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Rules & Resources

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.

Resources

Alberta Transportation

Stage One (Learner's Licence)

To obtain a Learner's Licence (Class 7) you must:

  • Be 14 years of age or older.

  • Pass a vision test and a knowledge test on the rules of the road.

  • Have parental consent if you are under 18 years of age.

  • Have valid identification.

Learner's Conditions

  • Must hold the Learner's licence (Class 7) for at least 1 year.

  • Must be accompanied by a fully licensed (non-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

  • They will be suspended at 8 demerit points rather than the 15 for fully licensed drivers.

  • Have a zero alcohol level.

Stage Two (Probationary Class 5 GDL Licence)

To become a Probationary Driver (Class 5 GDL) you must:

  • Be 16 years of age or older.

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

  • Pass the basic Alberta Class 5 road test.

Probationary Conditions

  • Must spend a minimum of 2 years as a probationary driver.

  • Not permitted to have more passengers than seat belts.

  • They will be suspended at 8 demerit points rather than the 15 for fully licensed drivers.

  • Have a zero alcohol level.

  • No upgrading to a commercial licence (Classes 1, 2, 3 or 4).

  • Cannot serve as an accompanying driver to a learner.

Stage Three (Full Class 5 Driver's Licence)

To become a Full Class 5 Driver you must:

  • The driver must be 18 years of age.

  • The driver must have completed their 24 months of probationary driving.

    • If the driver has taken a Class 5 or Class 6 driver training program from a driver training school licensed by Transportation and Economic Corridors, they may be eligible to reduce the 24-month probationary period by up to six months.

  • The driver must have been suspension and demerit-free for the last 12 months.

Road Test Checklist

  • Your existing valid Alberta Operator's Licence (Class 7 Learner's Licence for a Class 5 Basic Road Test)
  • Valid insurance and registration for the vehicle that you are providing for your road test
  • Road Test Permit.  If you booked online your test permit is prepaid. You can pick up your test permit 15-20 minutes before your road test begins. If you booked in person, you will have received a test permit for your upcoming road test when you pay. You must provide this test permit to the driver examiner before your road test begins.
  • Knowledge Test Permit (If applicable. Some classes of test require a knowledge test permit in addition to your Road Test Permit. If you take a knowledge test prior to your road test, bring this document with you to your road test as well.)
  • Corrective lenses if you need them for driving.
  • Secondary Identification (Alberta Health Care Card or a health care card from another province that includes a photo, Social Insurance Card, Firearms License, Passport, Canadian Permanent Resident Card, Indian Status Card, Birth Certificate, Valid Work Permit, University or College Issue Identification Cards, etc.)
  • The vehicle you provide must be in proper working order (working signal and brake lights, sufficient fuel, mirrors, unobstructed windshield, windshield washer fluid and working wipers, brakes, horn, etc.)