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.
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
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
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
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
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.
Pass the Basic Road Test
Book through a registry agent or online. Be sure to check the eligibility, vehicle requirements, documents, and fees.
Pass a Vision Test
Conducted by a registry agent. A medical report may be required.
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).
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
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
A separate licence is required for motorcycles (Class 6). Training and testing are available through licensed driver training schools.
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.
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: