New Brunswick's Level 2 License Explained

A Level 2 license in New Brunswick is the second stage of the New Brunswick Graduated License Program. It allows new drivers to practice driving without supervision during daylight hours. The intention of this licensing level is to give new drivers the opportunity to gain valuable driving experience before they attempt to get their Class 5 license, which is the final, full car license. To get a Level 2 license, drivers must pass a road test to demonstrate their driving skills and judgment in lower-risk situations.

Requirements for a Level 2 license

To obtain a Level 2 driver's license in New Brunswick, you must meet several requirements and complete a series of steps. Here is a detailed guide to help you understand the process:

Eligibility:

To be eligible for a Level 2 license, you must have held your Class 7 Level 1 license (learner's license) for at least 12 months. If you have completed an approved driver training course, this waiting period can be reduced to eight months. During this time, you should gain practical driving experience and familiarize yourself with the road rules and traffic signs.

Required Documents:

When you are ready to apply for your Level 2 license, ensure you have the necessary documents, including:

• A birth certificate (original or certified copy)
• A passport (if available)
• Proof of identity and residency in New Brunswick, such as utility bills, pay stubs, or income tax forms
• Parental or legal guardian consent if you are under 19 years of age

Booking Your Road Test:

Book your road test in advance through a Driver Examiner Services location. It is recommended to arrive at least 30 minutes early for your appointment to ensure you are calm and focused for the test. The road test will assess your driving skills and ability to navigate different road situations, traffic conditions, and potential hazards.

Test Vehicle Requirements:

For your road test, ensure that your vehicle meets the required standards and safety criteria. It should be in good working order, pass the New Brunswick Justice and Public Safety Motor Vehicle Inspections, and have valid motor vehicle registration and insurance.

Test Fees:

Be prepared to pay the associated test fees for your Level 2 license road test. The test fee for each attempt is $25, so ensure you are well-prepared to increase your chances of passing.

Passing the Road Test:

The road test will evaluate your driving skills, including parallel parking, lane shifts, vehicle turns, and more. If you do not pass on your first attempt, you can retake the test after a week. Subsequent failures will require longer waiting periods before retaking the test.

Restrictions and Responsibilities:

Even after obtaining your Level 2 license, there are still some restrictions to keep in mind. You are limited to having only three passengers in the vehicle with you. Additionally, if you are under 21 years of age, there are specific conditions under which you are permitted to drive between midnight and 5 am. These include driving with a supervising driver, driving for work or education, or in an emergency situation.

Remember, the goal of the graduated licensing program in New Brunswick is to ensure new drivers develop strong road awareness and driving skills to maintain the safety of all road users. Always abide by the traffic rules and regulations, and practice safe driving habits.

How to prepare for the road test

A Class 7 Level 2 Licence in New Brunswick allows you to drive vehicles described in Class 5 with the exception of Class 9 (motor-driven cycles). To prepare for the road test, you should:

• Book your New Brunswick driving test in advance through a Driver Examiner Services location.
• Study the New Brunswick Driver's Handbook. This will help you to demonstrate your knowledge of road signs and road rules during the test.
• Practice driving as much as possible in different road conditions and at different times with a supervising driver.
• Ensure your vehicle meets New Brunswick vehicle safety standards, has a valid motor vehicle registration, and insurance card.
• Get a good night's sleep before your test and arrive at the test centre at least 30 minutes early.
• Bring three types of ID documents to your driving test: a minimum of one document to provide proof of identification and a minimum of two documents to provide acceptable proof of New Brunswick residency.
• Be prepared to pay a test fee of $25 for each attempt.

Restrictions for Level 2 license holders

A Level 2 license is the second stage of the New Brunswick Graduated License Program. It is a more advanced licensing level that allows new drivers to practice driving without supervision during daylight hours. This stage is meant to give new drivers the opportunity to gain valuable driving experience before they attempt to get their full Class 5 license. Here are the restrictions for Level 2 license holders:

Restriction on Number of Passengers

Level 2 license holders are restricted to having only three passengers in the vehicle with them. Studies have shown that the more passengers there are in a vehicle, the higher the risk of collision.

Restricted Nighttime Driving

Level 2 drivers under the age of 21 are restricted from driving between midnight and 5 am unless they meet certain conditions. They may drive during these hours if:

• They are driving with a supervising driver with at least three years of driving experience
• They are driving to or from work or school
• They are driving in an emergency situation
• They have permission from the Registrar of Motor Vehicles
• They are 21 years of age or older

Zero Blood Alcohol Level

The Class 7 licensing level, which includes Level 1 and Level 2, mandates that drivers must maintain a zero blood alcohol level at all times.

No Electronic Devices

Level 2 license holders are not permitted to use handheld devices such as cell phones or tablets while driving. Doing so is illegal and could result in a license suspension.

How to get a Level 1 license

To get a Level 1 license in New Brunswick, you must be at least 16 years old. If you are under 18, you will need to provide consent documentation witnessed by a non-relative. You will also need to provide proof of identity and New Brunswick residency, as well as associated test fees.

The first step in the process is to pass a written test that assesses your knowledge of New Brunswick road signs and road rules. This stage is theory-based and helps new drivers understand the fundamentals of driving before they get behind the wheel of a car. You can prepare for the written test by studying the New Brunswick Driver's Handbook and taking practice tests. The written test consists of 40 multiple-choice questions, and you must score a minimum of 32/40 to pass. In addition to the written test, you will also need to pass a vision screening (20/40 best eye).

Once you have passed the written test and vision screening, you will be granted a Class 7 Level 1 license, which is valid for four years. At this stage, you are only permitted to drive with an accompanying driver in the front passenger seat (Class 5 or higher license with a minimum of three years of experience). Your blood alcohol level must always be zero, and you are not allowed to have any passengers in the vehicle except for the supervising driver. There are also restrictions on driving at night, with Level 1 license holders prohibited from driving between midnight and 5 am.

How long it takes to get a full license

A full driver's license in New Brunswick, known as a Class 5 license, is the final stage of the New Brunswick Graduated License Program. This program was developed by the New Brunswick Department of Public Safety to ensure the safe integration of new drivers onto the roads and highways of New Brunswick. The program is focused on experience rather than age, with statistics showing that new drivers have more collisions due to their inexperience.

The process of obtaining a full license typically takes a minimum of 24 months, with drivers progressing through three levels of licensing. The first level, known as the Class 7 Level 1 license, is the learner level where new drivers are required to pass a written test and a vision screening. The second level, the Class 7 Level 2 license, allows new drivers to practice driving without supervision during daylight hours. To obtain this license, drivers must hold their Class 7 Level 1 license for a minimum of 12 months and pass a road test. It is important to note that drivers under the age of 21 with a Class 7 Level 2 license are not allowed to drive between midnight and 5 am unless accompanied by a licensed driver.

After obtaining a Class 7 Level 2 license, drivers must practice safe driving for another 12 months before they can apply for their Class 5 license. During this period, it is crucial to remain suspension and probation-free. Once all requirements are met and the driver has completed 24 months across levels 1 and 2, they will be eligible for their full, unrestricted Class 5 license. This license allows drivers to operate a vehicle unsupervised and without any restrictions, except those mandated by law, on any road or highway in New Brunswick.

Frequently asked questions