker with a large black “G” in the center.
This stage lasts for one full year (365 days) and includes the following driving restrictions:
- Only one non-family member is permitted as a passenger. All other passengers must be members of the driver’s immediate family.
- There cannot be more passengers in the vehicle than the number of seatbelts in the vehicle. You can be fined for any passenger not wearing a seatbelt in a vehicle you are driving.
- You must have a blood alcohol count (BAC) of zero when operating a motor vehicle.
- You cannot use a hand-held cell phone or other hand-held device while driving. A hands-free cell phone is permitted.
- If you are under age 21, you are not allowed to drive at night between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. unless you are accompanied by someone who has held a valid driver’s licence for at least four years and does not have a blood alcohol content level of .05 or more.
- You may request an exemption for work purposes only at Complete the application for exemption from night-time driving restriction.
- You may request an exemption for work purposes only at Complete the application for exemption from night-time driving restriction.
If you fail to comply with the above restrictions during Stage 2, you will be suspended from driving for 30 days for the first offence and 90 days for second offence. This will also extend the duration of your GDL program.
Stage 3: (G)
Once you successfully complete the second stage, you will enter Stage 3, which lasts another full year (365 days). You are still required to display the identifying “G” decal on the windshield of any vehicle you are driving.
The following restrictions apply to driving during Stage 3 (G):
- You are allowed as many passengers as there are available seat belts in the vehicle. You can be fined for any passenger not wearing a seatbelt in a vehicle you are driving.
- You cannot use a hand-held cell phone or other hand-held device while driving. A hands-free cell phone is permitted.
- You must have a blood alcohol count (BAC) of zero when operating a motor vehicle.
Any restriction fines you receive will result in a suspension from driving for 30 days for first offence, and 90 days for second offence. This will also extend the duration of your GDL program.
What if I lose or damage my decal?
If you misplace or tear your decal, you may obtain a replacement at any Access PEI office. If you are unable to get to an Access PEI office, you may print a temporary version of the decal and display it on your windshield or dashboard ensuring it is fully visible to law enforcement.
How do I know my driving stage?
If you are unsure about your driving status, contact any Access PEI office for assistance.
Who is considered immediate family?
If you are a newly licensed driver, the Highway Traffic Act 92.1(1) states that your immediate family members include:
- Your spouse or common-law partner
- Your father and mother and, if applicable, their spouse or common-law partner
- Your children and the children of your spouse or common-law partner
- Your grandchildren
- Your siblings
- Your grandparent
- Your spouse or common-law partner’s parents and, if applicable, their spouse or common-law partner
- Any relative who lives with you permanently or with whom you reside.