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Getting a Driver’s Licence in Alberta: A Step-by-Step Guide

In Alberta, it takes a minimum of three years to earn a full, non-Graduated Driver’s Licence (non-GDL) Class 5 licence. This process involves multiple licensing stages, each with its own requirements. Here’s an overview of how to get licensed and the different types of licences required to legally drive in Alberta.


Licensing Stages in Alberta

Stage 1: Learner’s Licence (Class 7)

To apply for a Class 7 learner’s licence, you must:

  • Be at least 14 years old

  • Have parental or guardian consent if under 18

  • Pass a knowledge test

  • Pass a vision test

Stage 2: Probationary Licence (Class 5-GDL)

To get your probationary Class 5-GDL licence, you must:

  • Be at least 16 years old

  • Have parental/guardian consent if under 18

  • Have held a Class 7 licence for at least 12 months

  • Pass the basic road test

Stage 3: Full Licence (Non-GDL Class 5)

To qualify for a full Class 5 licence, you must:

  • Be at least 18 years old

  • Have held a Class 5-GDL for 24 months

    • You may reduce this probationary period by up to 6 months by completing a certified Class 5 or Class 6 driver training program

  • Be suspension- and demerit-free for the last 12 months


Eligibility Requirements

For Class 5-GDL (Probationary Licence):

You must:

  • Be at least 16 years old

  • Have held a Class 7 licence for at least one year

  • Provide written parental consent if under 18

  • Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, valid visa holder, or have an approved refugee claim

  • Provide proof of Alberta residency and valid identification

For Full Class 5 (Non-GDL) Licence:

You must:

  • Be at least 18 years old

  • Have held a Class 5-GDL for 2 years

    • (Up to 6 months reduction available with certified driver training)

  • Be suspension- and demerit-free for the last 12 months

  • Provide proof of Alberta residency and valid identification

  • Meet citizenship or immigration requirements

Note: Temporary residents (students, visitors, temporary foreign workers) are not eligible for an Alberta driver’s licence but may use a valid licence from their home country or province.


Steps to Get a Class 5-GDL Licence

  1. Pass the Basic Road Test
    Book through a registry agent or online. Be sure to check the eligibility, vehicle requirements, documents, and fees.

  2. Pass a Vision Test
    Conducted by a registry agent. A medical report may be required.

  3. Purchase Your Licence Card
    If you pass both tests, you can purchase your Class 5-GDL licence. You’ll receive a 30-day temporary licence while waiting for your card to arrive by mail (typically within 21 business days).


GDL Licence Restrictions

While holding a Class 5-GDL, the following rules apply:

  • You must have zero alcohol/drug levels when driving

  • You cannot drive with more passengers than seat belts

  • Licence will be suspended at 8 demerit points

  • You cannot upgrade to Class 1, 2, 3, or 4

  • You cannot supervise a learner driver


Upgrading to a Full Class 5 Licence

After meeting the following criteria, you can upgrade:

  • 2 years of Class 5-GDL driving

  • No suspensions or demerits in the last 12 months

  • Meet all other eligibility requirements


Optional: Get a Class 6 Motorcycle Licence

A separate licence is required for motorcycles (Class 6). Training and testing are available through licensed driver training schools.


What You Can Drive with a Class 5 Licence

A Class 5 licence allows you to operate:

  • 2-axle vehicles

  • Motorhomes (without air brakes unless certified)

  • Trailers (non-air brake, one or more axles)

  • Mopeds and recreational vehicles (with up to 2-axle trailers and no air brakes)

Tip: While not mandatory, taking a Driver’s Education course is highly recommended to help prepare for testing and build safe driving habits.

Get a Class 6 motorcycle driver’s licence

Overview

To drive a motorcycle, you must hold a Class 6 licence.

A Class 6 licence also allows you to drive all Class 5 motor vehicles as a learner.

Eligibility

You must be at least 16-years old and have at minimum a Class 7 learner’s licence for a year.

If you already have a full Class 5 driver’s licence, you’ll need to take a Class 6 knowledge and road test.

If you don’t have a Class 5 or Class 7 licence, you’ll need to complete all the requirements of Class 7, pass a Class 6 knowledge and road test, and be placed in the Graduated Driver’s Licence (GDL) program before you can get a full Class 6 licence.

If you have a Class 5 or Class 7 licence, you’ll need to take a Class 6 knowledge and road test.

How to get a Class 6 licence

Step 1. Take a knowledge test

Go to a registry agent and take a knowledge test.

You will need to bring your existing driver’s licence (Class 7 or Class 5) to the registry agent.

Step 2. Pass a road test

Schedule a road test through a registry agent or online through the Alberta Road Test Scheduler.

You need to bring your own motorcycle for testing.

Ensure your cell phone is equipped with ear buds for examiner communication.

Three-wheeled motorcycle

If you take a road test using a three-wheeled motorcycle, your Class 6 licence restricts you to only operate a three-wheeled motorcycle.

Step 3. Purchase your licence card

Once you pass the knowledge and road test you will be able to purchase a Class 6 licence card.

You will be given a temporary licence that’s valid for 30 days or until your licence card comes in the mail.

Your licence card should arrive within 21 business days. If it hasn’t arrived in 21 days, call the number on the back of your temporary licence and you’ll be given instructions on what to do. Report the missing licence to a registry agent within 60 days of applying, or you may be charged for a replacement.

When you get your licence card, you’ll have to destroy the temporary licence.

Step 4. Upgrade to a full Class 6 licence

To get a full Class 6 (non-GDL) driver’s licence you must:

  • be at least 18 years of age
  • have completed the 24 months of probationary driving
    • Drivers may be eligible to reduce their 24-month probationary period by up to 6 months by completing a Class 5 or Class 6 driver training program from a driver training school licensed by Transportation and Economic Corridors.
  • be suspension and demerit free for the last 12 months