This consolidation is unofficial and is for reference only.

For the official version of the regulations, consult the original documents on file with the Office of the Registrar of Regulations , or refer to the Royal Gazette

Part II .

Regulations are amended frequently.

Please check the list of Regulations by Act to see if there are any recent amendments to these regulations filed with our office that are not yet included in this consolidation.

Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this electronic version, the Office of the Registrar of Regulations assumes no responsibility for any discrepancies that may have resulted from reformatting.

This electronic version is copyright ©

, Province of Nova Scotia , all rights reserved. It is for your personal use and may not be copied for the purposes of resale in this or any other form.

Classification of Drivers’ Licenses Regulations

made under subsection 66(1) of the

Motor Vehicle Act

R.S.N.S. 1989, c. 293

O.I.C. 82-956 (effective September 1, 1982), N.S. Reg. 174/1982

amended to O.I.C. 2024-316 (effective August 13, 2024), N.S. Reg. 163/2024

1 Drivers’ licenses shall be classified according to the type of vehicle operated.

Class 1

Permits the operation of

(

a) semi-trailer and tractor trailer combinations;

(

b) all type of vehicles in Classes 2, 3, 4, 5 and 8.

Does not permit the operation of

(

a) vehicles with air brakes, school bus or school purpose buses, motorcycles

and motor-driven cycles without appropriate endorsement.

Minimum requirements:

Age 19, 1 year’s experience with at least Class 5 license, successfully complete written

test for Class 1 vehicles, provide satisfactory medical and optical reports on application

and periodically thereafter, successfully demonstrate driving ability in a semi-trailer or a

tractor trailer combination.

Class 2

Permits the operation of

(

a) buses having seating capacity of more than 24 passengers;

(

b) all types of vehicles in Classes 3, 4, 5 and 8.

Does not permit the operation of

(

a) vehicles with air brakes, school bus or school purpose buses, motorcycles

and motor-driven cycles without appropriate endorsement;

(

b) type 1 vehicle (except as a Learner).

Minimum requirements:

Age 19, 1 year’s experience with at least Class 5 license, successfully complete written

test for Class 2 vehicles, provide satisfactory medical and optical reports on application

and periodically thereafter, successfully demonstrate driving ability in a bus having

seating capacity in excess of 24 passengers.

Class 3

Permits the operation of

(

a) any single vehicle in excess of 14 000 kg (30 864 lbs.);

(

b) any combination of vehicles - other than semi-trailer or tractor trailer

combinations in excess of 14 000 kg (30 864 lbs.) G.V.W. where the towed

vehicle in that combination does not exceed a G.V.W. of 4500 kg (10 000

lbs.);

(

c) vehicles in Classes 4, 5 and 8.

Does not permit the operation of

(

a) vehicles with air brakes, school buses or school purpose buses, motorcycles

and motor-driven cycles without appropriate endorsement;

(

b) type 1 or 2 vehicles (except as a Learner);

(

c) public passenger vehicle (unless 19 years of age).

Minimum requirements:

Age 18, 1 year’s experience with at least Class 5 license, successfully complete written

test for Class 3 vehicle, provide satisfactory medical and optical reports on application

and periodically thereafter, successfully demonstrate ability in single vehicle exceeding

14 000 kg (30 864 lbs.) G.V.W.

Class 4

Permits the operation of

(

a) buses 24 passengers and under, taxis and ambulances;

(

b) all types of vehicles in Classes 5 and 8.

Does not permit the operation of

(

a) vehicles with air brakes, school bus or school purpose buses, motorcycles

and motor-driven cycles without appropriate endorsement;

(

b) type 1, 2 or 3 vehicles (except as a Learner);

(

c) public passenger vehicle (unless 19 years of age).

Minimum requirements:

Buses 24 passengers and under: Age 19, holds at least a Class 5 license and is not a

newly licensed driver, successfully completed written test for Class 4 vehicle, provides

satisfactory medical and optical reports on application and periodically thereafter, and

successfully demonstrates driving ability in any bus with a capacity of 24 passengers or

less.

Taxicabs: Age 19, holds at least a Class 5 license and is not a newly licensed driver,

provides satisfactory medical and optical reports on application and periodically

thereafter, previously demonstrated driving ability in Class 5 vehicle.

Ambulances: Age 18, 1 year’s experience with at least Class 5 license and is not a

newly licensed driver, successfully completed written test for Class 4 vehicle, provides

satisfactory medical and optical reports on application and periodically thereafter, and

successfully demonstrates driving ability in an ambulance or similar vehicle.

Class 5

Permits the operation of

(

a) any single vehicle not in excess of 14 000 kg (30 864 lbs.) G.V.W.;

(

b) any combination of vehicles - other than semi-trailer or tractor trailer

combinations not exceeding 14 000 kg (30 864 lbs.) and the towed vehicle

in that combination not exceeding a G.V.W. of 4500 kg (10 000 lbs.);

(

c) Class 8 vehicles;

(

d) any motor vehicle known or described as a tractor, grader, loader, shovel,

roller, scraper or any other self-propelled road-building machine used for

grading or paving of highways or other construction work, but excluding a

construction vehicle with more than two axles other than a grader or three-axle compactor.

Does not permit the operation of

(

a) vehicles with air brakes or motorcycle and motor-driven cycles without an

appropriate endorsement(s);

(

b) type 1, 2, 3 or 4 vehicles (except as a Learner).

Minimum requirements:

Age 18 (16 with parental or guardian consent), must have held a Class 7 license 60 days

unless driver education or driver training course completed. Successfully demonstrate

driving ability in any Class 5 vehicle, medical or optical reports may be required.

Class 6

Permits the operation of

(

a) motorcycle and motor-driven cycles;

(

b) Class 8 vehicles.

Does not permit the operation of

(

a) type 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 vehicles (except as a Learner);

(

b) may be restricted to the operation of motor-driven cycles (mopeds) and

motorcycles 100 c.c. and under.

Minimum requirements:

Age 18 (16 with parental or guardian consent), must have held a Class 7 license,

successfully complete written test for Class 6, successfully demonstrate driving ability in

any Class 6 vehicle, medical or optical reports may be required.

Class 7

Is a Learner’s (Beginner’

s) license which is valid only while holder is accompanied by a

licensed driver in the class of vehicle being operated except Class 6 or 8.

Does not permit the operation of

(

a) type 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 vehicles (except as a Learner).

Minimum requirements:

Age 18 (16 with parental or guardian consent), successfully complete vision screening,

written rules and sign tests. May be required to file medical or optical reports.

Class 8

Permits the operation of

(

a) a farm tractor that weighs 14 000 kg or less.

Does not permit the operation of

(

a) any other class of vehicle except as a Learner at age 16.

Minimum requirements:

Age 18 (14 with parental or guardian consent), successfully complete vision screening,

rules and signs test, medical or optical reports may be required.

2 The following endorsements may be added to a driver’s license to allow the driver to

operate additional vehicles or combinations of vehicles when the respective minimum

requirements have been met:

(

a) Valid for any motorcycle and motor-driven cycle

( Minimum requirements : Must hold valid Class 1-5 license, successfully

complete written test for Class 6 and successfully demonstrate driving

ability in Class 6 vehicle);

(

b) Valid for school bus

( Minimum requirements : Must be 19 years of age, hold valid Class 1-4

license, successfully complete written knowledge test and vision screening

for operation of school bus and successfully demonstrate driving ability in

school bus with seating capacity appropriate for class of license held);

(

c) Valid for any motorcycle and school bus

( Minimum requirements : Must hold driver’s license valid for operation of

motorcycle with engine size larger than 100 cc and complete minimum

requirements for operation of school bus, or must hold driver’s license valid

for operation of school bus and successfully complete minimum

requirements for operation of motorcycle with engine larger than 100 cc);

(

d) Valid only for motorcycle with engine size of 100 cc or less and motor-driven cycle

( Minimum requirements : Must hold valid Class 1-5 license, successfully

complete written knowledge test for Class 6 license and successfully

demonstrate driving ability in Class 6 vehicle with engine size of 100 cc or

less);

(

e) Valid for school bus and motorcycle with engine size of 100 cc or less

and motor-driven cycle

( Minimum requirements : Must hold driver’s license valid for the operation

of school bus and successfully complete minimum requirements for

operation of motorcycle with engine size of 100 cc or less and motor-driven

cycle, or must hold driver’s license valid for operation of motorcycle with

engine size of 100 cc or less and motor-driven cycle and successfully

complete minimum requirements for operation of school bus);

(

f) Valid for vehicle equipped with air brakes

( Minimum requirements : Must hold valid Class 1-6 license and successfully

complete written air brakes knowledge test).

(

g) Valid for a farm tractor and trailer, if the combined weight of the

vehicle combination weighs 14 000 kg or less

( Minimum requirements : Must hold Class 8 license, attend practical training

program and pass competency test.)

3 A peace officer, an Examiner (R.M.V.), salesman of motor vehicles, or a garage

mechanic and any member of a volunteer fire department may operate any vehicle in the

performance of his or her duties providing he or she is the holder of at least a Class 5

license.

4 Any person not previously licensed in Nova Scotia or in any other jurisdiction shall be

required to obtain a Class 7 driver’s license before operating a motor vehicle in Nova

Scotia.

5 An applicant for the following Classes of license must meet the following conditions:

(

a) An applicant for a Class 1 or 2 license shall have

(

i) no impairment of the use of fingers, feet, legs, hands or arms, or

other structural defects, limitation of mobility or coordination, to a

degree likely to interfere with the safe operation of a motor vehicle,

(ii) no need for the use of any drug which, if taken in the dosage

prescribed or otherwise, could impair the ability of the applicant to

operate a motor vehicle,

(iii) no established medical evidence of myocardial infarction, angina

pectoris, coronary insufficiency, or thrombosis,

(iv) no established medical evidence of heart disease including

arrhythmia or respiratory dysfunction likely to interfere with the safe

operation of a motor vehicle and the presence of an aortic aneurysm,

whether restricted or not, shall disqualify an applicant for a Class 1

and 2 license,

(

v) no indication of hypertension which is accompanied by postural

hypotension resulting in giddiness when under treatment,

(vi) no established medical history of loss of consciousness or awareness

due to a chronic or recurring condition,

(vii) visual acuity, with or without correction, of not less than 6/9(20/30)

best eye and no worse than 6/15(20/50) in weakest eye,

(viii) horizontal visual fields of not less than 120 degrees in each eye by

confrontation tests,

(ix) colour recognition to be able to accurately identify the colours red,

green and amber,

(

x) no evidence of monocular or aphakic condition,

(xi) ability to perceive a forced whispered voice at not less than five feet

in the best ear,

(xii) no established medical history or diagnosis of a disorder of the

musculoskeletal or nervous system which may interfere with the safe

operation of a motor vehicle,

(xiii) no clinical diagnosis as an alcoholic or drug addict, unless it is

medically determined that the person is no longer alcohol or drug

dependent,

(xiv) no established medical evidence of an intractable psychoneurotic

disorder having particular regard for sustained hostile, aggressive,

paranoid, or suicidal tendencies and agitated depression, until

evaluated,

(xv) no other physical or mental impairment, disease or condition which

is likely to significantly interfere with the individual’s ability to

operate a motor vehicle safely,

(xvi) a medical report indicating the applicant has none of the disabilities

set out above, and

(xvii) a medical re-examination and the filing of a satisfactory report

completed by the examining physician or nurse practitioner upon the

next renewal date of the driver’s license following initial issuance of

the driver’s license and every five years thereafter until age 64, and

annually thereafter; and

(

b) An applicant for a Class 3 or 4 license shall meet the conditions established for

an applicant of a Class 1 or 2 license except

(

i) established medical evidence of a first occurrence of myocardial

infarction or thrombosis is not a contraindication to a Class 3 license if it

is medically determined that a full recovery has been accomplished,

however, a second occurrence or recurring angina pectoris shall result in

disqualification,

(ii) the visual acuity of an applicant for a Class 3 license shall be not less

than 6/12 (20/40) in at least one eye,

(iii) the applicant for a Class 3 license shall have not less than 120 degrees of

horizontal visual field with both eyes open and examined together,

(iv) the applicant for a Class 3 license may possess evidence of monocular or

aphakic condition.

(

c) An applicant for a Class 5, 6, 7 or 8 license shall have

(

i) visual acuity with or without correction of not less than 6/12 (20/40) in at

least one eye,

(ii) horizontal visual fields of not less than 120 degrees by confrontation

tests, and

(ii) have no physical or mental impairment, disease, or condition which is

likely to significantly interfere with the individual’s ability to operate a

motor vehicle safely.

6 A person or company may be appointed a “Recognized Authority” which will permit the

“Signing Authority” to issue Certificates of Competence.

Definitions :

“Recognized Authority” - title given to the company

“Signing Authority” - title given to the Safety Officer

“Safety Officer” - the person who is responsible for driver training

“Certificate of Competence” - document signed by signing authority certifying that

an individual is competent to operate a particular

class of vehicle

8 Requirements :

(

a) The employer must have an established place of business in Nova Scotia.

(

b) The employer must operate a fleet of at least ten vehicles specified in Classes

1, 2 or 3.

(

c) The employer must have a training program.

(

d) Must employ a Safety Officer.

(

e) Provide training facilities.

(

f) Maintain accurate driver performance records.

(

g) Comply with inter-provincial requirements if so engaged.

(

h) Allow periodic checks by an Inspector of the Registry of Motor Vehicles who

will

(

i) monitor road test,

(ii) monitor training instructions,

(iii) check records.

(

i) Records - The “Recognized Authority” will maintain a driver performance file

for each driver certified.

9 The Training Officer will be responsible for training drivers with respect to

(

a) pre-trip inspection;

(

b) coupling and uncoupling combination units;

(

c) use of the vehicle controls and emergency equipment;

(

d) operation of the vehicle in traffic and while passing other vehicles;

(

e) turning the vehicle;

(

f) braking and slowing the vehicle by means other than braking;

(

g) backing and parking the vehicle;

(

h) procedures in event of breakdown, accident detours, etc.;

(

i) techniques of use of freeways, tunnels, bridges, interchanges, weight scale

approaches, etc.;

(

j) precautions when leaving unattended vehicle;

(

k) loading, securing, and bracing of loads;

(

l) special handling characteristics for explosives, bulk liquids, flammable,

corrosive or toxic materials if applicable.

10 Road test

The road test must

(

a) meet the standards set by the Registry of Motor Vehicles;

(

b) be administered by the “Signing Authority” and a Certification Report on a

prescribed form will be completed and forwarded to the Registry of Motor

Vehicles to facilitate licensing.

11 (

a) Where a person or company has been appointed a “Recognized Authority” the

Minister shall issue a Certificate upon payment of a fee of $10.30.

(

b) Where a person has been appointed “Signing Authority” the Minister shall issue a

Certificate upon payment of a fee of $2.05.

(

c) The Certificates mentioned in subsections (

a) and (

b) shall expire on the date stated

thereon.

12 No person shall perform the duties of a “Signing Authority” or issue Certificates of

Competence when his/her Driver’s License has expired or has been revoked, suspended or

cancelled.

(1) A person issued a driver’s license as of September 1, 1982 who does not meet the

requirements established in these regulations may continue to qualify for the class of

license required under these regulations.

(2) Despite subsection (1), where the Director of Highway Safety and Field Programs is

of the opinion that a person mentioned in subsection (1) may be an unacceptable

safety risk for the class of vehicle operated by the person, the Medical Advisory

Committee on Driver Licensing shall review the matter and a driver’s license shall

not be issued to the person unless the Committee advises the Registrar that the

person does not represent an unacceptable safety risk for the class of vehicle operated

by the person.

14 [repealed]

(1) The Registrar of Motor Vehicles may issue a class of driver’s license to a person

who does not fully satisfy the conditions established in these regulations subject to

any conditions deemed appropriate by the Registrar.

(2) A driver’s license shall not be issued under subsection (1) unless the Medical

Advisory Committee on Driver Licensing advises the Registrar that the person does

not represent an unacceptable safety risk for the class of vehicle operated by the

person.

Legislative History

Reference Tables

Regulations Respecting Classification of Driver’s

Licenses

N.S. Reg.

174/1982

Motor Vehicle Act

Note: The

information in these tables does not form part of the regulations and is

compiled by the Office of the Registrar of Regulations for reference only.

Source Law

The current consolidation of the Regulations Respecting Classification of Drivers’ Licenses made

under the Motor Vehicle Act includes all of the following regulations:

N.S.

Regulation

In force

date*

How in force

Royal Gazette

Part II Issue

174/1982

Sep 1,

date specified

Aug

26, 1982

232/1982

Nov

16, 1982

date

made

Dec 2,

274/1984

Nov

20, 1984

date

made

Dec

13, 1984

251/1992

Dec 8,

date

specified

Dec 25,

136/1993

Oct 5,

date

made

Oct

29, 1993

138/1993

Jan 4,

date

specified

Oct

29, 1993

200/1994

Nov 1,

date

made

Nov

25, 1994

149/1995

Sep

19, 1995

date

made

Oct

13, 1995

95/2000

May

24, 2000

date

made

Jun

16, 2000

117/2008

Mar

26, 2008

date

specified

Apr

11, 2008

124/2015

Jun 1,

date

specified

Apr 8,

136/2020

Sep

25, 2020

date

specified

Oct 9,

186/2020

Dec

15, 2020

date

specified

Jan 1,

163/2024

Aug

13, 2024

date

specified

Aug

23, 2024

The following regulations are not

yet in force and are not included in the current consolidation:

N.S.

Regulation

In force

date*

How in force

Royal Gazette

Part II Issue

*See subsection 3(6) of the Regulations Act for

rules about in force dates of regulations.

Amendments by Provision

ad. = added

am. = amended

fc. = fee change

ra. = reassigned

rep. = repealed

rs . = repealed and substituted

Provision affected

How affected

1, Class 2 ..........................................

am. 186/2020

1, Class 3 ..........................................

rs . 200/94; am. 186/2020

1, Class 4 ..........................................

am. 232/82, 136/2020

1, Class 5 ..........................................

rs . 200/94; am. 186/2020

1, Class 5(a) .................................

rs . 149/95

1, Class 5(c) .................................

am. 163/2024

1, Class 5(d) ................................

ad. 163/2024

1, Class 6 ..........................................

am. 186/2020

1, Class 7 ..........................................

am. 186/2020

1, Class 8 ..........................................

am. 117/2008, 186/2020

2 ........................................................

rs . 95/2000

2(g) ..............................................

ad. 117/2008

3 ........................................................

am. 232/82

5 ........................................................

rs . 257/92

5(a)(xvi) .......................................

am. 186/2020

5(a)(xvii) .....................................

am. 138/93, 186/2020

5(c) ..............................................

ad. 136/93

11(a)-(b) ...........................................

fc. 124/2015

13 ......................................................

ad. 274/84 ; rs . 257/92

14 ......................................................

ad. 257/92 ; rep. 186/2020

15 ......................................................

ad. 257/92

Note that changes to headings are not

included in the above table.

Editorial Notes and Corrections

Note

Effective

date

Repealed and Superseded

N.S.

Regulation

Title

In force

date

Repealed

date

Note: Only

regulations that are specifically repealed and replaced appear in this

table. It may not reflect the entire

history of regulations on this subject matter.