Tag: Alberta driver’s license

In Alberta, it takes a minimum of 3 years to get a full, non-GDL Class 5 Driver’s Licence.

Starting with Class 7 or learners that you can take the test once you turn 14 years old. If you are under the age of 18, you will require parental or guardian consent. The Class 7 licence consists of a knowledge test (20 multiple choice questions) and a vision test. Restrictions on the Class 7 licence include zero blood alcohol content while driving and the inability to drive between midnight and 5 am. Class 7 drivers may operate mopeds without an accompanying driver.

Step 2 is a Class 5-GDL Licence or a probationary license in Alberta. The qualifiers to get your Class 5-GDL Licence is that you must be at least 16 years old, and you must have had your class 7 learners licence for at least 12 months. And, again, if you are under the age of 18, you will require parental or guardian consent. There is a basic road test that you must pass in order to get your Class 5-GDL Licence.

The final step is the Full, non-GDL Class 5 Licence. To become a fully-licensed driver you must be at least 18 years old, and you must have had your Class 5-GDL Licence for at least 2 years, and be suspension and demerit free for the last 12 months. There is no longer any advanced road test to exit the GDL program and move to the full Alberta driver’s license.

Alberta is the only province where you can get your learner’s permit or class 7 licence at age 14. All of the other provinces, have the minimum age at 16 for just your Class 7 Alberta driver’s license. And the most common age for the restricted licence is 17, but in Alberta, the age is 16.

There is also a Class 6 or Motorcycle designation on the Alberta driver’s license. The minimum age to obtain this licence is 16. Class 6 is by itself only a motorcycle licence. And none of the other classes are allowed to operator a motorcycle without the class 6 designation.

On the Alberta driver’s license, there are four other class designations that drivers can upgrade to, after they are 18 years old.
Class 4: This permit allows the operator to drive a taxi, ambulance, or bus with seats for up to 24 passengers. Uber Drivers should have their class 4 designation.
Class 3: Allows operating a motor vehicle with 3 or more axles, and pulling a trailer without air brakes.
Class 2: Allows an operator to operate any bus, and all of the vehicles allowed with class 3, 4, and 5.
Class 1: This permit allows an operator to operate any motor vehicle except a motorcycle. This is most commonly used by semi truck drivers.