How Much Does a Driver's Licence Cost in Canada? (2026)

As of 2026, the government fees for a full car licence in Ontario come to about $251 if you pass both road tests first time: $159.75 for the G1 licence package (knowledge test, G2 road test and a five-year licence) plus $91.25 for the G road test. In British Columbia, a first-time pass through every step costs about $150 in ICBC fees. Driving lessons, a car for the road test and retests are extra, and they usually cost more than the fees themselves.

This guide breaks down the official fees in Canada's two most-searched provinces and the costs people forget. Fees are set by each province and change from time to time, so check the linked official pages before you pay.

Ontario fees (as of 2026)

According to DriveTest's fee page, which lists fees set by the Government of Ontario including taxes:

The package is paid when you apply for your G1. The MTO handbook confirms that the application fee covers the knowledge test, your first road test and a five-year licence, and that the second road test and any retests cost extra. Ontario's own fee table also lists an original driver's licence at $90.

First-time pass total: $159.75 + $91.25 = $251.00.

Ontario costs that catch people out

• Late cancellations. Cancel or reschedule a road test with less than 48 hours' notice, or miss it, and the prepaid fee isn't refunded except in specific circumstances.
• Out-of-order tests. If the examiner declares your test out of order (for example because of a problem with the car), you lose 50% of the fee and must top it up to rebook.
• Handbook. The Official MTO Driver's Handbook is sold separately; ontario.ca lists it at $14.95 plus taxes. Ontario also publishes the handbook's content online.
• Starting over. If you don't finish within five years of your G1, you start again and pay the fees again.
• Booking services. Ontario warns against services that charge more than the posted fees; DriveTest and the MTO don't charge extra to book road tests.

British Columbia fees (as of 2026)

ICBC lists these fees for new car drivers:

First-time pass total: $15 + $10 + $50 + $75 = $150.

Since 19 October 2026, BC novice drivers with a clean record move to a Class 5 licence through a Driving Record Assessment rather than a second road test, so most new drivers no longer pay for a Class 5 road test. ICBC still lists the Class 5 road test at $50. Our BC graduated licensing guide explains the change.

Two other BC points:

• Your learner's licence is valid for two years. If it expires, you must retake (and pay for) the knowledge test.
• Retests after a failed road test are charged each time, and the wait grows: 14 days after a first fail, 30 days after a second, 60 days after a third or more.

Alberta and Québec

Alberta: knowledge tests, road tests and licences are handled by registry agents, and Alberta's licensing pages don't list the amounts. Instead, the province points to its Registry Agent Product Catalogue, so ask your registry agent for the current total before you book.

Québec: the compulsory SAAQ driving course (24 hours of theory and 15 in-car sessions) is priced by each driving school, and it will be the largest part of the bill. SAAQ fees for tests and licences are listed on the SAAQ site.

The costs beyond government fees

The fees are the smaller part of the budget. Plan for:

1. Driving lessons or an approved course. Prices are set by schools. In Ontario an approved beginner driver education course also cuts the G1 wait from 12 to 8 months; in BC an approved GLP course can take 6 months off the novice stage for safe drivers under 25.
2. A car for road tests. Examiners don't supply vehicles. If you borrow a school car for the test, expect a separate charge from the school.
3. Insurance. Make sure you're listed on the policy of any car you practise in. ICBC warns that an unlisted learner in a crash can cost the vehicle owner an extra premium.
4. Retests. Each extra attempt costs a fee and, often, another lesson and car rental.
5. Handbooks and signs. Most handbooks are free online; printed copies may cost extra.

How to keep the cost down

• Book only when you're ready. Passing first time is the biggest saving.
• Practise a lot with a supervisor between paid lessons. Our guide to how many lessons you need explains how to combine paid lessons and private practice (it uses UK figures, but the approach works anywhere).
• Cancel early, not late, to avoid losing the fee.
• Compare schools on price and on what's included, such as use of the car for the road test.

Summary

As of 2026, a first-time pass costs about $251 in Ontario government fees ($159.75 G1 package plus $91.25 G road test) and about $150 in BC ICBC fees. Alberta prices vary by registry agent, and Québec's mandatory course is priced by each school. Lessons, the test car, insurance and retests usually cost more than the fees, so budget for them and only book when you're ready.

About Co-Drive

Co-Drive is an iOS app for learner and new drivers. Its driving technique lessons and defensive driving habits apply on any road; it does not yet include Canada-specific test practice, and it isn't affiliated with any provincial licensing authority. Find out more.