Department of Community Services

Driver Licences

To obtain a driver licence, or register a vehicle, or if you have any questions regarding licensing and registration, contact any of our offices.

Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL)

The Yukon has a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) Program similar to other Provinces. An information package is available at the Whitehorse office or any Territorial Agent or Representative.

Driver Licences

How can I get a learner’s licence?

  • You must be 15 years of age.
  • You need 2 pieces of identification (Primary & Secondary)
  • If you are under 18 years of age you must present a parental consent form, or
  • If you are under 18 years of age and you are married or self supporting, simply show documented proof such as a marriage certificate or mortgage/rent receipts
  • There is a $20.00 fee for a written exam. (No appointment necessary.)

    • What are the steps to get a licence?

    The first step is to obtain a Learners Licence by passing a written exam. There is a $20.00 fee for this test and no appointment is necessary. Tests are available in Whitehorse and with your Territorial Agent and Territorial Representative Offices. Once the written test is passed an eye exam will be given and a class 7 GDL learners' licence will be issued for a fee of $10.00 per year for either a 2 year or 5 year period.

    The second step is to practice driving for at least six months with a co-driver under specific conditions and restrictions.

    The third step is to graduate to a Novice Licence. You must be at least 16 years of age and have passed a road test.

    The fourth step is to practice driving as a Novice for 18 months, which means you can drive without a co-driver except between the hours of midnight – 5:00 a.m.

    The fifth step is to apply for your full privilege Yukon Drivers Licence.

    How can I get a full privilege driver’s licence?

  • Must be 17 1/2 years of age.
  • All conditions of the Learners and Novice stages must have been met.
  • Application must be made for a full privilege driver’s licence at any motor vehicle office.

    • What identification is needed to get a licence for the first time?

    We require the following:

  • Primary ID - No Photocopies 
    • Birth Certificate
    • Canadian Citizenship
    • Foreign Passport (must not be expired)
    • Out of Jurisdiction licence
    • Canadian Armed Forces ID or discharge papers
       
  • Secondary ID - No Photocopies
    • Baptismal Certificate (Must show date of birth)
    • Social Insurance Card
    • Health Care Card
    • Certificate of Indian Status
    • Liquor ID
    • Landed Immigrant Papers
    • Canadian or US passport
    • ** If primary and Secondary ID are in different surnames we must have proper documentation linking the two (i.e. Marriage Certificate/ Certificate of Divorce/Legal Name Change etc.)

    If applicant was born outside of Canada we require proof of citizenship, work visa, student visa, record of landing etc.

    When and how do I transfer my out of province driver’s licence?

    You have up to 120 days (upon taking up residency or beginning employment in the Territory) to obtain a Yukon Driver’s licence.
    .
    If you have an air-brake endorsement on you licence, you must exchange your licence within thirty (30) days.

  • Surrender your previous driver’s licence
  • Provide one piece of secondary ID (listed above)
  • Provide our office with a medical report if you are applying for a Class 1, 2 3 or 4 licence (Or if you are 70 years of age or older)
  • A 5 year licence for a fee of $50.00 will be issued while you wait.

    • How do I renew my driver’s licence?

    Your driver’s licence may be renewed by mail or in person. You will need:

  • Your expired driver’s license
  • Your security keyword
  • A 5 year licences will be issued for a fee of $50.00.
  • If class 1, 2, 3, 4 or 70 years of age or older you may be required to provide a medical report.

    • If I lose my licence, how can I get a duplicate?

    You will need:

  • Your security keyword
  • One piece of primary or secondary ID (listed above)
  • $3.00 fee

    • If previous licence is found it must be returned immediately to the Registrar of Motor Vehicles as it is an offense to hold more than one driver’s licence at any one time.

    How do I go about getting an exam for driving?

    Whitehorse and surrounding area residents may apply by calling Motor Vehicles at (867) 667-5315 or toll free at 1-800-661-0408 local 5315.

    Outside of Whitehorse contact your Territorial Agent or Territorial Representative Office.

    What do the different classes of licence mean?


    Class 1 permits the operation of:
    Truck-tractor-trailer combinations over 11,000 kg (24,000 lbs.) Gross Vehicle Weight, where the trailer exceeds 4,550 kg (10,000 lbs.), and vehicles included in Class 2, 3, 4 or 5.

    Class 2 permits the operation of:
    Buses having a seating capacity over 24 passengers and vehicles included in Class 3, 4 or 5. School bus drivers must also comply with other requirements established under the Motor Vehicle regulations and company rules.

    Class 3 permits the operation of:
    Single trucks over 11,000 kg (24,000 lbs.) G.V.W. truck-trailer combinations over 11,000 kg (24,000 lbs.) G.V.W. where the trailer does not exceed 4,550 kg (10,000 lbs.) G.V.W. and vehicles included in Class 5. (Or any 3 axle vehicle)

    Class 4 permits the operation of:
    Buses with a seating capacity up to 24 passengers, taxies, ambulances, and vehicles included in class 5.

    Class 5 permits the operation of:
    Single motor vehicles up to 11,000 kg (24,000 lbs.) G.V.W., vehicle-trailer combinations up to 11,000 kg (24,000 lbs.) G.V.W., where the trailer does not exceed 4550 kg (10,000 lbs.) G.V.W. and learners being instructed on vehicles in Class 1, 2, 3, or 4.

    Class 6 permits the operation of:
    Motorcycles and mopeds. NOTE: Helmets are required when operating or riding as a passenger on a motorcycle.

    Class 7 permits the operation of:
    Car/light truck/motorcycle as a learner.

    Must I wear my seat belt?

    Yes. Wearing of seat belts is required by law. Failing to buckle up will result in a fine. Young children under 7 years of age must be secured in a child restraint system. Learn more about Car Seat Safety.

    The proper weight categories for child seating restraint systems are:

  • 0 - 20lbs or 0 - 9kg = infant carrier
  • 20 - 48lbs or 9 - 22kg = child restraint seat
  • children over 48lbs or 22kg = booster cushion
  • 48lbs and up or 22kg and up = standard seat belt

    • Are headlights mandatory?

    The law requires that headlights must be on at all times outside the city of Whitehorse limits on all Yukon highways.

    Is the use of radar detectors legal in the Yukon?

    No. While travelling through the Territory the device must be disabled or inoperable.

    When do I have to report an accident?

    If the accident involves personal injury, or property damage exceeding $1,000.00, it must be reported to the police.

    Will demerit points be applied to my licence?

    Yes. Demerit Points will be added to your driving record, based upon convictions, whether inside or outside of the Territory.

    If a GDL Learner or Novice License holder is convicted of traffic offences which result in 7 or more demerit points the driver will be suspended for 30 days. At the accumulation of 4 points, you will be issued a warning letter from the Registrar.

    Once a full privileged driver has reached 8 demerit points, you will be notified by a letter from the Registrar of the points accumulated. At 15 demerit points, your licence will be suspended for 30 days or possibly longer based upon previous Demerit Point Convictions.

    Are unpaid motor vehicle moving violation tickets applied to your drivers licence?

    Yes. All motor vehicle traffic violations are applied to your licence. If you owe fines up to a $100.00 a “stay” will be placed on your licence which means you may NOT RENEW your licence until these fines are paid in full. If fines exceed $100.00 your driving privileges will be SUSPENDED until all fines are paid in full.

    Are unpaid parking tickets applied to your vehicle Registration(s)?

    Yes. Once you have accumulated $100.00 worth of parking tickets you may not transfer, renew or register a vehicle until all fines have been paid in full.

    What hours are in effect in school zones within a municipality, and what is the speed limit?

    8:00 A.M. - 4:30 P.M. on any day school is in session
    30 kilometres per hour during this time

    Is it legal to drink and drive?

    No. Drinking and driving is not permitted in the Yukon.

    May my passengers drink alcoholic beverages in my automobile?

    No, it is against the law to permit open liquor in a vehicle.

    What are the speed limits in the Yukon?

    Speed limits are posted on Yukon highways. Where speed limits are not posted, the speed limit is 50 kilometres per hour.