The Nova Scotia Driver's Handbook contains information for new and experienced drivers. The handbook will familiarize the reader with the rules governing the operation of motor vehicles in Nova Scotia. Also included in this handbook is information about licensing, registration, inspection and collision reporting. The contents of this handbook explain the basic provisions of the law in Nova Scotia using language and terms that are easily understood. For the actual expression of the law, refer to the Motor Vehicle Act and Regulations.
The new driver’s licence and photo ID cards have design and security features to help prevent identity theft and fraud. Photo ID - new secure process Visit an Access Nova Scotia or Registry of Motor Vehicles office. This online Nova Scotia Driving Test, with multiple choice questions, is intended to help you prepare for the Nova Scotia Drivers License Test that is required before you can get your driver’s license. This free practice written driving test is a lesson that is essential for getting your Nova Scotia driver’s license at your local licensing office.
This publication is currently being provided in Adobe Acrobat for your convenience.
Illustrations should be printed in color to ensure all information is conveyed.
Introduction [ - 275 KB]
Chapter 1 - Your Driver's Licence [ - 298 KB]
Chapter 1 - GDL Supplement [ - 357 KB]
Chapter 2 - Rules of the Road [ - 989 KB]
Chapter 3 - Signs, Pavement Markings and Work Zones [ - 773 KB]
Please note the following amendments to the Driver’s Handbook:
School zone When children are present in a school zone, it is an offence to drive in excess of 30 km/h in areas where the approaching speed limit is 50km/h, or 50km/h where the approaching speed limit is higher than 50km/h whatever the time of day.
If you are involved in a collision The Registry of Motor Vehicles receives written notice of collision particulars in Nova Scotia. This information will appear on your file. The collision report collects information about
property damage of $2,000 or more
bodily injury to, or death of, any person resulting from a motor vehicle collision
Yield to transit bus Where a transit bus has stopped at a bus stop and is signalling its intent to re-enter the flow of traffic on a highway, the driver of every other vehicle shall yield the right of way to the bus unless the driver cannot yield to the bus in safety.
Graduated Driver's Licence System Effective April 1, 2015, an additional stage has been added to the Graduated Driver's Licence system called the Restricted Individual stage. Please see the chapter 1 supplement for additional information about the changes.
You may purchase a hardcopy of the Driver's Handbook:
In Person: any Registry of Motor Vehicles transaction counter (check for a location near you by using the information available on this site); By mail order: NS Government Publications (P.O. Box 637 Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3J 2T3); Online: NS Government Publications website By phone: Public Enquiries at 902-424-5200 or 1-800-670-4357 (toll-free); By mail from the Registry of Motor Vehicles: Service Delivery Division Registry of Motor Vehicles PO Box 1652 Halifax, Nova Scotia
B3J 2Z3 The fee is $9.29 plus applicable taxes (total $9.75). Reference copies of the handbook are also available at all public libraries and high schools.
Driver's Licence Information Index
*Please note: These documents are in Portable Document Format (PDF), which uses the Adobe® Acrobat® Reader. If you do not have the Reader, you can download the program free of charge.