A Class 5 license is the standard license for driving most passenger vehicles on public roads

A Class 5 driver's license is the most common type of license in Canada. It permits you to operate a regular passenger car, pickup truck, van, or small SUV — basically any vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) under 11,000 kg and seating for no more than 15 people. This is the license most people get after passing their road test.

The specific rules and restrictions vary by province. In British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, Class 5 is the standard passenger vehicle license. In Ontario, it's called a G license. In Quebec, it's a Class 5 license. In Atlantic Canada, the naming and rules shift slightly by province. The core function is the same: it covers your daily driving — commuting, errands, family trips — but not commercial work or larger vehicles.

Key Takeaways

  • A Class 5 license covers passenger cars, small trucks, vans, and SUVs under 11,000 kg GVWR with seating for 15 or fewer people.
  • You must pass a written knowledge test and a practical road test to obtain a Class 5 license; the road test is usually taken after holding a learner's permit for a set period.
  • Class 5 licenses come with restrictions when newly issued — such as no driving between midnight and 5 a.m., no passengers under 20, or no handheld phone use — that vary by province and lift after a probation period.
  • You cannot use a Class 5 license to drive a commercial vehicle, tow a heavy trailer, or operate a bus or motorcycle; those require different license classes.
  • Renewal timelines and costs vary by province, typically ranging from three to five years between renewals.

How to get a Class 5 license: the step-by-step process

The path to a Class 5 license begins with a learner's permit, called different names in different provinces — a learner's license, a Class 7 in some provinces, or a G1 in Ontario. You explore at your provincial Service BC office, ServiceOntario, or equivalent body with proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of a valid Social Insurance Number. You then pass a written test covering road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices.

After holding the learner's permit for a minimum period — usually three to twelve months depending on your province and age — you book and take a practical road test. A provincial examiner watches you drive and scores your ability to handle the vehicle, follow traffic laws, and respond to hazards. If you pass, you receive your Class 5 license. If you fail, you can retake the test after a waiting period, usually two weeks to one month.

The entire process typically takes four to twelve months from learner's permit to full Class 5 license, depending on how quickly you book your road test and how many attempts you need. Some provinces allow you to take the road test sooner if you complete an approved driver training course.

Restrictions that explore to new Class 5 license holders

Most provinces impose a probation period on newly licensed drivers, usually lasting one to three years. During this time, your license carries restrictions that do not explore to experienced drivers. Common restrictions include a zero or low blood alcohol limit (often 0.0% for drivers under 21 or 25), a ban on driving between certain hours (often midnight to 5 a.m.), limits on the number of passengers you can carry, and prohibitions on handheld phone use while driving.

In Ontario, a new G2 license holder cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. and cannot use a handheld device while driving. In British Columbia, a new Class 5 driver faces a 0.0% blood alcohol limit and cannot drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. for the first 12 months. In Alberta, restrictions include a 0.0% alcohol limit and passenger limits for drivers under 18. These rules are designed to reduce crash risk among inexperienced drivers.

Restrictions are lifted automatically when your probation period ends, usually without any action on your part. Your license will show the end date of your probation period. If you accumulate too many demerit points or receive certain traffic convictions during probation, your license may be suspended or your probation extended.

What you cannot drive with a Class 5 license

A Class 5 license does not permit you to drive a commercial vehicle, even if you own it. If you want to operate a truck for work — hauling cargo, delivering goods, or operating a taxi — you need a Class 4 or Class 3 license, depending on the vehicle's weight and the type of work. These require additional testing and medical certification.

You also cannot tow a heavy trailer with a Class 5 license in most provinces. Towing rules vary: some provinces allow you to tow a light trailer (under a certain weight) with a Class 5, while others require a Class 5 with an air brake endorsement or a higher class. Check your provincial rules before towing anything behind your vehicle.

Motorcycles, mopeds, and three-wheelers require a separate Class 6 or Class M license. Buses and other vehicles designed to carry more than 15 passengers require a Class 2 license. If you want to operate any of these vehicles, you must take a separate test and obtain the appropriate license class.

How long a Class 5 license is valid and when to renew

The validity period for a Class 5 license depends on your province and age. In most provinces, a Class 5 license is valid for three to five years from the date of issue. Younger drivers (under 25) sometimes receive shorter validity periods — two or three years — to encourage more frequent medical checks and rule updates. Older drivers (over 80) may also face shorter renewal cycles.

Your license will display an expiration date. You can renew it before that date expires, usually starting 30 to 90 days before expiration. Renewal can often be done online, by mail, or in person at a Service BC office or equivalent provincial body. You will need to pay a renewal fee, which varies by province — typically between $50 and $150 CAD. If your license expires, you cannot legally drive, and you may face fines if stopped by police.

Some provinces require a vision test or medical examination as part of renewal, especially for drivers over a certain age. A few provinces now require renewal of your photo every 10 years even if your license is still valid, to keep your photo current.

Class 5 license costs and fees across provinces

The cost of obtaining and renewing a Class 5 license varies significantly by province. Initial issuance fees (for the learner's permit and full license combined) range from roughly $100 to $250 CAD. Renewal fees typically range from $50 to $150 CAD. Road test fees are separate and usually cost between $50 and $100 CAD per attempt.

Some provinces charge different fees for different age groups or for different validity periods. For example, a five-year license may cost more than a three-year license. If you need to replace a lost or damaged license, replacement fees are usually $20 to $50 CAD. Check your provincial Service BC, ServiceOntario, or equivalent website for exact current fees, as they change periodically.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive for Uber or DoorDash with a Class 5 license?

Yes, you can drive for rideshare or food delivery services with a Class 5 license, because you are driving your own passenger vehicle and not operating a commercial vehicle. However, you must carry appropriate insurance — standard personal auto insurance does not always cover rideshare work. Check with your insurer about rideshare endorsements or commercial coverage before you start.

What happens if I get a speeding ticket during my probation period?

A speeding ticket results in demerit points on your license. During probation, accumulating too many demerit points (usually 4 or more in most provinces) can trigger a license suspension or extend your probation period. The exact threshold depends on your province. You should pay the ticket or contest it in court; ignoring it will worsen the consequences.

Can I drive someone else's car with my Class 5 license?

Yes, you can drive someone else's car as long as you have their permission and the vehicle is insured. The insurance follows the vehicle, not the driver, so the owner's insurance will cover you while you drive. However, if you cause an accident, the claim goes against the owner's policy, which may raise their rates.

Do I need a Class 5 license to drive a motorhome or RV?

It depends on the motorhome's size. If the motorhome's GVWR is under 11,000 kg, a Class 5 license is sufficient. If it exceeds that weight, you need a Class 4 or Class 3 license. Check the motorhome's specifications or contact your provincial licensing authority to confirm which class you need before renting or purchasing.

What is the difference between a Class 5 and a Class 4 license?

A Class 4 license permits you to drive larger commercial vehicles, including heavy trucks and buses carrying up to 35 passengers. A Class 5 is limited to passenger vehicles under 11,000 kg with 15 or fewer seats. Class 4 requires additional medical certification and testing. Most people never need a Class 4 unless they work in transportation or trucking.