Online Driving Course Alberta: What Counts and How It Works

What the online part covers

An online driving course Alberta learners take usually covers the theory, not the driving. Theory means the rules of the road, signs, safe habits and how to handle hazards. The driving itself always happens in a car.

That matters, because Alberta sets minimum hours for both parts. A course that is only online cannot give you everything a full driver education course does.

A screen can teach you what a yield sign means. It cannot teach you how a real gap in traffic feels, or how hard to press the brake on a wet road. Those skills come from time behind the wheel, with someone giving you feedback.

The hours Alberta sets

To receive a Notice of Driver Education Course Completion, Alberta sets these minimums.

• Class 7 learners and Class 5 GDL drivers need at least 15 hours of classroom and 10 hours of in-vehicle instruction. They must also pass the knowledge and practical assessments.
• Drivers with a full (non-GDL) Class 5 licence need at least 15 hours of classroom and a minimum of 6 hours in the vehicle.

Alberta says classroom and in-vehicle lessons are given by licensed driving instructors. By the end of the in-vehicle training, a minimum overall score of 7.5 out of 10 is required.

What the certificate can do for you

The Notice of Driver Education Course Completion is often called the U-certificate. Two benefits stand out.

A possible insurance discount

Alberta says the form may be used to get a discount on your vehicle insurance. Ask your insurer how they apply it.

A shorter probation

New drivers spend at least two years as a Class 5 GDL (probationary) driver. Alberta says you may be able to cut up to 6 months from that time by completing a Class 5 driver training program. The Driver's Guide explains that a condition code (U) is then added to your driving record. All other conditions still have to be met.

Check the school before you pay

Alberta says all driver training providers must be licensed by the Government of Alberta. It also warns that training from someone who is not a licensed instructor may teach you incorrect information and unsafe habits. A list of licensed schools is published on the province's open government site. Before you sign up for any online driving course Alberta offers, check a few things.

• Licensing. Is the school on the provincial list?
• Written policies. On request, a school must give you its rates, including all charges, its hours of training and its refund policy in writing.
• Teaching methods. Ask how the theory is run and what teaching aids are used.
• Training cars. Alberta requires training vehicles older than the current year to be inspected every year, with the certificate kept in the car.
• Course materials. When you register, you should get the books and information you need to prepare.

Online or in class: which suits you

Both routes cover the same 15 hours of theory. The choice is about how you like to learn.

• Online suits you if you have a busy week, study well alone and want to set your own pace.
• In class suits you if you like asking questions in the moment and learn better with other people around.

At Omni, every package comes with a classroom theory version, and students get themselves to the classroom. Packages with classroom theory cost a little less, and all 11 options are on our Courses page.

How our online theory works

At Omni, you pick the online theory version of a package when you book. Either way, you finish the theory before your in-car lessons start.

Then come your driving hours. Every lesson is one-on-one with a certified instructor, in our car, with free pickup and drop-off. All driving hours are to be finished within 6 months of registration. Our pass marks are 80% in the classroom course and 75% in driving lessons.

These are the packages with online theory:

All prices plus 5% GST. Zone A is Edmonton and Beaumont, and Zone B is St. Albert, Sherwood Park and Leduc. The Alberta Licence Upgrade is offered only to drivers working toward a non-GDL Class 5 licence. Details are on the Full Course and Alberta Licence Upgrade pages.

You can enroll now and pay later, or pay by e-Transfer or credit card.

Tips for studying theory online

An online driving course Alberta learners take at home is flexible, but it needs a plan.

• Set a schedule. Short, regular sessions stick better than one long cram.
• Find a quiet spot. Put your phone in another room while you study.
• Take notes. Write down signs and rules you find hard, then review them before each drive.
• Link it to the road. When you learn a rule, look for it on your next trip as a passenger.
• Ask questions. Bring anything unclear to your first driving lesson.

Have more questions about hours, prices or booking? Our FAQ answers the common ones.