Licensing, Demerit Points and Graduated Licensing
Graduated licensing in Nova Scotia
- Class 7 Level 1 (learner): you must be at least 16, pass a vision and knowledge test, and drive only with a supervising driver who is at least 25 years old and has held a licence for at least five years. Zero alcohol, no driving between midnight and 5 a.m., and everyone belted.
- Advancing: hold Level 1 for at least 12 months (9 months with an approved driver-training course), then pass the road test to reach Level 2.
- Level 2: you may drive alone, but the zero-alcohol rule and other novice conditions continue until you earn a full Class 5 licence.
- Novice drivers face suspension at a lower demerit total than fully licensed drivers, and a suspension resets your progress.
Demerit points
Points are added on conviction - speeding, failing to stop, following too closely, careless driving, and impaired driving, which carries the heaviest assessment. Points stay on your record for two years. Accumulating enough points in a set period brings a suspension, and repeat suspensions cost more.
Worked example
A Level 1 driver is stopped for speeding 20 km/h over the limit and later for failing to stop at a red light. Each conviction adds points. Because novice drivers are held to a lower threshold, the combined total can suspend the licence and restart the Level 1 waiting period - pushing the road test further away.
Traps that cost marks
- Assuming the road test ends all restrictions.
- Thinking a ticket is settled once the fine is paid - the points stay.
- Forgetting that the supervising driver must meet the age and experience rules.
- Believing a novice may have just one drink.