Driving Tests

What to Bring to Access PEI for Your Instruction Permit

informational·how to guide·Published July 29, 2026

What do you bring to Access PEI for an instruction permit?

The PEI Driver's Handbook lists a birth certificate, passport or immigration papers, plus two documents that show a current PEI address, such as a lease or a pay stub. Under 18, also bring the consent form signed by both parents or legal guardians and your original birth certificate, not a printed copy. The Fees Regulations set $20 (CAD) for the permit and $20 (CAD) for the permit test.

Where these rules come from

This guide uses the PEI Driver's Handbook, the Highway Safety Division Co-pilot brochure, the Graduated Driver Licensing Regulations, the Graduated Driver Licensing Program information booklet, the Highway Traffic Act Fees Regulations and the Service PEI "Know before you go" page, as of 2026. Confirm the rules with Access PEI (princeedwardisland.ca) before you drive.

Your Access PEI checklist for a Class 7 permit

ID: a birth certificate, a passport or immigration papers.
Two documents that show a current PEI address, from the list below.
Under 18: the consent form from page 13 of the Co-pilot brochure, signed by both parents or legal guardians.
Driver education students: the completed Master Sheet approved by the driving school.
Your glasses or contact lenses, if you need them to see well.
Payment for the permit fee and the permit test fee. At the office you also take a vision test and have your photo taken.

Which ID does Access PEI ask for?

The Driver's Handbook says that a first-time applicant must show a birth certificate, a passport or immigration papers before the permit is issued. If your previous address was outside Canada, also show your Canadian Immigration Identification Record of Entry form.

Can you bring a copy? Not of the birth certificate of a new driver under 18: it must be the original, not a printed copy.

For other questions about documents, call Contact PEI at 1-833-734-1873.

Two proofs of PEI address: the Driver's Handbook list

Two proofs of PEI address: the Driver's Handbook list
Type of document	What the handbook lists
Utility bill	A current electric, cable or phone bill
Rental	A formal rental or lease agreement
Work	A letter of employment on company letterhead, or a pay stub with your name and address
Government mail	Federal or provincial government mail, such as tax or GST mail
Bank	A bank cheque with your name and address, mortgage documents, a credit card bill or a bank statement

Check the current address list first

Bring two pieces from this list. Each one must show a name and a current Prince Edward Island address. The Co-pilot brochure sends you to the Access PEI website for the documents that it accepts now, so check that list before your visit. The practice question on the permit application covers the same requirements: identification, proof of residency, the fee, and the knowledge and vision tests.

Who signs the consent form?

If you are under 18, the Co-pilot brochure asks for the signed consent of both parents or legal guardians. The form has a line for the father or legal guardian and a line for the mother or legal guardian. The brochure asks parents to read it before they sign.

You sign the form too, as the permit holder: with your signature, you accept the responsibility of a Class 7 licence. If you are 18 or older, you need no consent form.

What to bring in your situation

You are 18 or older

You need no consent form. Bring your ID and two proofs of a current PEI address.

Only one parent can sign the consent form

The form has a box for a sole custodian: "If sole custodian, check here." In any other case, ask Access PEI before your visit.

You take a driver education course

The driving school gives the written test. Then go to the Highway Safety/Access PEI office in your area for the vision test, with the completed Master Sheet approved by the school.

You need glasses or contact lenses

Wear them to the vision test. If you need them to meet the vision standard, your permit lets you drive only while you wear them.

Vision test, fees and the L decal

Highway Safety staff do the vision test, and it includes a colour vision test. If you cannot meet the vision standards, you may be sent to an eye specialist to check the findings. The practice question on vision screening explains why this check matters.

The Fees Regulations set $20 (CAD) for the instruction permit and $20 (CAD) for the permit test. Confirm the amounts with Access PEI. The PEI driver's licence fees guide covers the road test, course and licence fees.

When your photo is taken for the permit, you get the L decal at no cost. The Stage 1 rules guide explains where it goes.

Key takeaways

Bring a birth certificate, passport or immigration papers, plus two documents that show a current PEI address.
Under 18: bring your original birth certificate and the consent form signed by both parents or legal guardians.
Driver education students also bring the Master Sheet approved by the driving school.
Bring your glasses or contact lenses, and the $20 (CAD) permit fee and $20 (CAD) test fee.
Next step: practise on the free Prince Edward Island Class 7 practice test. It is in English only.

PEI instruction permit documents: common questions

Do I need an appointment for the PEI permit test?

Yes. Make an appointment for your written test and pay the applicable fee. If you are under 18, bring the signed consent form and your original birth certificate to that written appointment. Driver education students write the test at their driving school instead.

Can I bring a photocopy of my birth certificate?

Not if you are under 18. The Co-pilot brochure says that the birth certificate of the new driver must be the original, not a printed copy. Bring it with the signed consent form to your written appointment.

What happens if I do not pass the PEI vision test?

If you cannot meet the vision standards, you may be sent to an eye specialist (an ophthalmologist or optometrist) to check the findings. If you need glasses or contact lenses to meet the standard, you must wear them while you drive, and your permit gets that condition.

Can I take the PEI written test orally?

Yes. If you cannot read and understand the written test, you may ask for an oral test. The questions cover the rules of the road, safe driving practices and the recognition of road signs by their shape.

How long is a PEI instruction permit valid?

Two years from the date of issue. The permit is your Stage 1 (Class 7) licence, and Stage 1 of the Graduated Driver Licensing program begins on the day that you receive it.