The threshold

The passing score of the SAAQ knowledge test

Updated

The passing score of the SAAQ knowledge test is 75% — but not 75% overall: 75% in each section, separately. There is no overall average, and passing two sections out of three isn’t enough. The full format — 28 questions · 3 sections · 75% each — is explained on the home page. Here is what that rule changes, concretely, for your preparation.

Why the overall average is misleading

A good total score can hide a weak section. The calculation that counts is never your number of right answers across the whole test: each section is judged alone, and one single section below the threshold fails the attempt — however strong the other two.

That is why quizzes that show one overall score prepare you badly: they measure something the test doesn’t measure. A candidate strong on road rules who neglects the signs can post an excellent average… and end up waiting 28 days.

What the rule changes for your preparation

Aim for the threshold… with a margin

Don’t book the moment your results brush 75%: booking right at the threshold is booking without a net. Aim above it, with a margin, in each of the three sections. That is exactly what Permis 101’s readiness score measures: calculated per section, across the whole question bank, it tells you when you are genuinely ready to book.

If a section stays below the threshold on test day

The rule is strict: a wait of 28 days, then a retake of only the failed section or sections. The details are on the page about failing and the one about the retake.

Frequently asked questions

Is the passing score 75% overall?

No — 75% in each section, separately. There is no overall average: a strong total score, even an excellent one, never makes up for a section that stayed below the threshold.

Is passing two sections out of three enough?

No. The failed section brings a wait of 28 days before a retake — of that section only: the sections you passed stay passed.

Where is the format spelled out?

In one place: the 75% rule on the home page — 28 questions · 3 sections · 75% each, with the number of questions and the threshold of each section.

How do you know you’re above the threshold?

By measuring yourself per section, in the real format — never on an overall score. Permis 101’s readiness score is calculated per section, across the whole question bank, and the app tells you when your margin is wide enough to book.

Go further

Know where you stand, section by section

Permis 101’s readiness score is calculated the way the test judges: per section. You see your real margin — and the app tells you when to book.

Download on the App Store

Free to start · $19.99 CAD once · No subscription

Permis 101 is an independent app, not affiliated with the SAAQ. For official information and to book your test, go to the SAAQ.