You often don't realize how important having a driver's licence is until you're unable to use yours any longer—especially in a country that's spread out and prone to extreme climate conditions, like Canada. The average Canadian spends 240 hours per year commuting. If you've recently moved to Alberta and you'd like to exchange your licence, you'll need to go to a registry office in Calgary or another location in Alberta to do so. This guide will take you through the process step by step. Read on for everything you need to know now.
What Kind of Licence Do You Have?
The process for exchanging your foreign licence can look a little different depending on which country you're from. This is because there are certain nations that have what's called a Reciprocal Licensing Agreement with Canada, which makes the exchange more easy. Here's a list of the countries that share such an agreement with Canada:
Australia
Austria
Belgium
France
Germany
Japan
Netherlands
Republic of Korea
Switzerland
Republic of China (Taiwan)
United Kingdom of Great Britain
United States
Isle of Man
Northern Ireland
If you hold a licence from one of the above nations, your process will be relatively simple.
License Exchange for Countries with Reciprocal Agreements
If you hold a valid driver's licence from one of the above countries, you'll be able to exchange your licence for a Class 5 or 6 licence in Alberta. The process requires you to surrender a driver’s licence that is equivalent to a Class 5 or 6 in Alberta. You will also need to provide:
Valid photo identification
Proof of Legal Status in Canada
Proof of residence in Alberta (bank statement, credit card statement, utility bills, phone bills, etc.)
An original certified translation for licences in a language other than English
Proof of consent from a parent/guardian for drivers under the age of 18
A Drivers Medical if you are 74 years old +, or have a medical condition that may interfere with the safe operation of a motor vehicle
Once you've gathered all of the necessary documents, you can bring them to your local registry office and submit them.
Licence Exchange for American Drivers
If you have a valid driver’s licence from the United States, you can exchange your Class 5, 6 or 7 licence without additional requirements. However, all testing requirements are necessary if you are planning to exchange any licence that are not Class 5, 6 or 7.
Licence Exchange for Ukraine Drivers
If you are from Ukraine and want to have your driver’s licence exchanged for an Alberta Class 5, you can exchange your B or BE driver’s licence without additional testing requirements.
Licence Exchange for Non-reciprocal Countries
If you have a licence from a country that doesn't have a reciprocal agreement with Alberta, the process is a little lengthier. In this case, to have your licence exchanged, you must:
Take a Class 7 knowledge test
Surrender the driver’s licence you obtained in your last country of residence to a registry office. The licence must be equivalent or higher than Alberta Class 5 or 6 (must be accompanied by an original certified translation if not in English)
Surrender any other driver’s licence you may still have in your possession, including expired ones and International Driving Permits
Provide proof of residence in Alberta dated within 90 days (bank or credit card statement, utility or phone bills, etc.)
Provide Proof of legal status in Canada
Once you have passed your knowledge test, you will be issued a Class 7 licence, which allows you to drive under the supervision of another driver who is 18 years of age or older and holds a full Class 5 licence. You may be able to apply for the GDL exemption program, which reduces the wait time needed to take a road test and re-class to a Class 5 licence.
If the driver’s licence from your jurisdiction proves that you have been driving for more than two years, you may be eligible for a Full Class 5 Licence. This requires you to:
Complete the steps mentioned above
Pass a Class 5 road test
In case you can’t prove you have two years of driving experience; you will be issued a Class 5 GDL licence after completing Class 5 Road Test.
For more information regarding driver’s licences in Alberta, feel free to visit our registry office today or visit our dedicated page. We provide you with everything you need to know about all the different classes and requirements for driver’s licences in the province.
Find Your Local Registry Office in Calgary
Start the process of exchanging your foreign driver’s licence today at Registry @ South Trail Crossing Ltd., your local registry office in Calgary. From knowledge and road tests to driver’s licence renewal and exchange, we can provide you with a wide range of registry services to help you get back on the road safely and confidently. Call us to discuss your case today.
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