Driving is a complex activity and the rules for driving can be significantly different from country to country. Additionally, the security standards for driver license issuance and documentation varies significantly from one country to another including the availability of driving records.
What is the Novice Drivers Course for Newcomers (NDCN)?
For newcomers exchanging a driver’s license from a non-reciprocity country (i.e., a country without a formal license exchange agreement with PEI), the Province introduced a Novice Driver Course for Newcomers (NDCN). Introduced on September 30, 2019, this course is tailored to address differences in driving rules and conditions between the driver’s home country and PEI.
The NDCN is a mandatory educational program for all drivers unless:
1) the driver has completed an approved PEI driver education program
2) the driver is exchanging a driver`s license from a country PEI has a formal driver license exchange reciprocity agreement, or
3) a driver has successfully completed the rules of the road knowledge exams before the official start date of September 30, 2019.
Requirements
- Successful completion of the Rules of the Road knowledge exam
- Obtain a PEI photo identification card
- Register for the NDCN through Access PEI
Please note:
- The NDCN can only be booked after successfully passing the rules of the road knowledge exam
- The Photo ID card will be mailed to those who have successfully completed the rules of the road knowledge exam
- Persons taking the NDCN must bring their ID card to the course or they will not be admitted. The ID card ensures participant s will receive proper credit for completing the NDCN.
There is a MINIMUM 30-DAY wait period for the NDCN to ensure class size and the participant has received their identification card.
Some of the topics covered by the NDCN:
- Graduated Driver Licensing Program
- Demerit Point System
- Rules of the Road : School Bus Safety, distracted driving (cell phones, texting)
- Common mistakes, driving errors and traffic violations made by drivers who fail a road exam
- Aspects of the Criminal Code related to Impaired Driving
- Alcohol and Drug Education
- Vehicle Registration, Vehicle Insurance requirements and the Motor Vehicle Inspection Program
- Handling certain driving conditions such as winter driving
- The use of certain safety equipment such as Child Safety Seats/Booster Seats, Winter Tires etc
Course Details
The NDCN is approximately 4 hours and depending on location is taught in one or two sessions.
A registration fee of $100 plus HST ($115 total) is required for the course.
There is a $20 fee for the Photo Identification card.
The NDCN is also open to anyone who wishes to take the course.
Reciprocity Agreements
PEI has driver license exchange agreements with Austria, Australia, Belgium, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales including Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man) for the exchange of Class 5 and 6 driver licenses; with France for the exchange of a Class 5 driver`s license; and with the United States for Class 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 driver licenses.
Driving With An Out-of-Province License
It is important to note under the Highway Traffic Act, newcomers may use their driver`s license to drive in Prince Edward Island for up to four months after they become a resident of the Province. After a period of 120 days, you must apply for a PEI driver’s license. This period of time may be extended if an individual has started but not completed the driver license exchange process within the four months.
If you are visiting from outside Canada, it is strongly recommended that you carry an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) from your home jurisdiction. You must carry both the IDP and your valid licence from your home jurisdiction when driving in PEI.
Visitors with a Visitor's Visa
Visitors who hold a 6-month Visitor`s Visa are not required or eligible for a PEI driver`s license. Please note, visitors may drive for the duration of their Visitor`s Visa.
Non-residents
Individuals who are non-residents and temporarily employed in the PEI agricultural or fishing industries, under the Government of Canada Guest Worker Program, may operate a motor vehicle on PEI for up to eight months in any one year under the following conditions:
- they hold a valid driver’s license from their home country equivalent to a PEI Class 5 license; and
- they hold an International Driver’s Permit; and
- the vehicle operated requires a Class 5 driver's license in PEI.
Note: Individuals attending university or college full-time may drive in PEI with their license as long as it is valid and, if required, accompanied by an International Driver's Permit.
Providing more information and educational programs benefits everyone that uses the Province`s highways.
Who can I contact for further information?
To inquire about course location and times, call Highway Safety (902-368-5228) or visit your nearest Access PEI location.