Learn the requirements to get your driver's license in Alberta.
GRADUATED DRIVER LICENSING
Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) has changed how 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 ONE (LEARNER)
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 license (Class 7) for at least one year.
- Must be accompanied by a fully licensed (non-GDL probationary) driver who is 18 years or older and 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 eight demerit points rather than the 15 for fully licensed drivers.
- Have a zero alcohol level.
STAGE TWO (PROBATIONARY)
To become a Probationary Driver (Class 5-GDL), you must:
- Be 16 years of age or older.
- Have held a Class 7 license 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.
- More passengers than seat belts are not permitted.
- They will be suspended at eight demerit points rather than the 15 for fully licensed drivers.
- Have a zero alcohol level.
- No upgrading 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:
- They have been suspension-free for the last year of the 2-year probationary stage.
- Pass an advanced road test.
Stage 1 + Stage 2
Completing both stages of Graduated Driver Licensing will take a minimum of 3 years. If you get your Learner's Licence at 14, it will take four years.
To become a Probationary Driver, you must:
- Be 16 years of age or older.
- Pass the basic Alberta Class 5 road test.
Probationary Conditions
- Must spend a minimum of 2 years as a probationary driver.
- More passengers than seat belts are not permitted.
- They will be suspended at eight demerit points compared to fully licensed drivers at 15.
- Have a zero alcohol level.
- No upgrading 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:
- They have been suspension-free for the last year of the 2-year probationary stage.
- Pass an advanced road test.
If you apply for a Motorcycle Licence (Class 6) as your first license, you are subject to the conditions of the Graduated Licensing Program.
- If you are learning to drive a motorcycle, you must be 16 and cannot drive during nighttime hours. Night time for GDL motorcycle riders is defined as one hour after sunset or midnight, whichever is earlier. It extends until one hour before sunrise or 5 A.M., whichever is later.
- You must be accompanied by a fully licensed (non-GDL probationary) driver who is 18 years or older and is either seated on the motorcycle with you or following you nearby in or on another motor vehicle.
Note: Operators of a moped with a Class 7 license are subject to zero alcohol level restrictions and are not permitted to drive during nighttime hours.
For further information, contact Alberta Transportation at 780 427-8901 or toll-free by calling 310-0000.
