Rules & Resources

Learn the Alberta requirements for obtaining your learner's permit and driver's license. Find resources for learning to driver.

Graduated Driver Licensing

Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) has changed the way we license new drivers in Alberta. The GDL program ensures new drivers, regardless of age, get the support, skills, and experience they need to handle the complex task of driving. The chart below outlines the program.

Stage 1 (Learner)

To obtain a Learner's License (Class 7), you must be 14 years of age or older, pass a vision test and a knowledge test, and have parental consent (if you are under 18 years of age).

Must hold the Learner's License for at least one year.
Must be accompanied by a fully licensed (non-GDL probationary) driver who is 18 years of age or older and who is seated next to the driver.
Not permitted to drive from midnight to 5 A.M.
Not permitted to have more passengers than seat belts.
Suspension at 8 demerit points rather than the 15 for fully licensed drivers.
Have a zero alcohol level.

Stage 2 (Probationary)

To become a Probationary Driver (Class 5-GDL), you must be at least 16 years of age, have held a Class 7 license for at least one year, and pass the basic Alberta Class 5 road test.

Must spend a minimum of two years as a probationary driver.
Not permitted to have more passengers than seat belts.
Suspension at 8 demerit points rather than the 15 for fully licensed drivers.
Have a zero alcohol level.
Cannot upgrade to a commercial license (Classes 1, 2, 3, or 4).
Cannot serve as an accompanying driver to a learner.

To become a fully licensed driver (Class 5), you must have been suspension-free for the last year of the 2-year Probationary Stage and pass an advanced road test.

Stage 1 + Stage 2

It will take a minimum of three years to complete both stages of Graduated Driver Licensing. It will take four years if you get your Learner's License at 14 years of age.

To become a Probationary Driver, you must be 16 years of age or older and pass the basic Alberta Class 5 road test.

Must spend a minimum of two years as a probationary driver.
Not permitted to have more passengers than seat belts.
Suspension at 8 demerit points than fully licensed drivers at 15.
Have a zero alcohol level.
Cannot upgrade to a commercial license (Classes 1, 2, 3 or 4).
Cannot serve as an accompanying driver to a learner.

To become a fully licensed driver (Class 5), you must have been suspension-free for the last year of the 2-year Probationary Stage and pass an advanced road test.