| Q: |
Where do I go to get driver licensing or vehicle licensing services? |
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Click here for a list of locations that provide driver licensing and vehicle registration services. |
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| Q: |
What do I need to get my Driver Licence? |
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The new NWT Drivers Licence and General Identification Card are more recognizable as identification and include new security features. Click here to read more on the documents that you must provide to get a new Drivers Licence or General Identification Card. |
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| Q: |
What are the costs for these services? |
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For a complete price list of Driver and Registration services click here. |
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| Q: |
Do I need a medical to renew my Drivers Licence? |
| A: |
A Class 1, 2, 3, or 4 Drivers Licence requires an NWT Drivers Medical Examination Report to be provided on initial application, every five years until the age 45, every 3 years until age 65 and annually thereafter.
A Class 5, 6 or 7 Drivers Licence requires a medical at age 75, at age 80 and every two years over the age of 80.
The Registrar may require medical reports to be provided on a more frequent basis and may require a medical when a person has an identified medical concern that may restrict the safe operation of a motor vehicle.
For more information, click here. |
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| Q: |
At what age can a person obtain a Learners Licence? |
| A: |
Click here to learn the answer to this question and find out more information on the Department of Transportation's Graduated Drivers Licensing Program. |
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| Q: |
Can I leave my vehicle’s engine running while unattended? |
| A: |
Yes, but only under one of these circumstances: 1) all the doors of your vehicle are locked; 2) the vehicle is being used to perform a public service such as garbage collection or fuel delivery; or 3) the vehicle is being loaded or unloaded; 4) a person 16 years of age or older is left in attendance of the motor vehicle; or 5) the driver is assisting a person to or from the motor vehicle. |
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| Q: |
Are radar detectors allowed in the Northwest Territories? |
| A: |
No. It is illegal to equip a motor vehicle with a radar detector. It is also illegal to buy, sell, possess, or manufacture a radar detector or equipment designed to measure the speed of vehicles.
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| Q: |
Can demerit points be applied to my licence? |
| A: |
Yes. The Registrar of Motor Vehicles will add demerit points to your driving record as the Registrar becomes aware of your convictions.
- At 8 demerit points, you will be notified by a letter from the Registrar of the points accumulated.
- At 12 or more demerit points, you will be required to attend an interview.
- At 15 demerit points, your licence will be suspended for 30 days.
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| Q: |
What about drinking and driving? |
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You must not drive while impaired. Impaired driving continues to be a major cause of traffic deaths and injuries in Canada. Under Canadian law, it is a criminal offence to drive a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration in excess of 80 milligrams per 100 millilitres (.08). If convicted, you could face a fine of up to $2000, imprisonment for up to 5 years, and prohibition from driving for up to 3 years. A condition of the Graduated Drivers Licence program is that the holder not consume any alcohol, in any quantity, before driving. Those who ignore this requirement will lose their driving privilege. In addition, the cost of insuring the vehicle you are driving is likely to increase. It is possible that no insurance company will want to insure the vehicle at all.
The Northwest Territories Administrative Licence Suspension (ALS) means that drivers charged with an alcohol-related offence will face an automatic suspension of their driving privileges. No conviction is necessary. Any driver who is charged with having a breath or blood sample over .08 or refuses a demand for a breath or blood sample will receive an automatic 90-day suspension. This is in addition to any court ordered prohibition. If the individual holds a valid Northwest Territories' Drivers Licence, a 7-day temporary permit is granted before the suspension begins. Temporary driving privileges are intended to allow time for drivers to get their affairs in order.
In addition to any penalties under the Criminal Code of Canada, the Northwest Territories will suspend your licence. The territory will also set conditions for you to get it back. The Northwest Territories suspension is served at the same time as a court-ordered driving prohibition. See the Basic Drivers Manual for more information.
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| Q: |
Must I wear my seat belt? |
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Yes. Wearing of seat belts is required by law. Failing to buckle up will result in a fine plus two demerit points applied to your licence. Young children must be secured in a child restraint system.
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| Q: |
When do I have to report an accident? |
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If the accident involves personal injury, or property damage exceeding $1000, it must be reported to the police. You must be able to produce evidence of insurance or other financial responsibility.
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| Q: |
What are the speed limits in the NWT? |
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Within a settlement or a municipality, the speed limit is 45 km/h, unless otherwise posted. Outside of a settlement or a municipality, the speed limit is 90 km/h, unless otherwise posted. |
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| Q: |
What documents do I need to carry? |
| A: |
At all times, you must carry in your vehicle:
- A copy of your vehicle’s registration;
- A card or certificate issued by an insurance company indicating that the vehicle is covered by a motor vehicle liability policy that complies with the Insurance Act;
- A valid Drivers Licence while driving.
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| Q: |
What class of licence do I need to drive what vehicle? |
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Class 1 permits operation of:
- Semi-trailers and tractor trailers;
- Any vehicle in Class 2, 3, 4, or 5;
- Any vehicle in Class 6 while learning to operate it.
Class 2 permits operation of:
- A bus of any seating capacity of passengers;
- A vehicle or any combination of vehicles in Class 3, 4, or 5;
- Any combination of vehicles without air-brakes where the towed vehicles exceed a gross weight of 4500 kg;
- Any vehicle in Class 1 or 6, while learning to operate it.
Class 3 permits operation of:
- A single vehicle with three or more axles;
- Any combination of vehicles without air-brakes where the towed vehicles in the combination do not exceed a gross weight of 4500 kg;
- A vehicle or any combination in Class 4 or 5;
- Any vehicle in Class 1, 2, or 6, while learning to operate it.
Class 4 permits operation of:
- Buses which can carry less than 24 passengers;
- Taxis, ambulances;
- Any vehicle in Class 5;
- Any vehicle in Class 1, 2, 3, or 6, while learning to operate it.
Class 5 permits operation of:
- Cars, small trucks (eg. Vans, pick-ups, a vehicle with two axles only);
- As a learner for Class 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6.
Class 6 permits operation of:
- Motorcycles;
- As a learner for Class 5.
Class 7 permits operation of:
- As a learner for Class 5 or 6.
The airbrake endorsement must be obtained separately.
For all classes you must take a written test and a road test (except Class 7), and have eyesight that meets the standard.
For Class 1, 2, 3, or 4, you must be 18 years old, have a Class 5 licence and pass a medical examination. For Class 5 or 6, you must be 16 years old, and for Class 7, you must be 15 years old. |
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