Open ProvincesNew drivers in Northwest Territories: graduated licensing stages and minimum ages
The graduated driver licensing stages of Northwest Territories: minimum ages, how long each stage lasts and the main restrictions, from the official pages. Switching a licence from another province is on our driving page.
Stages, minimum ages and restrictions
Stage 1, Learner (Class 7): age 15 or older, vision screening and a rules-of-the-road exam; held at least a year, with a supervisor who has at least 24 months of full Class 5 experience, no driving from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. and no passengers besides the supervisor. Stage 2, Probationary (Class 5P): age 16, learner stage completed without suspension, at least 12 months with a clean record. Stage 3, full licence (Class 5) after 12 suspension-free months, in person at a driver and vehicle office; older materials give age 17: confirm. Minimum two years in total.
These are the standard rules for passenger vehicles. Stage lengths, ages and restrictions are changed by regulation and some sources conflict, as noted: confirm with the licensing office before booking a test. If you already hold a full licence from another province or country, different rules apply (see our driving page). Rules, fees and programs change and were read on 2026-11-14: confirm with the official source. General information, not legal advice. Quebec follows its own rules: see atlasquebec.ca.
Guides for this province
- Renting in Northwest Territories: rights, rent increases and average rents
- Working in Northwest Territories: minimum wage, standards and wages
- Moving to Northwest Territories: health card, driver's licence and taxes
- Cost of living in Northwest Territories: prices, rent, wages and taxes
- Buying a home in Northwest Territories: land transfer tax, rebates and first-time buyer help
- Health care in Northwest Territories: health card, drug plans and dental help
- Studying in Northwest Territories: tuition, student aid and grants
- Seniors in Northwest Territories: pensions, supplements and programs
- Taxes in Northwest Territories: income tax rates, sales tax and take-home pay (2026)
- Families in Northwest Territories: child benefits and family programs
- Documents and ID in Northwest Territories: birth certificate and change of name
- Starting a business in Northwest Territories: register a name, GST/HST and licences
- Problems and disputes in Northwest Territories: consumer complaints, small claims, workplace injury and legal aid
- Driving and vehicles in Northwest Territories: switching your licence and what is required
- Photo ID card in Northwest Territories without a driver's licence: who can apply, documents and fee
- Getting married in Northwest Territories: marriage licence, fees and documents
- Health card in Northwest Territories: who qualifies, waiting period and how to register
- When someone dies in Northwest Territories: death certificate, estate and probate
- Registering a child for school in Northwest Territories: age, documents and where to sign up
- Child care in Northwest Territories: fees, finding a space and subsidies
- Immigrating to Northwest Territories: nominee program, steps and processing times
- Accessible parking permit in Northwest Territories: how to apply
- Alcohol rules in Northwest Territories: legal age and where to buy
- Car insurance in Northwest Territories: what is compulsory and where to buy it
- Cannabis rules in Northwest Territories: legal age, where to buy and where to use
- Disability income and supports in Northwest Territories: how to apply
- Prescription drug coverage in Northwest Territories: public plans and how to enrol
- Emergency preparedness in Northwest Territories: alerts, evacuation and your 72-hour kit
- Separation, parenting and child support in Northwest Territories: free help and enforcement
- Help for family violence and victims of crime in Northwest Territories
- Fishing and hunting licences in Northwest Territories: where to buy and what you need
- Health advice line (811) in Northwest Territories: speak to a nurse any time
- Indigenous relations and services in Northwest Territories: who does what
- Marriage licence fee in Northwest Territories
- New drivers in Northwest Territories: graduated licensing stages and minimum ages
- Provincial parks and camping reservations in Northwest Territories
- Probate fees in Northwest Territories: what an estate pays
- Social assistance in Northwest Territories: how to apply for income support
- Social housing and rent help in Northwest Territories: how to apply
- Student loans and grants in Northwest Territories: where to apply
- Voting in Northwest Territories: register, check your status and find your election office
- Wills, powers of attorney and health care directives in Northwest Territories