Classes of Driver Licenses

A Class 5 driver’s license is required to drive a personal car or light truck on Prince Edward Island. Other classes of license are required if you want to drive a motor cycle, taxi or larger vehicle such as an ambulance, bus or tractor-trailer. Although a Class 5 driver’s license is not necessary, you will need a Class 8 license to operate a moped or motor-assisted pedal bicycle and a Class 9 license to operate a farm tractor. If you hold a valid driver's license from another province, territory, state or country, you may apply to the Registrar of Motor Vehicles for a PEI license of the same class.

You can book an appointment for a driving test at any Access PEI location.

Learning Resources

The Driver's Handbook will give new drivers the basic information they need about learning to drive in Prince Edward Island: the rules of the road, safe driving practices and how to obtain a driver's license. The Driver's Handbook can be found here: Driver's Handbook

The Commercial Vehicle Driver’s Handbook is a new publication that provides information about driver’s license qualifications, how to be a safe driver and other topics that will assist you in preparing for your commercial vehicle tests. If you are an experienced driver, this guide can act as a refresher for your responsibilities and provide a reference for new laws and changes that have been made to previous legislation. You can find the Handbook here: Commercial Vehicle Driver's Handbook (2023).

As you review these handbooks, please remember they are guides. For official descriptions of the laws around driver licensing and vehicle registration, refer to the Highway Traffic Act and relevant Regulations. 

What class of license do I need?

Each class of driver’s license authorizes the holder to operate the type of vehicle specified for that class. Please refer to the Highway Traffic Act and relevant regulations for specific information such as licensing conditions, requirements and exceptions: Driver's Licenses Regulations; or  Graduated Driver Licensing Regulations.

Class 1: Truck tractor and trailer with fifth wheel and air brakes

A Class 1 driver’s license authorizes you to drive any combination of truck-tractor and trailer with fifth wheel and air brakes as well as any vehicle permitted in classes 3, 5, 8 and 9.  You must have successfully completed driver`s education, be at least 18 years and 9 months  or 19 years of age, have held a valid driver’s license for two years, and meet current medical standards for drivers.

To review Class 1 license requirements and pre-operating inspection checklist, refer to the brochure: Class 1-Tractor Trailer ​

Class 2: Bus (more than 24 passengers), including school bus

A Class 2 driver’s license authorizes you to drive a bus with capacity of more than 24 passengers, including a school bus, as well as any vehicle in classes 3, 4, 5, 8 and 9. To operate a bus, excluding a school bus, you must have successfully completed driver`s education, be at least 18 years and 275 days  or 19 years of age, have held a valid driver’s license for two years, and meet current medical standards for drivers.

You must be at least 21 years of age and have held a valid driver’s license for a minimum five years to operate a school bus.  

To review Class 2 license requirements and pre-operating inspection checklist, refer to the brochure: Class II (All Buses-25 Passengers and Up).

Class 3: Trucks over 14,000 kg 

A Class 3 driver’s license authorizes you to drive any truck-trailer combination over 14,000 kg gross mass, a truck tractor without a trailer, and special mobile equipment as well as any vehicle in classes 5, 8, and 9. You must be at least 18 years of age and have exited Stage 2 of the Graduated Driver Licensing Program, and meet current medical standards for drivers.

To review Class 3 license requirements and pre-operating inspection checklist, refer to the brochure: Class III – Trucks.

Class 4: Taxi, ambulance or small bus 

A Class 4 driver’s license authorizes you to operate a taxi, ambulance or van/bus with a capacity less than 25 passengers as well as vehicles in classes 5, 8, and 9. You must have successfully completed driver`s education, be at least 18 years and 275 days  or 19 years of age, have held a valid driver’s license for two years, and meet current medical standards for drivers.

To review Class 4 license requirements and pre-operating inspection checklist, refer to the brochure: Class IV-Ambulances, Taxis, Vans/Buses.

Restricted Class 4: Taxicab and motor vehicle in a "ride-sharing service"

Starting on December 2, 2019

A Restricted Class 4 driver`s license authorizes  you to operate a taxicab or a motor vehicle in a "ride-sharing service" with a seating capacity less than 10 passengers including the driver. 
A road test is not required if, you have a valid PEI driver’s license, you are not in the Graduated Driver Licensing Program, you have a good driving record and meet current medical standards for a Class 4 driver.

To review the Restricted Class 4 license requirements, refer to the following information link: Class 4 Restricted Driver's Licence

Class 5: Cars and light trucks

A Class 5 driver’s license authorizes you to drive any small vehicle not exceeding 14,000 kg gross mass, excluding an ambulance, taxi, motorcycle or a truck-tractor. This license permits you to drive a farm tractor, moped or motor-assisted pedal bicycle and tow a vehicle under 4,500 kg gross mass.

You must be at least 17 years of age or age 16 with 275 days with a driver education program.

Class 6: Motorcycle

A Class 6 driver’s license authorizes you to operate all 2 and 3 wheel motorcycles. 
If your road test is completed on a motorcycle under 550 cc.  A Restricted Class 6 is issued allowing the operation of motorcycles under 550 cc.
If your road test is completed on a 3 wheeled motorcycle.  A Restricted Class 6 is issued,allowing the operation of only operate 3 wheeled motorcycles. 
You must be at least 17 years of age or age 16 with 275 days with a driver education program. 

Class 7: Instruction Driver's Permit 

A Class 7 driver’s license authorizes you to drive a motor vehicle, motorcycle or moped without the required Class license (5, 6 or 7) as long as you are receiving instruction for that motor vehicle and you are accompanied by another person who holds a valid driver’s license for at least 4 years of the class required for that vehicle. You must be 16 years old. For more information read Getting an Instruction Driver's Permit in PEI.

Class 8: Moped or motor-assisted pedal bicycle

A Class 8 driver’s license authorizes you to operate a moped or motor-assisted pedal bicycle. You must be at least 17 years of age or age 16 with 275 days with a driver education program.

Class 9: Farm tractor

A Class 9 driver’s license authorizes you to operate a farm tractor. You must be 14 years of age.