NL Driver's License

How to Get NL Driver’s License: Requirements & Renewal Guide

From Signal Hill to Gros Morne National Park, your NL driver’s license unlocks a world of beautiful destinations! Take the wheel and create memories that last a lifetime. Your Newfoundland and Labrador driver’s license is your key to unforgettable experiences. Now exploring Newfoundland and Labrador can be a reality with your very own NL driver’s permit. So get your learner’s permit nl today and join the adventure.

NL Driver’s License

Driving in Newfoundland and Labrador requires a special document known as mygov nl permit. Newfoundland and Labrador is located on Canada’s easternmost edge. It is a province renowned for its stunning natural beauty.

And if you want to drive in this region you need to clear the NL driving test. This official driving license is issued by the provincial government. It gives individuals the legal right to operate a motor vehicle on the province’s roads. The nl driving permit test serves two important purposes:

  • Proving that the holder is allowed to drive and has the necessary driving skills
  • Providing a form of identification. 

Eligibility Requirements

Getting an NL driver’s license involves meeting specific requirements that the applicant must meet. Following are the requirements given below:

  • Applicants need to meet the age requirements. Like the minimum age for a regular Class 5 license is 16 years old.
  • You need to be a resident of Newfoundland and Labrador with legal status in Canada.
  • Applicants need to pass the written knowledge drivers test nl. The test is of about 40 MCQs that the drivers need to pass.
  • For getting a driver’s permit nl, applicants also need to pass the road test. This involves demonstrating your practical driving skills. 
  • If the driver is under the age of 18 then parental consent is required

The Newfoundland driving test is designed to ensure that applicants are skilled and knowledgeable enough to drive safely on the roads. So, if you’re planning to drive in Newfoundland and Labrador, make sure to clear your nl permit test!

What Documents Are Required?

For your nl drivers permit test, you need to bring the following documents:

  • Proof of insurance
  • A valid copy of vehicle registration
  • Motor Vehicle in good working condition
  • Road Test Payment Receipt

Who Needs to Renew Their Licence in NL?

Newfoundland and Labrador require driver’s licenses to be renewed every 5 years, with the expiry date indicating the last day it is valid. Licenses can be renewed up to 6 months before the expiry date, and driving without a valid license can result in heavy fines and penalties. Some reasons you may need to renew your NL driver’s license on time include:

  • Expired licenses
  • Renewing a license before reaching expiry
  • Renewal after suspension periods
  • Renewing your graduated levels license
  • Renewal of a foreign license which is about to expire. 

Newly resident of NL has 90 days to switch licenses, and failing to renew on time could affect car insurance rates, so it’s crucial to renew on time.

How to Renew Your Licence Online in NL

Newfoundland and Labrador’s MyGovNL website offers an easy way to renew a driver’s license from home. To do so, 

  • Create an account and provide personal details like your license number and address.
  • Log in to the renewal service, pay the fee online, and follow the instructions. 
  • The MyGovNL system will process and approve your renewal, and you should receive your new license with updated information within a few weeks. 
  • Print or save a temporary document as a valid ID until your new license arrives. 

This convenient and quickest way to renew your license in NL eliminates the need for in-person visits or taking time off work.

In-Person Licence Renewal in NL

Visit an MRD office in St. John’s or Port aux Basques for in-person license renewals or updating details, with over 20 locations across the province. 

Some of the larger and busier MRD offices are:

  • Corner Brook, 84 Mount Bernard Avenue
  • Gander – 136 Airport Boulevard
  • St. John’s, 90 O’Leary Avenue
  • Mount Pearl, 2 Alberta Dr

The Government of NL website provides a complete list of MRD office locations. Many locations ask you to schedule an appointment online in advance using the Motor Registration online booking service. Schedule an appointment:

  • Visit https://www.gov.nl.ca/.
  • Select Motor Registration as the service option.
  • Select your favorite date, time, and location.
  • Enter your information to arrange your appointment.

When renewing in person, print or screenshot your confirmation. Arrive 10-15 minutes early, with your confirmation, renewal notification, and paperwork available.

Renewal for Seniors and Older Drivers

Newfoundland and Labrador offers reduced license fees for seniors over 65, saving $35 on the regular 5-year renewal fee of $100. For those 80 and older, license renewals are required every two years and require a medical exam. Important tips for mature drivers include keeping prescription eyewear updated, taking a refresher driving course, and monitoring cognitive or physical changes. Renewing on time is crucial as fees and testing requirements can become more stringent if a license lapses. Overall, seniors in Newfoundland and Labrador can enjoy significant savings when renewing their driver’s license.

Renewing a Lapsed Licence in NL

Newfoundland and Labrador drivers have a grace period of up to 5 years to renew their license, without retaking written or road tests, after the expiry date.

To renew a lapsed license in NL:

  • If your license has been expired for less than 13 months, you can renew it online through MyGovNL or in person at a Motor Registration office.
  • If your license has been expired for more than 13 months but less than 5 years, you must renew it in person and submit valid evidence of identity.

To renew a lapsed license in New Zealand, you must renew within the 5 year grace period, as it’s illegal to drive with an expired license. Vehicle registration services are also unavailable. If your NL driver’s license has expired for more than 5 years, you must reapply for a new one, requiring retaking written and road tests.

  • Prepare for and pass the written knowledge test.
  • If you pass the written test, you can schedule a road test appointment.
  • Pass the road test to get your new NL driver’s license.

Renew your NL driver’s license before the 5 year mark to maintain driving privileges in the province and avoid retaking written and road tests.

Replacing a Lost or Stolen License in NL

Reporting a lost or stolen driver’s licence in Newfoundland and Labrador can be stressful, but it’s essential to understand the process and obtain a replacement.

Report Lost 

To report a lost or stolen licence, visit your nearest Motor Registration Division office and fill out an official form declaring it lost. Provide details on the circumstances of the loss to alert authorities.

Fee

In NL, replacing a lost Class 5 license costs $61.25 as of 2022, with fees varying for other license classes. Payment is required before issuing a replacement license.

Replacement Application

To replace a lost or stolen license in Newfoundland and Labrador, complete an application at the MRD office and provide necessary documentation. Once approved, a replacement license will be issued on the spot. Allow extra time for the process, as additional steps may be required. Proper reporting and application ensure prompt replacement.

Cost of Licence Renewal in NL

Newfoundland and Labrador driver’s license renewal fees vary based on age and class of license.

 

Class  Cost Type of Vehicle 
Class 5 Licence 
  • $100 for drivers under 65
  • $65 for drivers 65+
Regular passenger vehicle
Class 4 Licence
  • $100 for drivers under 65
  • $65 for drivers 65+
Taxis, ambulances, limos
Class 3 License  $100 Small buses, straight trucks
Class 2 License  $100 Buses, school buses
Class 1 License  $100 Semi-trucks, large buses

Senior drivers aged 65+ can enjoy discounts on certain licence classes, with the 5-year renewal fee reduced to $65 from $100. Service NL also provides exemptions for drivers 65+ and receiving the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), allowing them to renew their Class 5 or 4 license for free every two years.

License Classes

In Newfoundland and Labrador different nl driver’s license classes are available for different types of vehicles. The classes of driver’s license and the type of vehicle that you can drive with the license are given below: 

    • Class 8: The class 8 nl driver’s license allows the holder to operate only traction engine vehicles.
    • Class 6: The license allows you to operate a Motorcycle. Class 6 allows you to drive a motorcycle without any restrictions. But to reach class 6 you need to pass:
      • Class 6l: Its a Novice Driver Level I learner license. Before being eligible for a road test, all drivers are required to spend 12 months in this class.
  • Class 6ll: It’s the second stage that also comes with some restrictions. Only by clearing this stage applicants can proceed.   
  • Class 5: The class 5 drivers test Newfoundland allows you to drive Passenger Vehicles and Light Trucks. But to get a full class 5 mygov nl permit you need to pass the following two stages:
      • Class 5l: Its a level 1 Novice Driver learner license that comes with certain restrictions. No passenger is allowed in level 1
      • Class 5ll: The second level also comes with certain restrictions that the applicant has to clear. Passengers are allowed but with a restricted number of seat belts
  • Class 4: The license allows the holder to operate taxis and ambulances. You are allowed to operate all Class 5 motor vehicles, and buses with a capacity of up to 24 passengers.
    • Class 3: The  class 3 nl driver’s license allows the holder to drive trucks with three or more axles. It includes combinations of vehicles, and other classes as indicated by endorsements. 
  • Class 2: The license allows the holder to drive all buses with a capacity of over 24 passengers. It also includes other classes specified by endorsements.
  • Class 1: The license allows the holder to drive all semi-trailer trucks and other classes indicated by endorsements.

Tips For Passing

Following are some of the tips that will help you pass your Newfoundland driving test:

  • For getting your nl driver’s license and passing the test, you need to prepare from the Newfoundland Driver’s Handbook. It contains essential information about road signs, rules, and safe driving practices. 
  • Get as much practice as possible before the test. The more you practice the more chances you will have of passing the test.
  • Its better if you enroll is a driving school Canada. Experienced instrictors can provide the  driving guide that you might need.
  • Remember tpo check the blind spots and be aware of your surroundings.
  • The most important thing is to remain calm. Although its not easy but panic will only worsen the situation.
  • Maintain a safe distance and avoid drifting into other lanes.

Conclusion 

To conclude, getting an nl driver’s license is a big achievement that gives you the freedom to travel around the province. For an nl driver’s permit, you have to meet certain requirements and pass driving tests. Once you have a license, you must follow the road rules and keep everyone safe.

Having a license lets you enjoy the province’s beautiful landscapes. But it also means you have a responsibility to make sure the roads are safe for everyone in the community. And if you need any guidance or driving lessons regarding the tests then G-Class Drivers can help you. So start your journey today with us!

FAQs

Do you need an appointment to renew your driver’s license in NL?
No, you typically do not need an appointment, but it is recommended to check with your local DMV as some locations may offer or require appointments for faster service.

What does it cost to register a vehicle in NL?
Vehicle registration in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) typically costs between $140 and $180, depending on the vehicle type and other factors.

What does “R” mean on an NL driver’s license?
“R” indicates a restricted or novice driver in Newfoundland and Labrador, often under the Graduated Driver Licensing program.

How to get a license in NL?
To get a license in NL, complete a written test for a learner’s permit, undergo driver education, pass a road test, and progress through the Graduated Driver Licensing stages.

What is the legal driving age in NL?
The legal driving age in Newfoundland and Labrador is 16 years old.

How long does it take to get a driver’s license in NL?
It takes at least 2 years to complete all stages of the Graduated Driver Licensing process in NL.

Enroll Now & Start Driving With Confidence

MTO Approved Courses
Knowledge Test Preparation
Road Test Preparation
In Class Schedule Courses
Online Driver Education
G & G2 Licence Preparation
Defensive Driving Course

Enroll Now & Start Driving With Confidence

MTO Approved Courses
Knowledge Test Preparation
Road Test Preparation
In Class Schedule Courses
Online Driver Education
G & G2 Licence Preparation

Defensive Driving Course