Nunavut · Learner’s testHow do you get a Nunavut driver’s licence?
You begin with the Class 7 learner’s licence and its tests, which the overview explains. After that, the manual sets these requirements:
| Licence | What you need |
|---|---|
| Class 5 or 6 | A valid learner’s licence, written tests, the vision standard and a road test |
| Classes 1 to 4 | A Class 5 licence, a medical, written tests, higher vision standards, a pre-trip inspection and a road test |
Apart from the drive to and from the road test, the manual doesn’t say who must ride with a Class 7 learner in a car, so ask Motor Vehicles before you start practising. A school bus endorsement is applied for through the Registrar of Motor Vehicles, and needs you to be 18, with a valid class for the size of bus, a medical, a written test, a pre-trip inspection and a road test.
Nunavut licence classes
| Class | What it lets you drive |
|---|---|
| Class 1 | Semi-trailers and tractor trailers, plus Classes 2 to 5 |
| Class 2 | Buses of any seating capacity, plus Classes 3 to 5 |
| Class 3 | Single vehicles with three or more axles, plus Classes 4 and 5 |
| Class 4 | Buses for up to 24 passengers, taxis and ambulances, plus Class 5 |
| Class 5 | Two-axle vehicles other than a motorcycle, bus, taxi or ambulance, plus mopeds and recreational vehicles |
| Class 6 | Motorcycles, plus Class 5 vehicles while learning |
| Class 7 | Class 5 or 6 vehicles, while learning |
A Class 2, 3 or 5 licence doesn’t allow a vehicle with air brakes unless the licence specifically permits it. Class 5 also covers towing, as long as the towing and towed vehicles together weigh no more than 4,500 kg.
Getting ready for the road test
Take the road test in a vehicle of the right type for the class, in safe operating condition. On a learner’s licence, you may drive it to and from the test only with someone authorized under the Motor Vehicles Act, who may be asked to show their licence. Where they apply, these must be in good repair and working order:
- Steering wheel, foot brake and emergency brake
- Windshield wipers and rearview mirror
- Muffler and horn
- Headlights, signal lights, brake lights and tail lights
- Tires and speedometer, and a tachometer where the vehicle has one
No pets or passengers ride along, other than examination staff or authorized personnel. The driver examiner may allow an exception where language presents a problem.
When a road test is refused
The manual says a driver’s test may be refused if:
- You’re late for the appointment
- You don’t have your driver’s licence, the vehicle registration and the liability insurance card
- The vehicle has no clearly visible licence plate on the rear
- The vehicle isn’t safe to drive, or its passenger compartment is unclean
- The vehicle isn’t of the class you’re testing for
- Your vision or medical fitness doesn’t meet the standard
The test will be refused or stopped if you drive to the site without a licensed driver, as the Motor Vehicles Act requires, if you show any sign of alcohol or drug impairment, or if your driving is so unsafe that going on would put others at risk. If you don’t qualify, an appointment may be made for a retest. You pay another test fee and show the receipt for it to the driver examiner before each such test.
Learning to ride a motorcycle
With a Class 7, or a Class 1 to 5 licence, you may also learn on a motorcycle. While you learn:
- A Class 6 licence holder must be with you on the motorcycle, or follow in or on another vehicle and keep you in view at all times
- You can’t ride after sunset or in a speed zone of 70 km/h or more
- You must wear a helmet, like every rider
A moped needs a Class 5 licence. Other motorcycles, including motor scooters and minibikes, need a Class 6. Motorcycles of 90 cc or less can’t go on a highway outside a municipality or settlement, or on a road in a speed zone over 50 km/h.
Renewing, replacing or changing your licence
Your licence expires on your birthday, and you renew it in person at the nearest issuing office. It can be renewed as long as it hasn’t been expired for longer than one year. After that, you need a re-examination.
Class 5, 6 and 7 drivers need a driver’s medical at 75, at 80 and every two years after 80. If your licence is lost or destroyed, report it to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), then get a duplicate from any issuing office with proof of identity.
Tell your nearest issuing office within 15 days if your name or address changes. A name change needs a marriage certificate or another legal document. Neither change has a fee.
Moving to Nunavut with a licence
With a licence from another province, territory or state, you must get a Nunavut licence within 30 days of becoming a resident. If yours has been expired for more than 12 months, you take the examination. A temporary driver’s permit isn’t accepted, and the manual says any licence from outside the territory is accepted only on the conditions the Registrar sets.
Driving licence offences
The manual says it’s an offence to:
- Drive without a licence. The driver and the vehicle’s owner are both liable, and an accident may void the insurance
- Drive while your licence is suspended or revoked
- Drive with an unsigned licence. It isn’t valid until you sign it in ink
- Drive without your licence on you. Show it to a police officer on demand, and to the other driver after an accident
- Make a false declaration on an application for a licence or a duplicate
- Drive after the expiry date on your licence
Driving while suspended or revoked can bring a conviction under the Criminal Code of Canada, punishable by a severe fine, imprisonment or both, and a longer suspension.
Contacting Motor Vehicles
You apply at your local Motor Vehicle service provider. For questions, the Government of Nunavut lists:
- Phone: 1-888-975-5999
- Email: motorvehicles@gov.nu.ca
Commercial licences, for a commercial vehicle or one with air brakes, have their own requirements and extra documents, set out in the Professional Driver’s Handbook. A medical examination report comes from your nearest medical centre.
Sources: Government of Nunavut and 2 more. Checked November 2026.
- Government of Nunavut: Nunavut Driver’s Manual (PDF) ↗
- Government of Nunavut: Service Nunavut, Apply for a Driver’s Licence ↗
- Government of Nunavut: Service Nunavut, Driver’s Manuals ↗
Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.