When it comes to obtaining your first driver’s licence in Alberta, many teenagers feel confused when faced with all the steps they must take. From taking knowledge and road tests, to providing specific documents, the process can be confusing for those who don’t have the necessary information. For this reason, this blog provides you with a comprehensive guide on when to start the process as well as the steps for getting a driver’s licence in the province. Let’s dive into it.
How Old Do I Need to Be to Start Getting My Alberta Driver’s Licence?
In order to apply for your first driver’s licence in Alberta, you need to be at least 14 years old. However, if you are under the age of 18, you will be required to provide a written consent from your parents or legal guardians to get the process started. The first step is taking your learners test, and you will need to show your birth certificate, or passport, or Canadian legal presence document, along with proof of Alberta residency. If you are under 18, your parent will need to show their ID or drivers licence and give consent, and we can use their AB licence as your proof of AB residency. If you are over 18, you must provide your own AB residency document such as a paystub, utility bill, or bank statement.
How Does it Work?
To give time for new drivers to get used to Albertas’s driving conditions, the province operates on a graduated system that requires two tests and a probationary period before being granted a Full Class 5 Licence. This usually takes three years, and it is an effective way of ensuring that young people accumulate enough experience before they are able to drive safely on their own.
Stage 1 - Getting a Class 7 Learner’s Licence
When you apply for a driver’s licence for the first time, you must successfully complete the Class 7 Learner’s Licence exam. Once you pass you are given your Class 7 Graduated Drivers licence, and this allows you to drive all class 5 or 6 vehicles (regular cars and motorcycles) as a learner, and be with a driver who is at least 18 years old and who has a Full Class 5 Licence or higher. Other restrictions include:
You cannot drive between 12:00am and 5:00am
You must have 0% alcohol levels when driving.
You cannot drive with more people than there are seat belts in your vehicle.
You are allowed 7 demerit points and are suspended when you accumulate 8 or more.
Study
The first thing you should do if you are applying for a Class 7 Licence in Alberta is study for the knowledge test. The Alberta government provides comprehensive guides that include valuable information such as the basics of driving, traffic regulatory signs and what to do in emergency situations. Additionally, it is recommended that you practice as much as you can taking online sample exams in order to be fully prepared for your knowledge test.
Knowledge Test
Knowledge tests can be taken at most Alberta registry agent offices. They are based on questions taken from the content of the guides the government provides. Available in many different languages, the test contains 30 multiple choice questions, and you are required to score a minimum of 25 to pass. The tests are required to be completed on the computer and you can inquire about using headphones for the test in needed. Applicants can take the test once per day, and as many times as needed to pass the test.
Vision Test
Apart from the knowledge test, those who are applying for a Class 7 Licence must also take a vision test. This is done to ensure you have good vision to drive and to state in your licence whether you need eyewear while driving.
Stage 2 - Probationary Driver’s Licence – Class 5 Graduated Drivers Licence (GDL)
After holding your Class 7 Driver’s Licence for one year, you will be able to apply for a probationary licence, also called a Class 5-GDL licence. This licence has similar restrictions to those of a Class 7 Licence, but probationary drivers are allowed to drive class 5 or 6 vehicles on their own. However, you can’t be the accompanying driver of a learner.
In order to apply for a Class 5-GDL Licence, you must pass a road test, be at least 16 years of age and have had a class 7 licence for at least 12 months. Those under the age of 18 also need parental consent to apply.
Restrictions for the Class 5 Graduated Drivers Licence (GDL) include:
You must have 0% alcohol levels when driving.
You cannot reclass to a professional licence.
You cannot teach anyone how to drive.
You are allowed 7 demerit points and are suspended when you accumulate 8 or more.
Road Test
The most important step to get a probationary driver’s licence is passing the road test. You can book a test by finding a registry agent offering road tests, for which you will need to provide two identification documents.
Road tests are designed to evaluate your skills and capabilities as an independent driver. You will be allowed to make a certain number of mistakes, but automatic failures may occur when you endanger others or break traffic laws. Though you can pay for another test on the following day in case you don’t pass, it is strongly recommended that you take driving lessons with a professional instructor before taking your test.
Stage 3 - Full, Non-GDL Class 5 Licence
Full Class 5 Licences are the last stage of obtaining a driver’s licence in Alberta. To become a fully licenced driver you will need to be at least 18 years old, and you must have completed 24 months as a probationary driver. However, this time can be reduced to 18 months if you complete a Class 5 or Class 6 driving training program from an accredited institution. You must also be demerit free for the last 12 months.
How Long Will I Take to Get a Full Non GDL Class 5 Licence?
Considering you will need to hold your class 7 licence for 12 months before you apply for a probationary licence, and that you must have had your Class 5 GDL for 24 months before applying for a Full Class 5 Licence, it generally takes 3 years for people to become fully independent drivers in Alberta. However, passing an eligible training program between the GDL Licence and a Full Class 5 Licence can speed up the process.
Driver’s Licence Services and Information in Calgary
Now that you have read valuable information regarding how to start your driver’s licence process, why not take the next step? At Registry At South Trail Crossing Ltd, we count on experienced professionals that can provide you with swift services and reliable information to help you in your process. Whether you are applying for a driver’s licence for the first time or simply need help to upgrade your licence, we are here for you. Don’t hesitate to give us a call and let us help you get on the road the right way. Reach out to us!
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