One of the common questions we get is whether a 6 hour defensive driving course can remove the letter N from your class 5N driver’s license in Nova Scotia. The simple answer to this question is yes, but in this article I hope to shed light some specifics. Understanding the details of the GDL process in Nova Scotia can help set the right expectations when it comes to getting your full driver’s license in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
A little about the GDL or Graduated Driver Licensing system
When a student driver first passes their road test in Nova Scotia, they receive the class 5N license. 5N (representing New) license comes with its limitations. One of the limitations associated to a class 5N license is the fact that you can’t drive past 12 am and not until 5 am. It’s important to note that you continue to have the same limitations until and unless you attend either a full 35 hour driver education program or a 6 hour defensive driving course. The program that you attend may be online or in person, but it has to be conducted and offered by an institute that is province-approved. If you don’t attend a driver’s education program, you will be eternally doomed to the limitations of your license and can’t bypass them in anyway.
What happens after you attend the Full Driver’s Ed program?
After you pass your road-test, in Halifax let’s say, for the first time, you will be in the Class 5N stage for 2 years no matter what. After you have driven for 2 full years with that license, you can then apply and move to the Class 5R stage. Please note, you will only ever enter the 5R stage, if you have completed the full driver’s ed or defensive driving course, so it’s important that you do it. Afterwards, you will be in the 5R or restricted stage for 2 years, where you can’t supervise a new driver, and there’s no tolerance for any alcohol in your system. Once you drive another 2 full years with your class 5R license, you can then apply for a full class 5 limitations. Thus, you will have no basic limitations, and you will be considered a full driver in the eyes of the law.
What if I have 4+ years of experience already and do the Defensive Driver Course?
This is a great question for many reasons. We said that you need to be the holder of a new or restricted license for at least 2 years for each. If you have more than 4 years of experience, it seems like you should be able to get a full driver’s license now, right? unfortunately, that is not how it works. You will only ever enter the class 5R stage, if you’ve completed a driver’s ed course. If you have not yet completed any driver training, remember you will be forever in the 5N stage.
So if you have over 4+ years of driving experience, and do the 6 hour defensive driver course, you can change your license from 5N to a 5R right away. All you will have to do is go to any Access NS location, provide your license and our defensive driving certificate. Once you get your class 5R license for the first time, you will however still need to drive 2 more years with your newly acquired Class 5R license. After the 2 years are up, you don’t need to complete any driver’s course or pay any additional fees. You will just have to go to an Access NS location, and switch your 5R license to a full Class 5 license.
The Class 5N and 5R license levels are trial stages!
It’s very important to understand that any major driving errors such as speeding, accidents etc. can further delay your advancement through the GDL system. The trial stages, as I call them, are there for us to demonstrate good, safe driving habits and behaviors. By practicing good driving skills, proving safe defensive driving, and waiting out the time, you can become an owner of a Full Class 5 Driver’s License in Nova Scotia. If you feel that your driving can use a touch up, because you may have some infallible habits, we can help. Brave Driver Training offers individual 1.5 hour lessons with professional driving instructors that can help improve or polish your driving skills. Drivers have come to us with all different levels of driving skills and we have shown them how to exercise good driving skills. You can look into scheduling a driving lesson with a driving instructor, even if you have a full driver’s license. Please visit our private 1-on-1 driving lessons for more information.
Can I do this online
Yes, definitely and it’s self paced.