Driving Tests

What ID to Bring to Service New Brunswick for a Learner's Licence

informational·how to guide·Published September 20, 2026

What do I bring to Service New Brunswick for a learner's licence?

Bring at least one accepted ID document, such as a valid Canadian passport or a Canadian birth certificate, and at least two proof-of-residency documents from different agencies that show your address. If you are under 18, also bring the consent form signed by a parent or legal guardian and witnessed by a non-relative. The Medicare card is not accepted as ID.

Where these rules come from

The Government of New Brunswick sets the document rules on its identification documents page and its proof of residency page, and the visit steps on its driver testing page (as of 2026). The Parental Consent Form and the New Brunswick Driver's Handbook add the consent rules. Confirm the rules with Service New Brunswick (gnb.ca) before you drive.

When you bring the documents

1
Pass the knowledge test. You can take it online or in person, and you only need one of the two. See how the Class 7 Level 1 written test works.
2
Wait at least four business days after you pass before you visit a Service New Brunswick (SNB) office. The exception is the Campobello office.
3
Go to the SNB office with your ID, your proof of residency and, if you are under 18, the completed consent form. At the office you also pass a vision test (20/40 in your best eye), and a new photo is taken.
4
Finish within six months. Your test results are valid for six months, and you must get the licence within six months of starting the process.

Which ID documents does Service New Brunswick accept?

You need at least one document from the New Brunswick identification list. Each document must show your full legal name and your date of birth. It must be valid, and only originals or copies certified by the issuing agency are accepted. If your name is different on your documents, bring proof of the name change, such as a marriage certificate, a divorce certificate or a certificate of legal name change.

Examples on the ID list, and cards that are refused

Examples on the ID list, and cards that are refused
Document	Accepted as ID?
Canadian provincial or territorial birth certificate	Yes
Valid Canadian passport	Yes
Valid Permanent Resident Card	Yes
Study permit	Yes, if the permitted stay is more than six months and it does not expire within three months
Work permit	Yes, if the permitted stay is more than six months and it does not expire within three months
Medicare card	No, with or without a photo
School identification	No
Parent or relative's driver's licence or photo ID	No

Which proof of residency do you need?

You need at least two documents from the list of acceptable proof of New Brunswick residency, and you submit them in person at an SNB office. Three rules apply to the documents:
- Two documents from the same agency are not accepted.
- Each document must be the most recent one issued.
- Each document must show the address that you want on your licence.

Examples of proof of residency

A utility bill from the most recent billing cycle. It must show the name of the applicant or legal guardian. Two months of the same type of bill do not count as two documents, and bundled services count as one document.
A residential lease completed and signed by the landlord and the tenant.
A home or auto insurance policy, or an original insurance card.
A pay stub, a T4 or a letter from your employer.
A New Brunswick Social Development Health Card.

Is the Medicare card accepted?

Not as ID. The Medicare card is on the list of documents that are refused as identification, whether or not it has a photo. Do not mix up the Medicare card with the New Brunswick Social Development Health Card. They are two different cards, and the Social Development Health Card is on the residency list. Bring a passport or a birth certificate as your ID instead.

Who signs the parental consent form?

If you are under 18, you need the consent form. The minimum age for a learner's licence is 16. A parent, or a legally appointed guardian who has legal custody of you, must sign it. The signer must make sure that the form is properly completed and witnessed by a non-relative; the form has a line for a non-related witness. A parent or guardian can withdraw the consent in writing before you turn 18, and the Registrar of Motor Vehicles may then cancel the licence. Our free question on the consent needed for an applicant under 18 tests this rule.

What to bring, by situation

You are 16 or 17

Bring your ID, two proof-of-residency documents and the consent form signed by a parent or legal guardian and witnessed by a non-relative.

You are 18 or older

Bring your ID and two proof-of-residency documents. You do not need the consent form.

You are new to Canada

Use a valid Permanent Resident Card as your ID. A study permit or work permit is accepted if the permitted stay is more than six months and it does not expire within three months. Also bring two proof-of-residency documents.

Your name is different on two documents

Add proof of the name change, such as a marriage certificate, a divorce certificate or a certificate of legal name change.

Practise for the knowledge test first

You must pass the knowledge test before the SNB visit. Try the free New Brunswick Class 7 Level 1 practice test to learn the rules and road signs. Our practice tests and question pages are free and in English only. When you hold the licence, read the Class 7 Level 1 learner's licence guide for what comes next.

Key Takeaways

Bring at least one accepted ID document and at least two proof-of-residency documents, all valid originals or certified copies.
The Medicare card is not accepted as ID. A passport or a Canadian birth certificate is.
Two residency documents from the same agency do not count, and each must show your address.
Under 18: a parent or legal guardian signs the consent form, and a non-relative witnesses it.
Next step: practise on the free New Brunswick Class 7 Level 1 practice test.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need my birth certificate if I have a passport?

No. You need at least one document from the identification list, and a valid Canadian passport is on that list. A Canadian provincial or territorial birth certificate also works on its own. You still need two proof-of-residency documents from different agencies.

Can two utility bills be my two proofs of residency?

Not if they are the same type of bill. Two months of the same type of bill are not accepted, and two documents from the same agency are not accepted. Bundled services on one bill count as one document. Each bill must be from the most recent billing cycle.

Can a relative sign as the witness on the consent form?

No. The consent form must be witnessed by a non-relative, and the form has a line for a non-related witness. The parent or legally appointed guardian who signs the form must make sure that it is properly completed and witnessed.

Does my parent have to come with me to the SNB office?

Maybe. The New Brunswick Driver's Handbook says a parent or guardian may be asked to come with you to verify your address. Ask your SNB office before your visit. If you are under 18, bring the consent form already signed by your parent or guardian and witnessed by a non-relative.

Can I bring a photocopy of my passport or birth certificate?

No. Only original documents, or copies certified by the issuing agency, are accepted, and they must be valid. A photocopy that you made yourself does not meet that rule, so bring the original document to the SNB office.