How Much Does It Cost to Get a Driving License in Canada?

If you’re searching for “how much does it cost to get a driving license in Canada?”, you’re likely comparing provincial fees, road test prices, and what newcomers or teens should budget from start to finish. We have broken down the typical costs across major provinces and explained extra add-ons (like vision tests and driver training) in this article.

The Cost to Get a Driving License

What is the cost to get a driving license in Canada in 2025? Let’s get to it. Expect to spend CA$120–CA$350 on government fees to go from learner to a full or intermediate license in most provinces, excluding optional driving lessons and retest costs. The exact total depends heavily on your province and how many attempts you need.

Ontario (G1→G2→G): Example fee points include a knowledge test, two road tests, and a 5-year license card; the current published fees list $16 for the knowledge test, $53.75 for the G2 road test, $91.25 for the G road test, and $90 for a 5-year license card.
British Columbia (L→N→Full via ICBC): $15 per knowledge test attempt and modest fees for the learner card; road test fees vary by class and are booked with ICBC.
Alberta (Class 7→Class 5 GDL→Class 5): Typical registry pricing shows $17 per knowledge test, ~$135–$140 for a basic Class 5 road test (varies by registry), and $93 for a 5-year license card.
Québec (SAAQ): Knowledge test $13.20, road test $78.45, with separate issuing/annual fees depending on class.
Manitoba (MPI): Knowledge test $10, Class 5/6 road test $30, plus first-license/annual fees and premiums.

Tip: Fees change and can vary by office/registry. Always confirm with your provincial agency before booking.

Provincial Cost Snapshots (2025)

Ontario (G1, G2, G)

Knowledge test (G1): $16
G2 road test: $53.75
G road test: $91.25
5-year license card: $90
Official fee pages and reputable driver-ed sites echo these numbers. Budget extra for any retests.

British Columbia (ICBC – L, N, Full)

Knowledge test (per attempt): $15
Photo learner license (Class 7/8): $10 (ICBC lists this for the photo L; other learner classes may receive paper permits at no extra cost)
Road tests: Book with ICBC; fees vary by class and are shown during booking.

Alberta (registry-based pricing)

Knowledge test (Class 7): $17 per attempt (set across registries)
Road test (Class 5 basic): commonly ~$135–$140 (varies by registry)
5-year license card/renewal: $93 (official eServices price)
Alberta uses private registry agents, so test prices can vary slightly—always check your local office.
Knowledge test: $13.20
Road test: $78.45 (service charge included)
Issuing/annual components: Separate tables by class; licenses renew on an 8-year card cycle, but fees are paid yearly.

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Manitoba (MPI)

Knowledge test: $10
Road test (Class 5/6): $30
Other charges: First-license/annual fees and premiums may apply.

What Else Affects Your Total Cost?

Retests: Every extra knowledge or road test attempt adds to the bill (e.g., $15 per attempt in BC, $17 in AB).
License issuance/renewal: Provinces charge for producing the card (e.g., Ontario $90/5 years, Alberta $93/5 years).
Driver education: Optional but often helps you pass sooner (and may lower insurance); prices vary widely by city/provider.
Foreign license exchange: If you’re a newcomer, some provinces charge for applications/exchanges or require tests depending on reciprocity (Ontario lists separate exchange/foreign application fees).
Photos/ID services: Small fees can apply (e.g., ICBC photo learner fee).

Sample Budget (Plan Conservatively)

Here’s a conservative planning range for a first-time driver who passes on the first try:

Ontario: ~$251 (knowledge + G2 + G + 5-year card) before optional training.
BC: ~$25–$50 (knowledge + photo learner) plus road-test fees shown at booking; budget ~$150–$300 total including both tests across stages.
Alberta: ~$245–$250 (knowledge + one road test + 5-year card), depending on the registry’s road-test price.
Québec: ~$92 (knowledge + road test) plus issuance/annual components.
Manitoba: ~$40 (knowledge + road test) plus first-license/annual premiums.

These estimates exclude driving lessons, retests, or specialty add-ons (e.g., translation services).

Action Steps (Reduce Cost & Friction)

Study with official guides and free practice tests from reputable sources to avoid retest fees.
Book strategically. Pick less busy testing locations and times; rescheduling windows vary by province. (Ontario via DriveTest; BC via ICBC.)
Confirm fees before you go: Alberta registries set some prices; check your local office.
Newcomers: Check license exchange rules first—paying for a test you may not need is an avoidable cost. (Ontario publishes exchange vs. foreign application fees.)

The cost to get a Canadian driver’s license isn’t one number—it’s a province-specific bundle of knowledge test fees, road test fees, and card/issuance charges. If you plan for CA$120–CA$350 in government fees (more if you need lessons or retests), you’ll be in the right ballpark. For the most accurate total, check your provincial agency pages before booking:

Ontario (DriveTest fees): knowledge/road tests + card pricing.
BC (ICBC fees & booking): knowledge test price and road test booking.
Alberta: registry-based pricing; official renewal cost and typical test fees.
Québec (SAAQ): knowledge/road test fees and issuing/renewal rules.
Manitoba (MPI): knowledge/road test fees and other charges.