Alberta’s Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program changed on April 1, 2023. One of the most significant changes was the elimination of the advanced road test that previously had to be completed before a driver could leave the GDL program and obtain a full Class 5 driver’s licence.
The changes were intended to reduce costs and simplify the process for Alberta drivers while maintaining the requirements and restrictions that apply to new and probationary drivers.
If you have a Class 5-GDL licence, are working toward a full Class 5 licence, or have been involved in a motor vehicle accident involving a GDL driver, it is important to understand what the GDL designation means and what requirements still apply.
What Is Alberta’s Graduated Driver Licensing Program?
Alberta’s Graduated Driver Licensing program, commonly called the GDL program, is designed to give new drivers time to develop driving experience before receiving a full, non-GDL Class 5 driver’s licence.
Alberta’s licensing system generally has three stages:
- Class 7 learner’s licence
- Class 5-GDL probationary licence
- Full, non-GDL Class 5 licence
Alberta states that it takes a minimum of three years to progress through the licensing system and obtain a full, non-GDL Class 5 licence, although the probationary period may be reduced by up to six months in certain circumstances through an approved driver training program.
What Changed in Alberta’s GDL Program?
Effective April 1, 2023, Alberta eliminated the requirement for GDL drivers to take the advanced road test in order to exit the GDL program.
Before the change, a driver generally had to complete a basic road test to obtain a Class 5-GDL licence and later complete a second, advanced road test to obtain a full Class 5 licence.
The advanced road test is no longer required.
Alberta’s current licensing information confirms that drivers no longer need to take the advanced road test to exit the GDL program.
Why Did Alberta Remove the Advanced Road Test?
The Alberta Government stated that removing the second road test would reduce costs and administrative requirements for drivers.
Under the previous system, drivers who wanted to obtain a full Class 5 licence had to pay for and successfully complete another road test after completing their probationary period.
The 2023 changes removed that additional testing requirement.
Importantly, removing the advanced road test did not mean that the GDL program itself was eliminated.
Do Alberta Drivers Still Have to Complete the GDL Program?
Yes.
The GDL program remains part of Alberta’s driver licensing system.
A driver must still complete the required probationary driving period and meet the requirements for obtaining a full Class 5 licence.
According to the current Alberta requirements, a driver seeking a full Class 5 licence generally must:
- Be at least 18 years old;
- Complete 24 months of probationary driving;
- Have no licence suspensions or demerit points during the last 12 months of the probationary period; and
- Meet the applicable identity, residency and legal-status requirements.
Alberta also states that eligible drivers may be able to reduce the 24-month probationary period by up to six months by completing an approved Class 5 or Class 6 driver training program.
What Is a Class 5-GDL Licence?
A Class 5-GDL licence is the probationary stage of Alberta’s Graduated Driver Licensing program.
A driver generally becomes eligible for a Class 5-GDL licence after holding a Class 7 learner’s licence for at least one year and successfully completing the required road test.
A Class 5-GDL driver can operate many of the same types of vehicles as a full Class 5 driver, but additional restrictions apply.
What Restrictions Apply to Class 5-GDL Drivers?
The GDL designation remains legally significant because probationary drivers are subject to additional requirements and restrictions.
Alberta currently identifies several important restrictions for Class 5-GDL drivers.
- A GDL driver’s licence will be suspended at 8 demerit points.
- A GDL driver must have a zero drug or alcohol level while driving.
- A GDL driver cannot drive with more passengers than there are seat belts in the vehicle.
- A GDL driver cannot act as the accompanying driver for a learner.
- A driver in the GDL program cannot upgrade to a Class 1, 2, 3 or 4 licence.
These restrictions make the distinction between a Class 5-GDL licence and a full Class 5 licence important even though the advanced road test has been removed.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Full Class 5 Licence in Alberta?
Alberta’s licensing system requires a minimum of approximately three years to progress from a Class 7 learner’s licence to a full, non-GDL Class 5 licence.
The general progression is:
- Obtain a Class 7 learner’s licence.
- Hold the Class 7 licence for at least 12 months.
- Complete the required road test and obtain a Class 5-GDL licence.
- Complete the 24-month probationary period.
- Remain suspension and demerit free during the final 12 months of the probationary period.
- Upgrade to a full, non-GDL Class 5 licence.
Approved driver training may allow an eligible driver to reduce the probationary period by up to six months.
Can a GDL Driver Still Get a Full Class 5 Licence Without Taking Another Road Test?
Yes.
The removal of the advanced road test means that an eligible GDL driver can leave the GDL program without taking the former second road test.
The driver must still satisfy the other eligibility requirements, including completing the required probationary driving period and meeting the suspension and demerit requirements.
What Happened to Drivers Who Were Already in the GDL Program in 2023?
When the changes came into effect on April 1, 2023, some drivers were already partway through the GDL program.
Eligible drivers could potentially exit the program without completing the former advanced road test.
Eligibility depended on factors including completion of the probationary period and the driver’s recent driving record.
Alberta’s current licensing system continues to require drivers to complete the applicable probationary period and be suspension and demerit free during the required final period before obtaining a full Class 5 licence.
Does a GDL Driver Have the Same Insurance Requirements?
Drivers in Alberta must have the required automobile insurance to legally operate a vehicle.
A driver’s licensing status can also be relevant to an automobile insurance claim, particularly where questions arise concerning whether a person was properly licensed or whether a driver complied with applicable restrictions.
Insurance issues can become particularly important following a motor vehicle collision.
If you have been involved in an accident and there is a dispute concerning a driver’s licence, insurance coverage, or compliance with licensing restrictions, it may be appropriate to obtain legal advice.
What Happens If a GDL Driver Is Involved in a Car Accident?
Being a GDL driver does not, by itself, mean that the driver is automatically responsible for a collision.
Liability following a motor vehicle accident depends on the facts of the collision and the applicable law.
However, the driver’s licensing status may become relevant if there are questions about:
- Whether the driver was legally licensed;
- Whether the driver was complying with GDL restrictions;
- Whether the driver was impaired;
- Whether the driver had accumulated sufficient demerit points to affect their licence;
- Whether the driver had been suspended; or
- Whether insurance coverage may be affected by the circumstances.
Can a GDL Driver Be Held Responsible for a Personal Injury Claim?
Yes.
A driver does not avoid responsibility for injuries simply because they hold a Class 5-GDL licence.
If a driver’s negligence causes a collision and another person suffers compensable injuries, the driver’s licensing status does not by itself eliminate the injured person’s right to pursue a claim.
The specific facts of the accident, the applicable insurance coverage and Alberta’s motor vehicle and personal injury laws must be considered.
Does the Removal of the Advanced Road Test Affect Road Safety?
The 2023 change removed a testing requirement; it did not remove the probationary stage of Alberta’s Graduated Driver Licensing program.
GDL drivers continue to be subject to additional restrictions intended to address the risks associated with new and inexperienced drivers.
The Alberta Government describes its licensing changes as reducing costs and red tape while maintaining safety.
Drivers should therefore understand that the removal of the advanced road test does not mean that the GDL restrictions have disappeared.
What Is the Difference Between a Class 5-GDL and a Full Class 5 Licence?
| Class 5-GDL | Full Class 5 |
|---|---|
| Probationary licence | Non-GDL licence |
| Subject to GDL restrictions | GDL restrictions no longer apply |
| Suspension at 8 demerit points | Different demerit-point threshold applies |
| Zero drug and alcohol requirement | Standard impaired-driving laws apply |
| Cannot act as an accompanying driver for a learner | Eligible to accompany a learner |
| Cannot upgrade to commercial Classes 1–4 | Eligible to pursue applicable commercial licence upgrades |
Alberta GDL Licence Changes: Frequently Asked Questions
When did Alberta change the GDL program?
The major GDL changes discussed in this article took effect on April 1, 2023.
Do I still need to take the advanced road test in Alberta?
No. Alberta no longer requires drivers to take the advanced road test to exit the Graduated Driver Licensing program.
Is the Alberta GDL program still in effect?
Yes. The GDL program remains part of Alberta’s driver licensing system. The advanced road test was removed, but probationary requirements and GDL restrictions remain.
How long do I have to be in the GDL program?
A driver generally must complete 24 months of probationary driving before obtaining a full Class 5 licence. Eligible drivers may be able to reduce the probationary period by up to six months through approved driver training.
How many demerit points can a Class 5-GDL driver have?
Alberta states that a Class 5-GDL licence will be suspended at 8 demerit points.
Can a GDL driver drive alone?
Yes. A Class 5-GDL licence is a probationary driver’s licence and permits the driver to operate the applicable Class 5 vehicles subject to GDL restrictions.
Can a GDL driver be an accompanying driver for a learner?
No. A Class 5-GDL driver cannot act as the accompanying driver for someone with a learner’s licence.
Can a GDL driver drink alcohol and drive?
No. Alberta’s current rules require a Class 5-GDL driver to have a zero drug or alcohol level when driving.
Can a GDL driver get a Class 1, 2, 3 or 4 licence?
Alberta’s current Class 5 information states that Class 1, 2, 3 and 4 licence upgrades are not permitted while a driver remains in the GDL program.
Does having a GDL licence mean I am automatically at fault in a car accident?
No. Licensing status alone does not establish liability for a collision. Fault depends on the circumstances of the accident and the applicable law.
Official Alberta Driver Licensing Resources
Driver licensing requirements can change. For current licensing requirements, drivers should consult the Government of Alberta’s official resources.
Legal Review
Legally reviewed by
Chady F. Moustarah
Chady F. Moustarah is a lawyer and founding partner of Moustarah & Company in Edmonton, Alberta. His practice includes personal injury litigation and civil litigation.
This article was reviewed and updated to reflect the current Alberta driver licensing requirements and to explain how GDL licensing issues can become relevant in motor vehicle accident and personal injury matters.
Review date:
August 15, 2026
About Moustarah & Company
Moustarah & Company is an Edmonton law firm serving clients throughout Alberta.
The firm represents people involved in personal injury claims, including claims arising from motor vehicle accidents.
Have You Been Injured in a Motor Vehicle Accident?
If you have been injured in a collision involving a GDL driver, or if questions about a driver’s licence, insurance or driving restrictions have arisen following an accident, obtaining legal advice can help you understand your rights and options.
Moustarah & Company provides personal injury legal services in Edmonton and throughout Alberta.
Legal Information Disclaimer
This article provides general information about Alberta’s Graduated Driver Licensing program and is not legal advice. It does not create a lawyer-client relationship.
Driver licensing requirements, insurance rules and other laws can change. For current licensing requirements, consult the Government of Alberta or speak with a qualified lawyer about your specific circumstances.
If you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident, the legal issues affecting your claim will depend on the facts of the collision, your injuries, insurance coverage and the applicable Alberta laws.