Instructor and student, hands on the wheel
Newcomers

Do you have driving experience acquired abroad? We support you, in your language.

Support available in French, English and Arabic.

Recognition of experience

A dedicated SAAQ service

The SAAQ has a service dedicated to recognizing driving experience acquired abroad. It can influence your path, but it does not replace the mandatory PESR training.

The exact documents and proof accepted by the SAAQ are not confirmed on this page — we do not provide a precise list in order to avoid any error. Contact us or check directly with the SAAQ for the exact details.

Your path

How it fits with the program

How foreign experience fits with the SAAQ program
Your situationWhat it means
New candidateFull PESR training required (125h).
Quebec class 2/3 licence for 24 months+Bridge program possible.

Foreign experience alone does not automatically grant access to the bridge program. Take the test to find out where you stand.

Human support

Oral support, in your language

Our team offers support in French, English and Arabic — a human service, not just a translation of the site.

Steps

Your path in 4 steps

1

SAAQ recognition process

2

School's eligibility quiz

3

Free call, in Arabic if needed

4

Enrollment in the program or bridge program

Free review of your file

Our team reviews your file for free and proposes tailored solutions. No payment before the review.

Financing

Options adapted to you

Our school offers an in-house payment plan and Desjardins financing. There is currently no financing program specific to newcomers.

See financing options →

Final recognition of driving experience and eligibility for a class 1 licence or an adapted training program remain determined exclusively by the SAAQ.

See eligibility FAQs →