New Brunswick Driver’s Handbook - Part 1: Licensing of Drivers

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from the NB Driver’s Handbook Part 1: Licensing of Drivers.

Registrar of Motor Vehicles

NB official who issues, renews, and suspends driver’s licences under the Motor Vehicle Act.

Motor Vehicle Act

The NB statute governing licensing and operation of motor vehicles.

0% BAC (under 21)

Zero blood alcohol concentration required for drivers under age 21 while driving in NB.

Class 7 Graduated Licence (Level I & II)

Instructional licence with at least 24 months experience before a full licence; includes zero BAC/drug impairment rules and potential suspensions for breaches.

Level 1 restrictions

Must be accompanied by a Class 5+ licence holder with 3+ years’ experience in front seat; no driving between midnight and 5:00 a.m.; eligibility for Level 2 after specified months.

Level 2 licence

Progression toward a full Class 5 licence; additional night-time restrictions for those under 21 and passenger limits.

Class 5 Licence

Standard NB licence for most passenger vehicles; requires 18+ years, vision 20/40, road test, and vehicle/registration requirements.

Class 4 Licence

Permits operation of ambulances, taxicabs, and small buses (<25 passengers); includes age, medical, vision, and road test requirements.

Class 3 Licence

Permits operation of two-axle vehicles with certain towed weights and three-axle vehicles; no air brakes required.

Class 2 Licence

Permits operation of buses with more than 24 passengers; school bus requires B or C endorsement; 21+ to drive school bus.

Class 1 Licence

Permits operation of heavy trucks and truck tractors, including air-brakes; requires 18+ and medical/vision/road test in applicable vehicle.

Class 6 / Class 6D

Motorcycle licences; Class 6D covers motorcycles up to 550 cc; mandatory motorcycle training; zero BAC; 16+ with restrictions on passengers/towable trailers.

Class 8 Licence

Farm tractor operation on street or highway; 14+ with parental consent; vision and tests.

Class 9 Licence

Motor driven cycle (50 cc or under) on street/highway; 14+ with parental consent; vision and tests; protective headgear required.

Endorsements (A, B, C, D, E, H, I)

Additional authorizations on licences: A for all motorcycles; B for school buses; C for school bus and motorcycle; D for motorcycles ≤550 cc; E for air brakes; H/I for graduated motorcycle endorsements.

GDL program (motorcyclists)

12-month Graduated Driver’s Licensing program for motorcyclists with strict zero BAC/drug rules, no passengers, and limited riding hours.

Learning to drive higher classes

Classes 5, 4, 3 and 2 can be learned for higher classes if accompanied by a licensed driver of that class and with a medical certificate.

Learner’s licence examination

Vision test, knowledge of road signs/rules, and identity verification; parental consent if under 18.

Vision standards

Minimum vision requirements vary by class (e.g., 20/40 or better; some classes specify 20/30 or 20/50).

Road Sign Recognition Test

Written/oral test on 20 highway signs; must correctly identify stop, yield, school zone; at most four errors on other signs.

Rules Test

Written/oral test on traffic laws; 20 multiple-choice questions; must answer 16 correctly.

Road Test

Practical driving examination over at least 3 km to assess basic driving skills and safe vehicle operation; tested in the vehicle you will drive.

Re-examination

Registrar may require re-examination due to poor driving record or medical concerns; similar to the initial qualifying exam.

Suspension (points-based)

Temporary loss of driving privileges for offences; durations vary by offence and driver status.

Demerit points

Points assigned for offences; accumulated up to 10 can trigger suspension; kept for 2 years.

Newly licensed driver points

Drivers licensed for less than four years start with 4 points and gain 2 points per year up to 10; losing all points can lead to suspension.

Reinstatement

Process to regain licence after suspension; may require fees, education courses, Ignition Interlock, or medical clearance.

Ignition Interlock Program

Program to prevent impaired driving as a reinstatement or compliance measure.

Medical fitness report

Medical documentation required for certain classes; reviewed by a Medical Advisory Board.

Service New Brunswick (SNB)

Agency handling driver licensing services, registrations, fees, and testing arrangements.

License restrictions (examples)

Restrictions may include wearing corrective lenses, daylight driving only, or equipment requirements (mirrors, hand controls, etc.).

Air brake endorsement

Endorsement required to operate vehicles equipped with air brakes.