Driving Lessons Cost in Montreal (2026)
Quick Answer
Partially verifiedIn Montreal, the mandatory Québec Class 5 driving course typically costs about CAD 1,000 to CAD 1,300 in total at private driving schools, based on current market pricing for the full programme. In addition to course tuition, learners also pay government fees for the knowledge test, learner’s licence, practical test and probationary licence, with several of those SAAQ fees publicly listed and verifiable.
Overview
In Montreal, most new car drivers must complete the mandatory Québec driving course before taking the road test for a Class 5 licence. The programme is regulated by the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) and is delivered by SAAQ-recognised driving schools rather than by public colleges or universities. The standard course includes both theory modules and in-car sessions spread over roughly a year, so the headline cost is usually the school’s package price rather than a simple hourly rate. While exact tuition varies by provider and promotions, a realistic current range for the full course in Montreal is around CAD 1,000 to CAD 1,300. That figure is an estimate for the private-school tuition component, because prices differ between recognised schools and may be paid in instalments. On top of school fees, learners should budget for SAAQ charges such as the knowledge test, learner’s licence, practical test and probationary licence. Those government fees are separate from tuition and are the most reliable official cost points. Prices can also rise if you need extra practice sessions, retake tests, or choose an intensive schedule. There is generally no domestic versus international tuition structure for standard driving lessons; pricing is usually based on the course package and any extra lessons required.
What It Costs
| Item | Cost | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Mandatory Class 5 driving course tuition in Montreal(per course) Estimated range based on typical current market pricing for SAAQ-recognised private driving schools in Montreal offering the mandatory Québec Class 5 programme. Estimated range | ~C$1,000 – C$1,300 | Estimated range |
| Knowledge test fee (SAAQ)(per test) Government fee for the knowledge test. Verified from source | C$12.4 – C$12.4 | Verified from source |
| Learner's licence fee (Class 5, 24 months)(per licence) Government fee for a learner's licence valid for 24 months. Verified from source | C$86.95 – C$86.95 | Verified from source |
| Practical road test fee (SAAQ)(per test) Government fee for the practical test. Verified from source | C$31.3 – C$31.3 | Verified from source |
| Probationary licence fee (Class 5, 24 months)(per licence) Government fee for a probationary licence valid for 24 months. Verified from source | C$204.8 – C$204.8 | Verified from source |
| Extra in-car driving lesson in Montreal(per hour) Estimated range based on typical hourly rates charged by private driving schools in major Canadian cities, including Montreal, for additional practical lessons beyond the mandatory package. Estimated range | ~C$60 – C$90 | Estimated range |
What’s Typically Included
- Mandatory theory modules
- Mandatory in-car practical sessions
- Separate SAAQ testing and licensing fees usually not included in school tuition
Regulator / licensing: Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ)
Variants & Configurations
Duration
The Québec Class 5 programme is a mandatory course spread over roughly 13 months before a new driver can complete the full process to obtain a probationary licence.
How Fees Work
Costs are split between private-school tuition for the mandatory course and separate SAAQ government fees for tests and licences. Most schools charge a package price, often with instalment options.
Factors Affecting Price
- Whether you buy only the mandatory Class 5 package or need extra in-car practice
- Driving school pricing, promotions and instalment plans
- Test retakes or licence reissue fees charged by the SAAQ
- Lesson format, such as standard scheduling versus intensive or accelerated training
- Vehicle use for the road test if not included in your package
Local Context
Montreal learners normally deal with two separate cost layers: private-school tuition and SAAQ government fees. GST/QST treatment may already be reflected in advertised school package prices, but you should confirm this before booking. Tipping is not standard for driving lessons. Prices can be slightly higher in central urban areas, and bilingual instruction may affect provider choice more than cost.
Some figures here are still being verified.
Where a verified figure isn’t available yet, we say so rather than guess. For the most current pricing, check the official source below.
All prices are in Canadian dollars (CAD).
Sources & References
Every price on this page is traced to a documented source. Last checked 24 September 2026.
- SAAQ - Driver's licences: fees and fines · government
Verified SAAQ fees for knowledge test, learner's licence, practical test and probationary licence.
- SAAQ - Automobile: Class 5 (passenger vehicle) · government
Confirms the Class 5 licensing pathway in Québec and the role of the recognised driving course.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are driving lessons mandatory in Montreal?+
For most first-time car drivers seeking a Québec Class 5 licence, yes. Québec requires completion of the recognised driving course before the practical test.
How much should I budget in total?+
A practical budget is roughly CAD 1,300 to CAD 1,700 all-in for many learners, combining estimated course tuition with verified SAAQ test and licence fees. The total can be higher if you need extra lessons or retake a test.
Do international students pay a different price?+
Usually no for standard private driving lessons. Driving schools generally charge by course package rather than domestic versus international status, although eligibility and licence exchange rules can differ by immigration status and country of origin.
How long does the course take?+
The mandatory beginner course is not usually completed in a few days. Québec’s system spreads theory and in-car training over many months, and the broader licensing path commonly runs for about a year or more.
Are SAAQ fees included in the school price?+
Usually not. School tuition generally covers instruction, while the SAAQ charges separately for the knowledge test, learner’s licence, practical test and probationary licence.
Can the price vary a lot between schools in Montreal?+
Yes, but usually within a moderate band for the mandatory package. Variation is more noticeable when comparing instalment plans, promotional discounts, extra lesson rates and whether road-test vehicle use is included.
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Check current prices at the official source
Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ)
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