Let Us Help with Your Driving Test in Calgary
Driver's test information
Alberta Driver’s Test Information
Planning a driving test in Calgary? In the Province of Alberta, all recipients of a valid driver’s licence must successfully complete a road test conducted by a provincially licenced driver examiner. All driver examiners are licensed by Alberta Transportation and are generally independent contractors. Even though they are independent, and not employed directly by the registry agent, they are closely monitored under the government Driver Training and Driver Examination Regulations. Auditing provisions are in place to ensure that they provide high quality, fair, road tests. They are professionals that are required by regulation to be courteous and unbiased at all times. They follow a strict, standardized grading system and are required to review the test results with each client. If there are any issues or concerns with a road test or an examiner please contact a Driver Program Administrator at Alberta Transportation. An administrator can be reached at 403-297-6679.
Preparing for Your Road Test
A good overview to assist you in preparing for your road test may be found in Alberta Transportation’s Preparing for Your Road Test document.
To book a road test
To book a driving test in Calgary, or any other city in the region, a client may come into our office themselves, to pay and book the road test, or the test may be booked online by clicking on the following links. If the test is for a minor the parent/legal guardian may come in to pay and book the test. You should plan to arrive at least 20 minutes before your scheduled time to allow sufficient time to check in and process your documentation. All road tests will begin and finish at our registry office.
Your Eligibility
To be eligible for a road test a client must
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Be at least 16 years of age
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Hold a current, valid Alberta learner’s or driver’s licence for at least one (1) continuous year - The only exception is for suspended Alberta drivers
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A client cannot complete a road test using an out-of-province or out-of-country learner’s or driver’s licence
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All condition codes that appear on your driver’s licence must be met in order to be taken out on a road test.
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Some other factors that could affect your eligibility for a road test include lack of proper documentation, medical conditions, un-paid fines and maintenance enforcement issues.
Your Vehicle (or Call Us for Rental Vehicle Availability)
Your vehicle that you will be using for the test must have the following and be in acceptable working condition:
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Proof of Valid registration and insurance (if a rental vehicle is being used you must be on the rental agreement)
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Horn
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Unobstructed windshield/wipers
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Vehicle seats and seatbelts
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Enough Fuel for the road test
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Speedometer
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Tires in acceptable condition
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Tires in acceptable condition
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Exhaust system/muffler
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Mirrors
What Can I Expect During My Road Test?
Your driver examiner will initially create a checklist that will include, your name, operator’s licence number, class of licence being tested, testing location, date of road test, vehicle licence plate number, time test commenced, time test concluded and examiner’s name, number and signature. This form will be used to record the results of your test and a copy will be available to you at the conclusion of your test.
The examiner will then ask you to enter your test vehicle and assist him/her to evaluate the vehicle safety features listed above. If your vehicle cannot pass all the listed requirements you will not be able to take the road test in that vehicle until the deficiencies are corrected. It is important to make sure ahead of time that your vehicle is fully functional otherwise you will have to rebook a test for a later date at an additional fee.
While taking the driving test you will be given clear, concise instructions well in advance for each manoeuvre and activity. The examiner will not try to trick you or ask you to do anything illegal. Points will be assigned for errors. When the exam is finished the examiner will review your results with you and advise what areas you were strong in and what areas need improvement. No matter, pass or fail, the examination and review process can be an excellent learning experience to make you a safer driver.
What Do I Do if I Pass My Road Test?
The examiner will give you a copy of your checklist and a copy of your test permit. This documentation may then be presented to our registry office and a Class 5 Probationary Licence will be issued to you. There is a fee for the issuance of the Class 5 Licence.
What Do I Do if I Do Not Pass the Road Test?
The examiner will give you a copy of your checklist with a notation that you did not pass. The checklist is an excellent learning tool to be used to focus on areas where you may have had some difficulties. Keep the copy of your checklist and bring it with you for your next road test. You may take only one road test per day.
Below are the requirements and test duration for each licence class:
Class 1 (90 Minutes)
- Must hold a valid Class 5, 4, 3, or 2 driver’s licence and be 18 years of age or older
- Must provide a valid knowledge test permit and a completed Alberta driver’s medical
- Must provide a tractor-trailer combination with three or more axles
- Trailer must be equipped with a pure air brake system to its foundation brakes
- Must show proof of air brake “Q” endorsement or a course completions certificate from an approved air brake delivery agent
Class 2 (60 Minutes)
- Must hold a valid Class 5, 4, or 3 driver’s licence and be 18 years of age or older
- Must provide a valid knowledge test permit and a completed Alberta driver’s medical
- Must provide a bus with a seating capacity exceeding 24 passengers, excluding the driver
- If vehicle is equipped with air brakes, you must show proof of air brake endorsement “Q”
Class 3 (60 Minutes)
- Must hold a valid Class 5, or 4 driver’s licence, and be 18 years of age or older
- Must provide a valid knowledge test permit
- Must provide a single motor vehicle that has three or more axles (three axle recreational vehicles may not be used)
- If vehicle is equipped with air brakes, you must show proof of air brake endorsement “Q”
Class 4 (45 Minutes)
- Must hold a valid Class 5 driver’s licence and be 18 years of age or older
- Must provide a valid knowledge test and a completed Alberta driver’s medical
- Must provide a Class 5 vehicle or bus with a seating capacity not exceeding 24 passengers, excluding the driver
- If vehicle is equipped with air brakes, you must show proof of air brake endorsement “Q”
Class 5 Advanced (60 Minutes)
- Must hold a valid Class 5 GDL driver’s licence for at least two years, and be 18 years of age or older
- Must provide a Class 5 private passenger vehicle (car, truck, SUV, van)
Class 5 Basic GDL (30 Minutes)
- Must hold a valid Class 7 driver’s licence for at least one year
- Must provide a Class 5 private passenger vehicle (car, truck, SUV, van)
Class 6 (45 Minutes)
- Must hold a valid Class 7 or higher driver’s licence
- Must provide a motorcycle that is street legal
Knowledge Tests
Are you preparing for your driver’s licence test? Registry @ South Trail Crossing Ltd. is here to help. You can download a free copy of the driver’s licence handbooks prepared by the Alberta government through the links below. Schedule your test at our office.
More information and a Class 7 practice test are available at the Ministry of Transportation website.
Knowledge tests are conducted at our office Monday thru Friday from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, and on Saturday from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Knowledge tests are done on computers and consist of 30 multiple choice questions with a passing mark of 25 out of 30. A client is allowed to take one knowledge test per class of licence per day.
A client must:
- Provide acceptable identification
- Provide proof of residency if 18 years of age or older and applying for the first time
- Be 18 years of age or older
— When the client is less than 18 years of age, consent for a minor or proof of self-sufficiency or marriage, as is applicable, is required
— Minor must have parent/legal guardian consent to purchase a knowledge test permit - Meet all licence class requirements for the class of driver’s licence being applied for.
