Novice Driver Course for Newcomers (NDCN)

Driving is a complex activity and the rules for driving can be significantly different from country to country.

Additionally, the security standards for driver license issuance and documentation varies significantly from one country to another including the availability of driving records.

September 30, 2019, the Province introduced a Novice Driver Course for Newcomers (NDCN) for all drivers exchanging a driver`s license from a country that does not have a formal driver license exchange agreement with the Province of Prince Edward Island (PEI).

PEI does have driver license exchange agreements with Austria, Australia, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales including Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man) for the exchange of Class 5 and 6 driver licenses, with France for the exchange of a Class 5 driver`s license and the United States for Class 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 driver licenses.

The NDCN is a mandatory educational program for all drivers unless 1) the driver has completed an approved PEI driver education program 2) the driver is exchanging a driver`s license from a country PEI has a formal driver license exchange reciprocity agreement or 3) a driver has successfully completed the rules of the road knowledge exams before the official start date of September 30, 2019.

The NDCN must be completed before taking the first road test for a PEI driver`s license.

The NDCN is in addition to the rules of the road knowledge exams that are already in place. 

The NDCN can only be booked after successfully passing the rules of the road knowledge exams.

Once the rules of the road knowledge exams have been passed, the NDCN can be booked and a photo for an identification card will be taken.

The identification card will be mailed out to those successfully completing the rules of the road knowledge exams.

There is a MINIMUM 30 DAY wait period for the NDCN to insure class size and the participant has received their identification card.

Persons taking the NDCN will be required to bring their identification card to the course instructor for admittance to the course. This will insure the participant will receive proper credit for completing the NDCN.

Some of the topics covered by the NDCN:

• Graduated Driver Licensing Program
• Demerit Point System
• Rules of the Road : School Bus Safety, distracted driving (cell phones, texting)
• Common mistakes, driving errors and traffic violations made by drivers who fail a road exam
• Aspects of the Criminal Code related to Impaired Driving
• Alcohol and Drug Education
• Registration for Vehicles, Insurance requirements and the Motor Vehicle Inspection Program
• Handling certain driving conditions such as winter driving
• The use of certain safety equipment such as Child Safety Seats/Booster Seats, Winter Tires etc

The NDCN is approximately 5 hours and depending on location is taught in one or two sessions.

A registration fee of $100 plus HST ($115 total) is required for the course.

There is a $20 fee for the Identification card.

The NDCN is also open to anyone who wishes to take the course.

To inquire about times, a course location, and to register visit the nearest Access PEI location. 

Driving With An Out-of-Province License

It is important to note under the Highway Traffic Act, newcomers may use their driver`s license to drive in Prince Edward Island for up to four months after they become a resident of the Province.

This period of time will be extended if an individual has started but not completed the driver license exchange process within the four months.

Also drivers with a 6 month Visitor`s Visa are not required or eligible for a PEI driver`s license.

These Visitors may drive for the duration of their Visitor`s Visa.

A non-resident employed in the PEI agricultural or fishing industry under the Government of Canada Guest Worker Program and hold a valid foreign driver’s license equal to a PEI Class 5 and an International Driver’s Permit, may operate a vehicle that requires a Class 5 driver’s license in this province for up to eight months in any one year without being required to do a driver`s license exchange.

Note: Individuals attending university or college full-time may drive in PEI with their license as long as it is valid and, if required, accompanied by an International Driver's Permit.

Providing more information and educational programs benefits everyone that uses the Province`s highways.