Since January 17 2010, the Quebec government decided to reinstate the mandatory driving course. The Road and Safety Education Program (RSEP) is for anyone who does not hold or has never held a Class 5 learner’s licence or a probationary licence ( for foreign students, please contact the SAAQ before registering) . It was developed in light of the latest knowledge in the field of driver training.
The program that has been implemented includes 4 phases, with alternating theoretical instruction and practical training. There are a total of 24 hours of theoretical instruction in a series of 12 two-hour modules. The practical training includes 15 one-hour on-road instruction sessions for a total of 15 hours supplied by the driving school.
The second written exam is administered by the SAAQ in their premises. Indeed, 10 months after obtaining his learner’s licence, the aspiring driver who has completed all theoretical training given by the driving school (Phases 2, 3 and 4) may go to the SAAQ and pass the theoretical exam.
Subsequently, 12 months after obtaining his learner’s licence, the aspiring driver who has passed the SAAQ theoretical exam and received his certificate of achievement may go to the SAAQ to pass the road test and obtain his licence.
Train a new generation of drivers, is to prepare them to behave on the road rather than simply drive.
(NB) Note that to get their learner’s licence, Canadian citizens can go straight to the SAAQ. However, non-citizens have to call the SAAQ and request an appointment to open a file.