Driver's Licence

Conditions to Obtain a New Licence

At the end of a prohibition period, where a driver's licence has been revoked or the right to obtain a licence has been suspended under the Highway Safety Code, the offender may apply for a new driver's licence, probationary licence or learner's licence provided he or she complies with certain conditions and pays, in addition to the cost of a driver's licence, an additional insurance contribution, which may vary between $300 and $400, depending on the number of offences entered on the driver's record.

In the case of an impaired driving conviction, the conditions to obtain a licence again are as follows:

After a 1st offence:

• undergo a summary assessment conducted through the Programme d'évaluation des conducteurs automobile (PECA), administered by the Association des centres de réadaptation en dépendance du Québec, to determine if the offender's behaviour with respect to alcohol is compatible with the safe operation of a vehicle and submit an attestation to the SAAQ showing that the summary assessment report is favourable;
• ensure that no new offence has been entered on the driver's record since the initial penalty;
• complete the Alcofrein education program recognized by the Québec Minister of Transport (if the summary assessment is favourable).

If the summary assessment is unfavourable, in the case of a 2nd or subsequent offence, if the offender's blood-alcohol level was above 160 mg/100 ml, or if the offender refused to provide a breath or blood sample or refused to submit to physical coordination tests:

• undergo a comprehensive assessment conducted through the Programme d'évaluation des conducteurs automobile (PECA), administered by the Association des centres de réadaptation en dépendance du Québec, which aims to make the individual's relationship with regard to alcohol is compatible with the safe operation of a vehicle;
• if the report is satisfactory in the opinion of the SAAQ, the offender will be required to drive a vehicle equipped with an alcohol ignition interlock device for a period of:
  • 1 year, for a 1st offence (2 years if the offender's blood-alcohol level was above 160 mg/100 ml or for a refusal to provide a breath or blood sample, or refusal to submit to physical coordination tests),
  • 2 years, for a 2nd offence (3 years if the offender's blood-alcohol level was above 160 mg/100 ml or for a refusal to provide a breath or blood sample, or a refusal to submit to physical coordination tests, or mandatory use of the device for life in the case of a 2nd offence with a blood-alcohol level above 160 mg/100 ml of blood or for a refusal to provide a breath or blood sample, or a refusal to submit to physical coordination tests),
  • 3 years, for a 3rd or subsequent offence (or for life in the case of a 2nd offence with a blood-alcohol level above 160 mg/100 ml or for a refusal to provide a breath or blood sample, or a refusal to submit to physical coordination tests).

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