The SAAQ road test checks whether you can drive safely and independently in real traffic, not whether you can perform a perfect manoeuvre. You can book it once you've held your learner's licence for 12 months and passed the knowledge test. If you don't pass, you must wait at least 28 days before trying again.
Before test day
- Use your final in-car session well. Session 15 of the course is a full review before the test. Ask your instructor to run it like the real thing.
- Drive often in the last month. Short, frequent practice with your accompanying rider keeps skills sharp. Cover busy intersections, lane changes, school zones and parking.
- Prepare the car. The examiner checks the vehicle before the test starts. Lights, signals, horn, tires, windows and mirrors must all work. No car? Omega rents road-test cars at SAAQ Henri-Bourassa, Kirkland, Longueuil and Langelier.
- Bring your documents. Your learner's licence, plus the registration and proof of insurance if you bring your own car. Check your SAAQ appointment confirmation for the full list.
Habits our instructors see costing points
- Observation: missing mirror and shoulder checks before lane changes and turns, or not scanning intersections.
- Incomplete stops: rolling through stop signs, or stopping past the line.
- Speed: drifting over the limit, especially in school zones and bad weather.
- Right-of-way: not yielding to pedestrians, cyclists and buses. Montreal tests include plenty of all three.
- Signals: signalling late, or not at all, for turns, lane changes and pull-outs.
- Right on red: it's banned on the island of Montreal unless a sign allows it.
- Overcorrecting after a small mistake instead of moving on.
On the day
Arrive early so you're not rushed. Listen to each instruction, and if you're unsure, ask the examiner to repeat it. If you make a small mistake, let it go and focus on the next decision. Examiners assess how you drive overall.
Frequently asked questions
When can I take the SAAQ road test?
After holding your learner's licence for 12 months and passing the knowledge test.
What happens if I fail?
You must wait at least 28 days, then book a new appointment.
Can I rent a car for the road test?
Yes. Omega offers road-test car rentals at SAAQ Henri-Bourassa, Kirkland, Longueuil and Langelier.
I already have my learner's licence. Can I just take a few lessons?
Yes. Omega's refresher course lets you book from 1 to 12 hours of in-car driving before your test.
Get road-test ready with Omega
Book a refresher or a road-test car at Sherbrooke-NDG (514-908-2580) or Guy-Concordia (514-989- 2121), or register online.
Related: How to Get Your Driver's Licence in Québec · How to Parallel Park