How to Get a Driver’s Licence in Alberta?

Navigating the roads of Alberta: A comprehensive guide to driving Licences, GDL program, and road rules.

Nestled in the heart of western Canada, Alberta is not only renowned for its stunning landscapes that stretch from the majestic Rocky Mountains to the vast prairies but also for its efficient and well-organized transportation system. And if you wish to drive around the place, you need to know both the rules of the road and the regulations around getting that driving licence. This guide will tell you all you need to know about it.

All new drivers in Alberta must go through a two-stage process to obtain a full driver’s licence.

• First, they must obtain a Class 7 learner’s licence by passing a written knowledge test and a vision test. With a Class 7 licence, new drivers can practice driving with a fully licensed driver.
• After holding the Class 7 licence for at least one year, they can take a road test to obtain a Class 5 GDL (Graduated Driver’s Licence), allowing them to drive independently with some restrictions.

In addition to the above two stages, the Full (Class 5) licence is earned after holding the probationary Class 5 GDL licence.

For individuals with foreign driver’s licences, they can drive in Alberta for up to one year with their foreign licence as long as it is valid and accompanied by an English translation or an International Driving Permit. After one year, they must obtain an Alberta driver’s licence to continue driving in the province.

What Is GDL Licensing In Alberta?

 In Alberta, the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program has three stages: learner, probationary, and full-privileged driver’s license. To obtain a GDL licence, a learner must be at least 14 years of age and pass a knowledge test to receive a Class 7 licence. The knowledge test focuses on driver safety and is followed by two separate road tests. A pro tip: it might help if you visit the registry office sometime in the middle of the month. You won’t find too much rush.

During the learner stage, drivers must be accompanied by a fully licensed driver with at least 3 years of driving experience. After holding a Class 7 license for at least 12 months, and passing a basic road test, drivers can progress to the probationary stage with a Class 5 GDL license.

To obtain a Class 5 GDL license, drivers must pass an advanced road test and have held a Class 7 license for at least 12 months. As a probationary driver, there are restrictions on alcohol consumption and the number of passengers allowed. After holding a Class 5 GDL license for at least 2 years, without any driving suspensions, drivers can apply for a full-privileged Class 5 license.

Licensing stages

Following are the key stages that you need to know if you plan to drive in Alberta:

Learner’s (Class 7) licence

To obtain a Class 7 learner’s licence in Alberta, you must be at least 14 years old and have parental or guardian consent if you are under 18. You will need to pass a knowledge test on traffic laws and signs, as well as a vision test. Once you have passed these tests and paid the required fee, you will be issued a Class 7 learner’s licence. This licence comes with several restrictions, including the requirement to have a fully licensed driver over the age of 18 with at least three years of driving experience in the passenger seat at all times. The learner’s licence is valid for two years.

To obtain the physical licence card, you can visit any Alberta registry agent office within one year of passing the knowledge test. Feel free to go online and take a few practice  exam tests. You will need to bring identification, proof of residency, and your learner’s licence to apply for the card. The physical card can be either temporary or permanent, depending on your preference. The temporary card will be issued immediately, while the permanent card will be mailed to you within two to six weeks.

Probationary (Class 5-GDL) licence

In order to obtain a probationary (Class 5-GDL) licence, the applicant must be at least 16 years old and have held a Class 7 learner’s licence for at least one year. They must also pass a basic road test and abide by certain restrictions, such as having a blood alcohol concentration of zero and being accompanied by a fully licensed driver over the age of 18.

For drivers under 18 years old, parental or guardian consent is required to obtain a probationary licence. This involves the completion of a consent form, signed by the parent or guardian, and presented at the time of application.

To upgrade to a full, non-GDL (Class 5) licence, drivers must be at least 18 years old and have successfully completed the probationary driving period, which typically lasts two years.

Full (Class 5) licence

In Alberta, to obtain a full Class 5 licence, individuals must first complete a 24-month probationary period. During this time, the applicant must have a clean driving record, free from any suspensions or demerits for the last 12 months. Additionally, the applicant must be at least 18 years old.

Once the probationary period is successfully completed, the next step is to pass an advanced road test at a registry agent. This test assesses the driver’s ability to handle various driving situations, including highway driving, lane changes, and parallel parking. And every car that you drive should be accompanied by valid auto insurance.

After meeting these requirements, individuals will be eligible to obtain a full Class 5 licence in Alberta. This licence allows for driving privileges without the restrictions imposed during the probationary period, such as limitations on the number of passengers and the requirement to maintain a zero alcohol and drug level while driving.

Additionally, the 24-month probationary period can be pared down by six months “by completing a Class 5 or Class 6 driver training program from a driver training school licensed by Transportation and Economic Corridors”.

Licence and vehicle types

 In Alberta, Canada, there are 7 classes of driver’s licences.

• Class 1: This licence allows you to drive semi-trailer trucks and any vehicle or vehicle combination requiring a Class 2, 3, 4 or 5 driver’s licence.
• Class 2: This licence allows you to drive buses, including school buses, special activity buses and special vehicles.
• Class 3: This licence allows you to drive trucks with more than 2 axles, including dump trucks and large tow trucks.
• Class 4: This licence allows you to drive taxis, ambulances, and buses with a maximum seating capacity of 24 passengers.
• Class 5: This licence allows you to drive most cars, light trucks, and vans.
• Class 6: This licence allows you to drive motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs).
• Class 7: This is a learner’s licence for Class 5 and 6 vehicles and allows you to practice driving with a licensed supervisor.

How much does it cost to get your driver’s license in Alberta?

The fee structure for obtaining a licence from Alberta is as follows:

Exchanging an out-of-province driving license 

To exchange an out-of-province driving license for an Alberta driver’s license, visit an Alberta registry agent within 90 days of moving to the province. Bring proof of identification, such as a passport or citizenship card, as well as proof of residency in Alberta, such as a lease agreement or utility bill. Additionally, provide your current out-of-province driver’s license.

If the out-of-province license is from a country with a reciprocal agreement with Alberta, the exchange process will be relatively straightforward.

• All you need to do is exchange your existing licence from the home country at a registry agent.
• You need to have at least two years’ worth of driving experience which is at least as much or higher than a Class 5 licence.
• Get the necessary documents including your proof of identity, take the vision test and pay $93 for a five-year licence in Alberta.

However, if the license is from a country without a reciprocal agreement with Alberta, additional requirements or considerations apply.

• You need to apply for a GDL exemption
• Apply for a Class 7 (learner’s licence) after passing the knowledge test and vision test
• Pay a $17 fee and furnish the relevant documents confirming your identity
• An official GDL Exemption Application form will be offered to you which you need to fill in.
• Your documentation should include all previous licences, including expired ones.
• These documents will be sent to the Alberta government for review which may take up to 10 working days.
• After your driver’s licence, held for at least two years, is verified, you will need to pass a road test. Please book one for yourself before time. This will set you back by $138.

Rules of the Road in Alberta

Be vigilant would be the overall driving mantra wherever it is that you drive on the planet. Following are some of the rules and guidelines for doing so in Alberta:

• Emergency vehicles with flashing lights demand immediate attention from drivers, who must slow down and pull to the right to clear the way.
• Car insurance is a legal requirement for driving in Alberta, and failure to have valid coverage is against the law.
• Wait for school buses until their red lights have stopped flashing and the stop arm is not activated.
• The roads belong to the cyclists too. Be vigilant to their presence, while pedestrians are always given the right of way.
• Driving under the influence is a severe offence, with a legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.05 percent for drivers.
• While passing is allowed on both sides, choosing the left side is generally safer, especially on roads without medians.
• Distracted driving, including the use of mobile phones, is strictly prohibited.
• At four-way stops, a complete halt is necessary, and drivers proceed based on the order of their arrival, ensuring a fair and orderly flow of traffic.
• Ensure that you always have the necessary documents with you. For instance, it is not legal to drive around without valid car insurance in Alberta.
• At pedestrian or school crossings, drivers must come to a complete stop, allowing pedestrians to safely cross before proceeding.
• Respect speed limits.

Driving suspensions

A driver’s licence in Alberta can be suspended for several reasons, including impaired driving, excessive speeding, driving without insurance, accumulating demerits, and failing to pay fines. The consequences of driving with a suspended or disqualified licence can be severe, including hefty fines, vehicle impoundment, and potential criminal charges. Repeat offenders may also face longer suspension periods and a requirement to complete a remedial program before regaining their driving privileges.

Licensed drivers with demerit suspensions may be eligible to apply for a Restricted Driver’s Licence, which allows them to drive under certain conditions, such as for work or medical appointments. To apply for a Restricted Driver’s Licence, individuals must first serve their suspension period, pay any outstanding fines, and complete a defensive driving course. They must then submit an application to the Alberta Transportation Safety Board, along with supporting documentation, to demonstrate the need for a Restricted Driver’s Licence.