Frequently Asked Questions
Are there penalties for violating the GDL program under the Motor Vehicle Act?
Yes. Fines will be levied and demerit points added to your driving record. If you are convicted of a speeding violation, you could, in addition to any other penalty imposed, lose your driving privileges for one week and accumulate four demerit points on your driving record. You will remain in the GDL program. However, you will receive a letter requiring you to book an interview with a driver enhancement officer. You must attend this interview. If you fail to book an appointment or to attend the interview, your driving privileges could be suspended indefinitely.
If you are convicted of having care and control of a motor vehicle and have a blood alcohol content exceeding 0 milligrams (.00), you will accumulate six demerit points and will lose your driving privileges for six months.
Any time you accumulate six demerit points on your driving record, you will lose your driving privileges for six months. If you lose your driving privileges, you must complete a minimum two-year period as a newly licensed driver from the date your licence is restored or reinstated. This means that if you have held your Class 5N licence for one year and 11 months and your driving privileges are suspended, then you must start the two-year period for newly licensed drivers all over.
Are there any conditions under which I can operate a vehicle during the Midnight-to-5 am driving curfew?
Yes. You may drive during curfew hours if you are accompanied by an experienced driver sitting in the front seat of the vehicle or if you have obtained an exemption from the Registry of Motor Vehicles.
How long must I remain in the newly licensed or Class 5N stage?
At least two years.
How long do you have to have the N on your license in Nova Scotia?
24 Months.
After getting a NS Learner’s Licence, and then driving with your Newly Licensed – Class 5N licence for a minimum of 24 months, you must also meet certain Nova Scotia driver’s license restrictions and conditions, before you are eligible for a Class 5R (restricted) license.
Is there a charge for this service?
No fee is charged when you exchange your Class 5N for a Class 5 licence, provided your driver’s licence is valid at the time of exchange. If your licence has expired you must pay the renewal fee.
What happens if I choose not to advance through the program?
You would remain a Class 5N driver and all the restrictions related to that class would apply indefinitely.
What are the main operating conditions placed on newly licensed drivers in the GDL program?
- Zero blood alcohol level,
- You can not drive between 12am to 5am.
- Have no more than one passenger in the front seat
- Carry only the number of passengers in the rear seat for which the seat belts are available.
- No upgrade to a higher class of license.
I have a learner’s licence. Who is allowed to teach me to drive and are there any restrictions?
An instructor holding a valid driver instructor license working for a certified driving school or an experienced driver who has a minimum of 4 years of driving experience and is no longer in the GDL program, and must be seated in the front seat.
When can I take a road test to become a newly licensed driver and get a Class 5N licence?
As a newly licensed driver under GDL, how many passengers may I have in my vehicle?
Only 1 Passenger in the front seat and no more passengers in the rear seat than the number of seat belts.
As a newly licensed Driver participating in the GDL, can I drive in 100- series highways?
Yes, there is no restriction on which highways you must use.