Driver's License Alberta: The Steps from Learner to Full Licence

A search for "driver's license Alberta" usually starts with one question: where do I begin? The answer is a set of steps you take in order. Alberta says it takes a minimum of 3 years to reach a full, non-GDL Class 5 licence. Each step below says what to do and what you need. These steps are for new drivers. If you hold a licence from outside Alberta, check alberta.ca for the current rule.

Step 1: Study the Driver's Guide

Every driver's licence Alberta issues to a new driver begins with the Class 7 knowledge test. Its questions come from the Driver's Guide for cars and light trucks. The guide covers safe driving practices, driving laws and road signs.

Download the guide from open.alberta.ca and read it chapter by chapter. Our post on how to study the Driver's Guide gives a simple study plan.

Step 2: Pass the knowledge and vision tests

When you feel ready, go to a registry agent office. To get your Class 7 learner's licence, you must:

• Be 14 years of age or older.
• Have parental or guardian consent if you are under 18.
• Pass the knowledge test.
• Pass a vision test.
• Bring acceptable ID.

The knowledge test has 30 multiple-choice questions, and you need 25 correct to pass. You can take it once a day, and each attempt has a fee. The Class 7 test is offered in 25 languages. Bring your glasses or contacts if you wear them, for the vision check. Once you pass, you pay for the licence at the registry. Alberta says the card should arrive in 21 business days.

A driver's licence Alberta issues is only for Alberta residents. Licensing services are provided through the registry agent network.

Step 3: Practise as a learner for a year

Your Class 7 lets you drive with a supervisor, and it comes with rules.

• Your supervisor is 18 or older, holds a full, non-GDL licence and sits beside you.
• You do not drive between midnight and 5:00 am.
• You carry no more passengers than there are seat belts.
• Your alcohol and drug level is zero when you drive.
• You are suspended at 8 demerit points.

You must hold the Class 7 for at least 12 months before the road test. Use that time well. Start on quiet streets, then add busier roads, highways and parking as your confidence grows. Regular practice drives build habits, and lessons give them structure.

Our Full Course starts with 15 hours of theory, online or in a classroom. Then come 10 or 14 hours of one-on-one driving in our car, with free pickup and drop-off. It covers the hours for the Alberta driver education certificate, the U-certificate.

Step 4: Pass the Class 5 road test

You need to be 16 or older for the Class 5 road test. You also need to have held your Class 7 for a year. If you are under 18, you need a parent or guardian's written consent.

Class 5 road tests are booked through a registry agent. You need your MVID number, the 9-digit number near the barcode on your licence. The test takes about 45 minutes, including instructions and a summary of your results.

The car must be in good working order, with valid plates and insurance. If you do not have one that fits, you can rent our road test car, booked separately. Our Alberta road test checklist lists everything to prepare.

When you pass, take your road test permit to a registry agent to update your licence. The permit is not a licence.

Step 5: Drive on probation

You now hold a Class 5-GDL, the probationary licence. You can drive most cars, trucks and vans by yourself. The rules for this stage are:

• You stay on probation for at least two years.
• You carry no more passengers than there are seat belts.
• You are suspended at 8 demerit points.
• Your alcohol and drug level is zero when you drive.
• You cannot supervise a learner or upgrade to a Class 1, 2, 3 or 4 licence.

Probation is the time to build experience in every season. Your first winter driving alone deserves extra care, so leave more space and time.

Step 6: Exit GDL for a full Class 5

To move to a full, non-GDL Class 5, Alberta says you must:

• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Have completed 24 months of probationary driving.
• Be free of suspensions and demerits for the last 12 months.

You no longer need an advanced road test. Alberta removed it on April 1, 2023.

You may also shorten probation by up to 6 months. The Driver's Guide says this applies when an approved driver training course adds the condition code (U) to your record. All other conditions must still be met.

Once you exit, you are allowed more demerits and the zero alcohol and drug condition is removed. You can also supervise a learner.