Driving
Getting your driver’s license (class 5):
If you are a new driver (i.e., you have never had a driver’s license):
You will need to obtain a
LEARNER’S LICENSE (Class 7) by passing two written tests, one on highway signs, and another on the road-safety code. Each test includes 20 multiple choice questions. To pass, you must answer 16 questions correctly. The tests may be taken in French or in English.
Preparing for the tests: review and study this guide.
Taking the test:
- Take the test online by clicking here.
or
- Make an appointment to take the test at the test centre by dialling 1-800-898-7668 (toll-free), and prepare the documents required on page 8 of this link.
Taking an eye exam: this eye exam takes place at the Registry of Motor Vehicles or at an Access Nova Scotia Centre. (list of offices)
Pay the Learner’s Licence fee at the Registry of Motor Vehicles or at an Access Nova Scotia Centre. (list of offices)
IMPORTANT
- Keep your receipt for the Learner’s Licence fee. If you lose this receipt or forget to bring it to the driving test, you will have to pay this fee again.
- Your Learner’s Licence is valid for 1 year.
THE NEWLY LICENSED DRIVER’S LICENCE (Class 5N)
Preparing for the test:
Driver Education courses are not mandatory in Nova Scotia.
- If you choose to practise driving without attending a driving school, you must be accompanied by an experienced driver, who is sitting in the front seat of the car while you drive, and you cannot transport other passengers. An experienced driver is someone who has held a valid driver’s licence for at least two years. In this case, you must wait (practise) at least six months before taking the driving test.
- If you choose to take driving lessons, you can take them in Chéticamp at
Breton Driving School
Telephone: 902-302-7128
Email: [email protected]
In this case, the waiting period before taking the driving examination is only 3 months.
Pay the driving examination fee and ask for a receipt.
Make an appointment for the driver test by dialling 1-800-898-7668 (toll-free). You will need the number on your receipt to make an appointment.
IMPORTANT
Taking the driving examination
On the day of the examination, you must bring along:
- the receipt for the driving examination fee
- a vehicle for the driving examination, preferably one that you have already driven, that you find comfortable to drive and that you know well. Your vehicle must be in good condition and have a valid inspection sticker
- your Learner’s Licence
- the vehicle permit of the vehicle that you will be driving during the examination
- a valid insurance card in the name of the owner of the vehicle in question.
The driving examination will be cancelled if road or weather conditions are dangerous for driving at the agreed time.
You must apply for your Newly Licensed Driver’s Licence within 6 months of passing the examination, otherwise you will have to retake the driving examination.
For more details on how the examination works, review pages 15-16 of this link.
For two years, your Newly Licensed Driver’s Licence will be subject to restrictions that you can review on pages 17-18 of this link.
To get your PERMANENT DRIVER’S LICENCE, you will have to drive for two years before exchanging your learner’s licence for a permanent one at a Registry of Motor Vehicles service point or at any Access Nova Scotia Centre.
If you already hold a driver’s licence
- from another Canadian province: you can normally exchange your driver’s licence for a Nova Scotia licence. You do not need to take a knowledge test or a road test according to the conditions set out on page 6 of this link.
- from another country: You cannot generally exchange it for a Nova Scotia driver’s licence. In this case, you will have to proceed as a new driver.
Buying a car:
If you are thinking of buying a new vehicle, don’t forget that thorough research before visiting a dealer will enable you to negotiate more effectively and get the best price.
When purchasing a used car, Service Nova Scotia provides practical and reliable advice.
Insuring your car
It is important to know that it is MANDATORY to insure your vehicle. Driving without insurance in Nova Scotia is a serious offence which results in financial penalties (fines, impoundment), administrative penalties (suspension of driver’s licence, vehicle seizure) and even prosecution.
To obtain a vehicle permit, insurance is compulsory.
Ask your friends and colleagues for advice to find the insurance policy most suited to your needs.
Vehicle registration
You must apply for a vehicle permit. You will find all the information here.
If you would like to register your vehicle with an Acadian flag licence plate, click here.
Getting Around Using Public Transportation
L’Acabie Transport:
La Coopérative de Transport de Chéticamp, better known as L’Acabie, is community-based, charitable, non-profit, cooperative transportation. It was established in 2010 and started operating in 2012.
L’Acabie provides transportation services to riders in northern Inverness County and surrounding areas (you will find the map of the area served here), whether they are elderly, disabled or persons with reduced mobility, as well as anyone needing transportation.
L’Acabie is a member of RTA, the Rural Transportation Association. RTA is a group that organizes similar types of transportation around the Province of Nova Scotia.
Telephone: 902-224-5069
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lacabietransport/about
Rates: https://lacabietransport.ruralrides.ca/find-a-ride/#types-of-service
Strait Area Transit:
Strait Area Transit is a non-profit community transportation system serving the Strait area since 2007. It is a safe, reliable and affordable option aimed at improving the quality of life for all residents of the strait area (Inverness and Richmond Counties, and Port Hawkesbury). We are delighted to connect the communities of Cape Breton Island and beyond.
Telephone: 902-625-1475
Email: [email protected]
Rates: https://www.satbus.ca/service-rates
Reservation: https://www.satbus.ca/book-here
Taking a Taxi
Contact Gaby’s taxi at 902-224-5078
Cycling
You can buy or have your bicycle repaired at
Vélo-Max Cycling
Telephone: 902-224-7944
Cape Breton Highlands Park awaits! Take a ride on the Cabot Trail, named by Lonely Planet as one of the world’s top ten cycling destinations. For more information, click here.