What Is A Driver's License In Yukon?
A driver's license in Yukon is an official document issued by the Department of Highways and Public Works that grants individuals the legal authority to operate motor vehicles on public roads within the territory. This license serves as both a form of identification and proof of the holder's qualification to drive specific types of vehicles, as outlined in the Motor Vehicles Act of Yukon.
The driver's license contains essential information about the holder, including their photograph, full name, date of birth, address, and class of vehicles they are permitted to operate. It also includes security features to prevent forgery and ensure its authenticity.
What Are The Different Types Of Driver's Licenses Available In Yukon?
Yukon offers several types of driver's licenses, each corresponding to different classes of vehicles and driving privileges. The main classes of driver's licenses available in the territory include:
- Class 1: Semi-trailer trucks and any motor vehicle or vehicle combination (other than motorcycles or mopeds)
- Class 2: Motor coaches, transit buses, school buses, special activity buses with seating for over 24 passengers
- Class 3: Heavy vehicles with two or more axles that weigh over 11,000 kilograms, such as dump trucks, large tow trucks, fuel delivery trucks, moving trucks, buses without passengers, and large motor homes over 11,000 kilograms.
- Class 4: Taxi, limousine, ambulance, bus up to 24 passengers, special activity buses, handicapped bus
- Class 5: Any motor vehicle not exceeding 11,000 kg (other than motorcycles, ambulances, buses or livery)
- Class 6: Motorcycles
- Class 7: Learner, Car/Truck
Each class has specific requirements and restrictions. Additionally, some classes have graduated licensing stages, such as the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program for new drivers.
What Is The Minimum Age Required To Get A Driver's License In Yukon?
The minimum age to obtain a learner's license (Class 7) in Yukon is 15 years old. To be eligible for a Class 5 license, applicants must be at least 16 years old and have held a Class 7 license for a minimum of 12 months.
For commercial licenses (Classes 1-4), applicants must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid Class 5 license. Additional age restrictions may apply depending on the specific class of commercial license being sought.
Where Can I Get A Driver's License In Yukon?
Driver's licenses in Yukon can be obtained at Motor Vehicles offices located throughout the territory. These offices consolidate services from various government agencies, including driver's licenses and vehicle registration.
How To Get A Driver's License In Yukon?
New drivers must complete the Graduated Driver Licensing Program (GDL) to get a Yukon driver's license. Follow these steps:
- Be at least 15 years of age
- Pass a vision test.
- Complete a written knowledge test on traffic rules and safe driving practices.
- Obtain a learner's permit (Class 7) and complete the required supervised driving hours.
- Pass a road test to demonstrate driving skills and knowledge.
- Pay the applicable license fees.
- Provide necessary residency and identification documents.
Additional requirements, such as medical exams, air brake endorsements, or specialized training, may apply to commercial licenses.
What Documents Are Required For A Driving License In Yukon?
When applying for a driving license in Yukon, applicants must provide several documents to prove their identity, residency, and eligibility. The necessary documents typically include:
- Proof of identity (e.g., birth certificate, passport)
- Two proofs of Yukon residency (Class 1-4)
- Proof of legal status in Canada (for non-citizens)
- Parental consent form (for applicants under 18 years old)
- Completion certificate from a driver education course (if applicable)
Depending on the license class and the applicant's specific circumstances, additional documents may be required.
How To Get A Class 5 License In Yukon
To get a Class 5 driver's license in Yukon, you must complete the Graduated Driver Licensing Program (GDL). Here's what you need to do:
- Be at least 15 years old.
- Provide valid identification.
- Pass a written test.
- Pass a vision test.
Step 1: Take the Written Test
- Study the Yukon Driver’s Basic Handbook to prepare for the test.
- Visit a Motor Vehicles office to take your test. The fee is $20. If you fail, you can retake it the next day, but you must pay another $20.
- Bring identification and proof that you are a Yukon resident.
- If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must accompany you and bring their ID.
Step 2: Take the Vision Test
- You must pass a vision test. If you fail, you will need further testing from an optometrist or ophthalmologist. Restrictions will be added to your license if you need corrective lenses to drive.
Step 3: Obtain Your Learner's license
After passing both tests, you will receive your learner's license. During this stage, follow these rules:
- Zero tolerance for alcohol or drug use (for you and your co-driver).
- Your co-driver must have held a Class 5 license for at least 2 years.
- You can drive only between 5 a.m. and midnight.
- Log 50 hours of driving practice.
- Display an “L” sign on your vehicle.
- Limit passengers to 2 unless they are immediate family.
- No towing or use of electronic devices.
- Minimum 6 months in this stage.
Step 4: Take Your Road Test
To take your road test:
- Be at least 16 years old.
- Have had your learner's license for 6 months.
- Complete 50 hours of driving.
- You can schedule a road test at the Motor Vehicles office. The test costs $20, and you need a safe, insured, and registered vehicle.
Step 5: Obtain Your Novice license
After passing the road test, you will get a novice license. During the novice stage, you must:
- Have a co-driver between midnight and 5 a.m.
- Continue with zero tolerance for alcohol and drugs.
- Avoid using electronic devices or towing trailers.
- The novice stage lasts at least 18 months before you can apply for an entire Class 5 license.
Full license
- After completing the novice stage, visit the Motor Vehicles office to apply for a full Class 5 license.
How To Get A Class 7 License In Yukon
To obtain a Class 7 learner’s license in Yukon, you must follow these steps:
- Eligibility:
- Be at least 15 years old.
- Have valid identification.
- Provide proof of Yukon residency.
- Written Knowledge Test:
- Study the Yukon Driver’s Basic Handbook to prepare.
- Visit a Motor Vehicles office to take the test. Bring Parental consent form (for applicants under 18 years old)
- The test fee is $20. If you fail, you can retake it the next day by paying another fee.
- Vision Test:
- Pass a vision screening.
- If necessary, you must undergo further testing by an optometrist.
- Learner’s license:
You will receive your learner's license after passing both the written and vision tests.
You must follow certain restrictions, such as:
- Zero tolerance for alcohol or drugs.
- Always drive with a co-driver with a Class 5 license for at least 2 years.
- Limit driving hours to between 5 a.m. and midnight.
- Log at least 50 hours of driving practice.
You will remain in the learner stage for at least 6 months before moving on to the novice stage.
How Much Does It Cost To Get A Driver's License In Yukon?
The cost of obtaining a driver's license in Yukon varies depending on the license class and the stage of the licensing process. Fees are associated with various components of the licensing process, including:
- Written Knowledge Test Fee: $20.
- Physical Driver’s License Fee: $50, payable by cash, credit card, or debit.
- In addition, a road test for moving from a learner's to a full driver’s license will cost $20.
Is A Driver's License Issued In Yukon Online?
No, driver's licenses in Yukon are not currently issued online. Applicants must visit the Motor Vehicles Branch office to apply for, renew, or replace a driver's license.
Is A US-Issued Driver's License Recognized In Yukon?
Yes, a US-issued driver's license is generally recognized in Yukon for temporary visitors. Under reciprocal agreements, visitors from the United States can use their valid US driver's license to operate a vehicle in Yukon for a limited period, up to 120 days.
For more extended stays or those becoming residents of Yukon, exchanging the US license for a Yukon driver's license may be necessary.
What Is The Procedure For A Foreigner To Obtain A Yukon Driver's License?
When a foreigner moves to Yukon, they must transfer their existing driver's license to a Yukon driver’s license.,-Vehicle%20registration). This must be done within:
- 120 days of moving to Yukon; or
- 30 days, if you have an air-brake endorsement.
Recognized Driver's licenses
You can apply for a Yukon driver’s license if you have a valid license from:
- Canada,
- United States of America,
- Germany (requires a sign test), or
- Isle of Man.
If you have held a driver’s license for less than 2 years in a jurisdiction outside Canada, you must enroll in the Graduated Driver’s Licensing (GDL) program.
Requirements
To obtain a Yukon driver’s license, you will need to:
- Surrender your out-of-territory driver’s license.
- Pay the applicable driver license fee.
- Provide 1 acceptable proof of identity document.
- Provide 2 acceptable proof of residency documents.
- Provide a current driver’s medical if you are a commercial driver or are 70 years of age or older.
How Long Does It Take To Get A Yukon Driving License?
The time it takes to obtain a Yukon driving license varies depending on the license class and the individual's progress through the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program. For new drivers pursuing a standard Class 5 license, the process typically takes a minimum of 24 months, broken down as follows:
This timeline assumes that all tests are passed on the first attempt and all waiting periods are observed. The actual duration may be longer if additional practice or retesting is needed.
Can Tourists And Visitors Drive In Yukon?
Yes, tourists and visitors can drive in Yukon under certain conditions. Visitors to the territory may use their valid driver's license from their home jurisdiction for a limited period, up to 120 days. This allowance is based on reciprocal agreements with other Canadian provinces and many foreign countries.
Is A Yukon Driver's License Valid Internationally?
The validity of a Yukon driver's license outside of Canada depends on the laws and regulations of the country or jurisdiction being visited. Many countries recognize Canadian driver's licenses, either directly or in combination with an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Before travelling abroad, it is advisable to:
- Check with the embassy or consulate of the destination country for specific driver's license requirements
- Obtain an IDP, if required, from a Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) office
How To Convert An International Driver's License To A Yukon One?
If you have a valid driver’s license from an international location, you can apply to convert it to a Yukon driver’s license, following the process below.
Recognized licenses
Yukon recognizes licenses from the following jurisdictions:
- Canada
- United States of America
- Germany (requires a sign test)
- Isle of Man
If your license is from a jurisdiction outside Canada and you have less than 2 years of driving experience, you must complete the Graduated Driver’s Licensing (GDL) program.
Requirements
To convert your international license to a Yukon one, you will need to:
- Surrender your out-of-territory license.
- Pay the applicable license fee.
- 1 acceptable proof of identity
- 2 acceptable proofs of Yukon residency
- A current driver's medical (for commercial drivers or drivers aged 70 and older).
Does Yukon Have A Digital Driver's License?
No, Yukon does not offer a digital driver's license. Yukon driver's licenses are issued as physical cards that drivers must carry when operating a motor vehicle.
What Are The Regulations Around Suspension And Revocation Of Driving Licenses In Yukon?
The regulations around suspension and revocation of driving licenses in Yukon are governed by the Motor Vehicles Act and are enforced to maintain road safety. Licenses may be suspended or revoked for various reasons, including:
- Accumulation of demerit points
- Serious traffic violations
- Impaired driving offences
- Medical conditions that affect driving ability
- Failure to pay fines or child support
The duration and conditions of suspension or revocation vary depending on the nature and severity of the offence. In some cases, drivers may be required to complete remedial programs or pay reinstatement fees before their license can be restored.
How Long Does A Driving License Last In Yukon?
A driving license in Yukon typically has a validity period of five years. This standard duration applies to most license classes, including the typical Class 5 license for passenger vehicles. The expiration date is printed on the front of the license card.
How To Know When Yukon Drivers License Expires?
A Yukon driver's license expiration date is clearly printed on the front of the license card. This date indicates when the current license will no longer be valid and requires renewal. Additionally, the Department of Highways and Public Works sends out renewal reminders to drivers.
Drivers can also check their license expiration date online through the government's e-services portal or by contacting a Motor Vehicle office. It is the license holder's responsibility to be aware of their expiration date and initiate the renewal process in a timely manner.
What Happens If Your Yukon Drivers License Expires?
If a Yukon driver's license expires, it is no longer valid for operating a motor vehicle. Driving with an expired license violates the Motor Vehicles Act and can result in fines and other penalties. The consequences of driving with an expired license may include:
- Monetary fines
- Demerit points on the driver's record
- Potential vehicle impoundment
- Complications with insurance coverage in the event of an accident
To reinstate an expired license, the holder must complete the renewal process, which may involve additional requirements if the license has expired for an extended period. A simple renewal process is typically sufficient for licenses that expire in less than two years. However, for licenses that expire more than two years, retesting may be required.