After an impaired driving conviction in Quebec, the SAAQ will not issue a new licence until you complete its evaluation program, often called the PERRCCA program (Programme d’évaluation et de réduction du risque de conduite avec capacités affaiblies).
Step 1: the summary evaluation
For most first offences, you start with a summary evaluation at a rehabilitation centre or a hospital with a rehabilitation service. It costs $351.
- If the result is favourable, you must complete Alcofrein, a three-hour education session about the consequences of impaired driving and alternatives to it. It costs $150.
- If the result is unfavourable, you move to a comprehensive evaluation.
Step 2: the comprehensive evaluation
A comprehensive evaluation costs $830.70 and can take several months. It is required if the summary evaluation is unfavourable, and it applies directly after a refusal conviction, a conviction with a high blood alcohol level, or another conviction within the previous 10 years. A maintenance evaluation ($409.50) may follow.
Step 3: tests and a new licence
If your suspension or revocation lasted three years or more, the SAAQ may require you to pass the knowledge and road tests again. A new licence costs $420 to $560, depending on your record over the last 10 years.
Step 4: the interlock
Most drivers must use an alcohol ignition interlock for one or two years once their licence is reinstated, and a lifetime interlock can apply after a second offence. See Quebec DUI penalties.
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Minimum Criminal Code fine | $1,000 |
| Summary (initial) evaluation | $351.00 |
| Comprehensive evaluation (if the summary is unfavourable) | $830.70 |
| Maintenance evaluation | $409.50 |
| Alcofrein program (if the summary is favourable) | $150.00 |
| Interlock installation | $165 to $350 |
| Interlock monthly rental | $69.99 |
| Interlock removal and file closure | $55.00 |
| New licence after revocation | $420 to $560 |
Can a lawyer help?
The best way to avoid this process is a strong defence to the criminal charge. A lawyer can also advise on a restricted licence and on the timing of each step. Read our guide to Quebec impaired driving laws.
Frequently asked questions
A three-hour SAAQ education session for people convicted of a first impaired driving offence whose summary evaluation is favourable. It costs $150.
$351. A comprehensive evaluation, required if the summary is unfavourable, costs $830.70.
After a refusal conviction, a conviction with a high blood alcohol level, or another conviction within the previous 10 years.
If your suspension or revocation lasted three years or more, the SAAQ may require the knowledge and road tests again.
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This article is general information about Quebec and Canadian impaired driving law as of October 2026. It is not legal advice. Penalties, fees and procedures can change; confirm details with the SAAQ or a lawyer.
Sources: SAAQ, Costs related to impaired driving (updated February 19, 2026) and Alcofrein program; Éducaloi, Alcool au volant : ravoir son permis de conduire; Department of Justice Canada, Impaired driving laws.
