Driver Handbook

Stage one learner (Class 7)
To obtain a Learner’s licence you must:

be 14 years of age or older
• pass a vision screening and a knowledge test on the rules of the road
• have parental consent if you are under 18 years of age
• valid identification (see page 16)
Learner’s conditions
• Must hold a Learner’s licence (Class 7) for at least one year.
• Must be accompanied by a fully licensed (non-GDL probationary) driver
who is 18 years of age or older and is seated next to the driver.
• Not permitted to drive from midnight to 5 a.m.
• Not permitted to have more passengers than seat belts.
• They will be suspended at 8 demerit points than fully licensed drivers at 15.
• Have a zero alcohol level.
• If learning to drive a motorcycle, you must be 16 years of age and are not
permitted to drive during nighttime hours. You must be accompanied by
a fully licenced (non-GDL probationary) driver who is 18 years of age or
older and is either seated on the motorcycle with you or is following you
in or on another motor vehicle.
Note: Operators of a moped with a Class 7 licence are subject to the zero alcohol level
restrictions and are not permitted to drive during nighttime hours.
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Stage two GDL probationary (Class 5)
To become a probationary driver you must:
• Be 16 years of age or older.
• Pass the standard Alberta Class 5 road test.
Probationary conditions
• Must spend a minimum of two years as a probationary driver.
• No more passengers than seat belts.
• They will be suspended at 8 demerit points than fully licensed drivers at 15.
• Have a zero alcohol level.
• No upgrading to a commercial licence (Classes 1, 2, 3 or 4).
• Cannot serve as an accompanying driver to a learner.
Non-probationary licence (Class 5)
To become a fully licensed driver you must:
• Have been suspension free for the last year of the two-year probationary
stage.
• Pass an advanced road test.
It will take a minimum of three years to complete both the learners and
probationary stages of Graduated Driver Licensing. It will take four years
if you get your Learner’s licence at 14 years of age.
If you apply for a Motorcycle Licence (Class 6) after your Class 7 licence, you
are subject to the same conditions of the Graduated Driver Licensing Program.
Advanced road test
New drivers will be required to show that they have mastered the skills to
obtain a full-privilege operator’s licence. To obtain detailed information
about this road test, visit our web site at:
www.transportation.alberta.ca/543.htm
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Licence classifications
Photo identification card
The minimum age for getting a photo identification card is 12 years. This
card can be issued to anyone who does not qualify for, or wish to get an
operator’s licence. The card does not permit anyone to drive or learn to
drive any type of motor vehicle.
To apply for a photo identification card you must:
• provide acceptable identification
• be an Alberta resident
• have written consent from a parent or guardian if you are under
18 years of age
The photo identification card must be returned when you get an operator’s
licence.
Class 7
A person 14 years of age or older, may apply for a Learners Operator’s
Licence. A parent or guardian must give consent on the application if the
person applying is under 18 years of age.
The holder of a Class 7 operator’s licence may operate the following:
• a vehicle or combination of vehicles that the holder of a Class 5 operator’s
licence may operate as a learner
• a motorcycle (for learning) if the holder of the licence is 16 years of age
or older
• a moped
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Class 6
The minimum learning or licensing age is 16 years of age.
The holder of a Class 6 operator’s licence may operate the following:
• a motorcycle
• a moped
A Class 6 licence also allows you to drive as a learner in the motor vehicles
listed under the Class 5 category.
A motorcycle must be provided for a Class 6 road test.
Class 5
The minimum learning age is 14 years and the minimum licensing age is
16 years. Anyone applying for a licence under the age of 18 years must
have parental or guardian consent.
The holder of a Class 5 operator’s licence may operate the following:
• a two-axle single motor vehicle
• a recreational vehicle with not more than three-axles
• a two-axle motor vehicle or a two-axle recreational vehicle towing a trailer
with one or more axles, if the trailer is not equipped with air brakes
• a three-axle recreational vehicle and a trailer if the trailer has not more
than two-axles and is not equipped with air brakes
• a moped
• all motor vehicles included under Classes 1, 2, 3 and 4 for learning only
and the learner is at least 18 years of age
• a two-axle Class 2 or 4-type vehicle without passengers
• a motorcycle for learning only
Note: Drivers of single-motor vehicles registered as farm vehicles do not require an air brake
“Q” endorsement.
The holder of a Class 5 operator’s licence shall not operate:
• a motorcycle
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• a motor vehicle with a seating capacity of more than 15 while that
vehicle is transporting any person other than the driver
• a motor vehicle transporting passengers for hire
• a motor vehicle equipped with air brakes, unless the operator has an air
brake endorsement.
Note: Drivers of single-motor vehicles registered as farm vehicles do not require an air brake
“Q” endorsement.
You must provide a two-axle motor vehicle, excluding a motorcycle, for the
road test. If the vehicle provided for the road test is equipped with air brakes,
you must have either an air brake “Q” endorsement or a course completion
certificate from an approved air brake course. The exception would be twoaxle
air brake equipped vehicles registered in Alberta as farm vehicles.
Note: For hire with respect to a vehicle, means that the vehicle owner or operator, or the
operator’s employer, is being paid for the service that the vehicle is being used to provide,
but for the purposes of sections 23 (Class 3 licence) and 25 (Class 5 licence), a motor vehicle
is not for hire when the operator drives a private passenger vehicle for the transportation of
passengers on an incidental or occasional basis and receives compensation in respect of the
transportation of those passengers only in one or more of the following forms:
1. as payment for the kilometres travelled at a rate not exceeding the limit of tax-exempt
allowance paid by employers to employees as prescribed in section 7306 of the Income Tax
Regulations of Canada (CRC chapter 945);
2. as straight reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses directly related to the transportation,
including, without limitation, gas, parking, gate passes and tolls;
3. in a case where the operator is party to an agreement to provide transportation to only
the operator’s family members, members of the operator’s household or persons for whom the
operator is a legal guardian, as compensation only to provide transportation to those persons.
Class 4
The minimum learning or licensing age is 18 years. You may not apply for a
Class 4 operator’s licence as a probationary driver.
The holder of a Class 4 operator’s licence may operate the following:
• any motor vehicle or combination of vehicles that the holder of a Class 5
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operator’s licence may operate
• a bus that has a seating capacity of not more than 24, excluding the operator
• an ambulance or taxi
• all motor vehicles under classes 1, 2, 3 and 6 for learning only
You must provide a Class 5 vehicle or a bus with a seating capacity not
exceeding 24 passengers excluding the operator for a road test. An air
brake “Q” endorsement is required to operate air brake equipped vehicles.
If the vehicle provided for the road test is equipped with air brakes, you
must have either an air brake “Q” endorsement or a course completion
certificate from an approved air brake course.
Class 3
The minimum learning or licensing age is 18 years. You may not apply for a
Class 3 operator’s licence as a probationary driver.
The holder of a Class 3 operator’s licence may operate the following:
• any motor vehicle or combination of vehicles that the holder of a Class 5
operator’s licence may operate
• a single motor vehicle with three or more axles
• a single motor vehicle with three or more axles towing a trailer with one
or more axles, if the trailer is not equipped with air brakes
• Class 2 or 4 type vehicles without passengers
• all motor vehicles under Classes 1, 2 and 6 for learning only
The holder of a Class 3 operator's licence shall not operate a motor vehicle:
• that has a seating capacity of more than 15, while that vehicle is
transporting any person other than the driver
• to transport passengers for hire
You must provide a single motor vehicle having three or more axles for the
road test. An air brake “Q” endorsement is required to operate air brake
equipped vehicles. If the vehicle provided for the road test is equipped with
air brakes, you must have either an air brake “Q” endorsement or a course
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completion certificate from an approved air brake course.
Note: Drivers of single-motor vehicles registered as farm vehicles do not require an air brake
“Q” endorsement.
Class 2
The minimum learning or licensing age is 18 years. You may not apply for a
Class 2 operator’s licence as a probationary driver.
The holder of a Class 2 operator’s licence may operate the following:
• a bus
• any motor vehicle or combination of vehicles that the holder of a Class 3,
4 or 5 operator’s licence may operate
• Class 1 and 6 type vehicles for learning only
You must provide a bus with a seating capacity exceeding 24 passengers
excluding the operator for a road test. An air brake “Q” endorsement is
required to operate air brake equipped vehicles. If the vehicle provided for
the road test is equipped with air brakes, you must have either an air brake
“Q” endorsement or a course completion certificate from an approved air
brake course.
Class 1
The minimum learning or licensing age is 18 years. You may not apply for a
Class 1 operator’s licence as a probationary driver.
The holder of a Class 1 operator’s licence may operate the following:
• any motor vehicle or combination of vehicles other than a motorcycle
• Class 6 type vehicles for learning only
You must provide a tractor-trailer combination with three or more axles,
equipped with air brakes for the road test. Proof of your air brake “Q”
endorsement or a course completion certificate from an approved air brake
course is required before a road test will be given. This also includes drivers
of farm vehicles registered as tractor-trailers.
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Learning requirements – All classes
Desired
Licence
Class
Class
Needed For
Learning
Minimum
Licence
Age
Minimum
Learning
Age
Accompanied
By Instructor
Minimum
Age For
Instructor
Instructor
Requires
Class
Minimum
Age To Take
Road Test
1 2,3,4,5 or
5-GDL*
18 18 Yes 18 1 18
non-GDL*
2 3,4,5 or
5-GDL*
18 18 Yes 18 1 or 2 18
non-GDL*
3 4,5 or
5-GDL*
18 18 Yes 18 1,2 or 3 18
non-GDL*
4 3,5 or
5-GDL*
18 18 Yes 18 1,2 or 4 18
non-GDL*
5 6 or 7 16 14 Yes 18 1,2,3,4 or 5 16
6 1,2,3,4,5
or 7
16 16 Yes 18 6 16
7 14 14 Yes 18 Class being taught
*GDL - Graduated Driver Licence (Probationary)
• Learning without an operator’s licence is not permitted.
• While learning in Classes 2 or 4, you are not permitted to carry passengers other than an instructor.
• Instructor must be a non (Graduated Driver Licence) probationary driver.
Definitions
Air brakes
(air to all foundation brakes)
An air brake vehicle is where the vehicle’s braking system is initiated by air
pressure obtained from an engine-driven compressor and transmits the
pressure through a series of hoses, reservoirs and control valves to all the
vehicle’s foundation brakes. An air brake “Q” endorsement or Class 1 licence
is required.
Air and hydraulic braking system
(combination of air and hydraulic foundation brakes)
An air over hydraulic braking system is where some of the vehicle’s axles
have air actuated foundation brakes and some of the vehicle’s axles have
hydraulic foundation brakes. An air brake “Q” endorsement or Class 1 licence
is required.
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Air actuated hydraulic braking system
(air assisted, but all foundation brakes are hydraulic)
An air actuated hydraulic braking system is where an air compressor is used
to boost the hydraulic system to all the vehicle’s foundation brakes. An air
brake “Q” endorsement is NOT required.
Note: No person shall drive a vehicle equipped with air brakes (air to all foundation brakes)
unless they hold either a Class 1 operator’s licence or an operator’s licence endorsed for air
brake operation.
Ambulance
An emergency vehicle that is designed for the transportation of injured
persons and is equipped with rescue or first aid equipment.
Axle
Means one or more shafts on which two or more wheels revolve.
Bus
A motor vehicle that is:
• designed for carrying 11 or more persons, including the person driving
the vehicle (TSA section 130(1)(i))
• registered as a school bus. A school bus means a motor vehicle used
primarily for transporting persons to and from a school
• registered as a commercial bus
Highway
A “highway” means any thoroughfare, street, road, trail, avenue, parkway,
driveway, viaduct, lane, alley, square, bridge, causeway, trestleway or other
place or any part of any of them, whether publicly or privately owned,
that the public is ordinarily entitled or permitted to use for the passage or
parking of vehicles and includes:
(i) a sidewalk, including a boulevard adjacent to the sidewalk,
(i) if a ditch lies adjacent to and parallel with the roadway, the ditch, and
(ii) if a highway right of way is contained between fences or between a
fence and one side of the roadway, all the land between the fences,
or all the land between the fence and the edge of the roadway, as the
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case may be, but does not include a place declared by regulation not to
be a highway.
Licenced driver examiner
A person who conducts road tests on behalf of the Alberta government.
These are private sector individuals trained, licenced, monitored and
audited by Alberta Transportation.
Operator or driver
A person who drives or is in actual physical control of a vehicle.
Operator’s licence
A licence to operate a motor vehicle issued pursuant to the Traffic Safety Act.
A person shall not drive a motor vehicle on a highway unless that person’s
operator’s licence is in that person’s possession. On the request of a peace
officer, a person driving a motor vehicle shall produce their subsisting
operator’s licence, insurance and registration. Ensure that these documents
are with you every time you operate a motor vehicle.
“Q” Endorsement
An endorsement “Q” will be placed on any class operator’s licence, except
Class 1, when a client successfully completes an approved Alberta air brake
course through an authorized agency. Since a Class 1 licence may not
be obtained without the operator first having qualified for an air brake
endorsement, the actual “Q” endorsement will not appear on the Class
1 licence. For information on taking an approved air brake course, please
contact a Driver Programs Administrator at:
Edmonton 780-427-8901 or Calgary 403-297-6679.
For toll free service from anywhere in Alberta, dial 310-0000.
Note: Drivers of single-motor vehicles registered as farm vehicles do not require an air brake
“Q” endorsement.
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Recreational vehicle
A motor vehicle designed or used for travel with temporary living
accommodation for vacation or camping purposes.
Applying for your licence
When applying for an Alberta operator’s licence you must have proof of
identification. For information on the identification requirements, please
contact a registry agent or visit the Service Alberta web site at:
www.servicealberta.gov.ab.ca
(If under age of 18 years, please refer to the section on parental consent
requirement information below.)
An operator’s licence may only be issued to residents of Alberta. A resident
is a person lawfully entitled to be in Canada, who makes their home in
Alberta and is ordinarily present in Alberta. Applicants originating from
outside Canada or the United States must produce suitable immigration
documents to be considered as residents. Persons on student or
employment visas can apply as residents only for the time period specified
on their visas.
Parental consent requirement
If you are under the age of 18, and are making an operator’s licence
application for the first time, your parent or guardian, who must show
proof of guardianship, must accompany you to a registry office to sign
consent on your licence application.
Remember a parent or guardian has the right to withdraw their consent in
writing at any time until the person reaches the age of 18 years. If they do,
the operator’s licence will be suspended.
The signature of your parent or guardian is not required if you can prove
you are married or self-supporting.
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Non-Alberta licences
A person who is authorized to drive a motor vehicle of a particular class or
type under a valid licence or permit issued in a jurisdiction outside Alberta is
not required to hold a subsisting operator’s licence if the person drives the
same type or class of motor vehicle in Alberta.
New residents
People who have recently moved into Alberta may use a valid operator’s
licence from outside of Alberta for the first 90 days of their residency.
You must apply for your Alberta operator’s licence and surrender your
old licence within those 90 days. It is illegal to hold more than one valid
operator’s licence.
An operator’s licence from another jurisdiction within Canada is accepted as
the same Class without testing. Applicants for Class 1, 2 or 4 licences must
provide a medical report and undergo a vision screening. United States licence
holders other than those in Class 5, 6 and 7 must complete all requirements.
Upon application, you may be required to provide documents to prove
residency. For details, inquire at your local registry agent’s office.
International licence
A non-resident holding an International Operator’s Licence issued outside of
Canada, may use their licence to operate a particular class or type of motor
vehicle. This only applies if the person operates the same type or class of
motor vehicle in Alberta. They may use this licence for 12 months or until it
expires, whichever comes first.
Student
A student is not required to obtain an Alberta operator’s licence when
operating a motor vehicle if the following apply:
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• The student is authorized to operate a motor vehicle of the same type or
class by the laws of the jurisdiction in which the student ordinarily resides.
• The documents required by the laws of the jurisdiction where the student
ordinarily resides are carried by the student or are in the vehicle.
• The student must carry proof showing that they are a full time student in
this province.
Vision screening
A vision screening is required before you can get your Alberta operator’s
licence. If you do not meet the minimum vision standards, you will be
referred to a vision specialist. If you have corrective glasses or contact
lenses, bring them with you for your vision screening.
Medical requirements
It is your responsibility and legal obligation to report any disease or
disability that may interfere with the safe operation of a motor vehicle.
This report must be made to Alberta Registries. The registry agent will
forward the medical report to Alberta Transportation (Driver Fitness and
Monitoring Branch).
Medical forms may be obtained from a registry agent or your doctor. Your
doctor must complete this form.
A person who is 75 years of age or older and who applies for an operator’s
licence or needs to renew a licence must file a medical report and undergo
a vision screening. The medical report must be completed and signed by
a physician.
A person who applies for, or renews a Class 1, 2 or 4 operator’s licence
must also submit a completed medical report. This is required:
• every five years to age 45
• every two years from age 45 to 65
• every year after age 65
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Alberta Transportation may ask for a medical exam at any age to determine
your medical fitness to operate a motor vehicle. All licence terms (length) are
dependent on established medical guidelines. This applies to all licence holders.
Conditions
Conditions may be placed on an operator’s licence for many reasons, such
as wearing adequate vision correction, restricted driving area or daylight
driving only. Condition codes are explained on the back of the operator’s
licence. For information regarding restrictions, or removal of a restriction,
contact any registry agent.
Knowledge test
To obtain your licence, you will need to pass a knowledge test. The test
is based on questions taken from this handbook. They may also be taken
from the other handbooks if applicable. You will be asked about safe driving
practices, driving laws and road signs.
Road test
Once you feel that you have practised enough and are ready for the road
test, you must:
• Buy a test permit from any registry agent.
• Make an appointment for a road test through a registry agent.
• Have a vehicle that qualifies for the licence Class you are being tested for.
• If the vehicle provided is equipped with air brakes, you must have either
an air brake “Q” endorsement or a course completion certificate from an
approved air brake course.
• Wear corrective lenses if required.
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The examiner will check your vehicle before the test. If it is not
mechanically safe, the examiner will refuse the test. If a vehicle is required
to display dangerous goods placards, it cannot be used for the road test.
When you take the road test, you are expected to drive in a safe and reasonable
manner. Only you and the examiner are allowed in the vehicle. No other
passengers or pets are allowed. The only exception occurs when the examiner
is accompanied by a government official in the course of being monitored.
The examiner will not ask you to do anything that is unsafe or against the law.
You will only be asked to do things that are part of everyday driving in Alberta.
The vehicle for your road test must be in acceptable working condition and
must have the following:
• a valid licence plate and insurance
• headlights, brake lights and signal lights
• horn
• speedometer
• brakes/park brake
• unobstructed windshield/wipers
• tires
• driver and passenger doors
• vehicle seats/seat belts
• exhaust system/muffler
• mirrors
• enough fuel for a road test
The road test will assess your ability and knowledge in the following areas:
• to identify and use the controls in the vehicle
• operate the vehicle with skill and control
• use of signals
• left and right turns
• proper use of traffic lanes
• drive in reverse
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• right-of-way judgement: vehicle and pedestrian
• speed management
• parking: parallel/hill/angle
• obey traffic control signs and signals
• demonstrate good driving practices
Road test failures may result from:
• lack of skill and control
• difficulty obeying traffic laws
• too many errors
• traffic violation
• unsafe action
Unless discontinued, the minimum time for a Class 5 road test is 25 minutes.
Upon completion of the road test, the examiner will advise you of your errors
and tell you how to correct them. You will be given a copy of the Driver
Examination Checklist form, which will outline the results of your test. If you
are required to repeat the road test, you will be told when you can take the
test again. You are permitted to take only one road test per day.
Upgrading your licence
When upgrading your licence (other than Class 7 to 5) you must present
proof that you have completed a knowledge and vision screening through a
registry agent office.
Upgrading to a Class 1, 2 or 4 licence will also require a medical report. See
the medical requirements section for more information.
If the vehicle provided for the road test is equipped with air brakes, you
must have either an air brake “Q” endorsement or a course completion
certificate from an approved air brake course. The exception would be twoaxle
air brake equipped vehicles registered in Alberta as farm vehicles.
A fee will be charged for each knowledge test, road test and for the final
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licence reclassification service. For information regarding current fees,
contact any registry agent office or driver examiner.
Driving with the wrong licence class is against the law. It is an offense for
vehicle owners to allow their vehicle to be used by someone who does not
have the proper class of licence for that vehicle.
Licences: duplicate/renewal/changes
If your operator’s licence is lost, stolen, destroyed or unreadable, you must
apply for a duplicate licence immediately at a registry agent office. In the
case of stolen licences, you must provide a copy of a police report. All
services for your operator’s licence must be done in person.
A renewal application will be mailed to your registered address before the
expiry date. You must renew your operator’s licence before it expires. If you
do not receive your application, you must go to a registry agent office. It is
your responsibility to renew your operator’s licence.
To change your name/address on your operator’s licence visit a registry
agent. You are required by law to notify Alberta Registries of a name and/
or address change immediately. You may be required to properly identify
yourself before any change, replacement or renewal can be made.
Registration and insurance
Registration
• Motor vehicles and trailers must be registered before they are allowed on
Alberta’s roads.
• No registration certificate shall be issued to any person under the age of
18 years, unless the application for registration is also signed by a parent or
guardian. Remember a parent or guardian has the right to withdraw their
consent in writing during this time. If they do, the licence plate and vehicle
registration will be suspended. The signature of your parent or guardian is
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not required if you can prove you are married or self-supporting.
• People are given a renewal date based on the first letter of their last
name. This will always fall in the same month every year when a renewal
is required.
• In Alberta, licence plates remain with the owner of the vehicle and are
not transferable to another person.
• When you move to Alberta, you must register your vehicle within
three months.
Insurance requirements
• All motor vehicles must be insured with a public liability insurance policy
as outlined in the Alberta Insurance Act.
• It is illegal to operate an uninsured motor vehicle.
• Minimum insurance required is $200,000 for third party liability.
• Your insurance company issues a financial responsibility card (pink card)
which must be produced when registering a vehicle and when requested
by a peace officer.
Buying and selling a vehicle
When you buy an Alberta-registered vehicle you must make sure that
Section 2 of the registration is completed and signed by the previous owner.
When purchasing a vehicle in Alberta, it must be registered. To do this, you
will require the following:
• bill of sale (proof of ownership)
• valid Alberta insurance
• personal identification
A bill of sale must contain the following:
• the date of purchase
• the buyer’s name
• the vehicle description (make, year and vehicle identification number)
• the signature of the previous owner or authorizing party
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Newly acquired motor vehicles
When you purchase or acquire a motor vehicle, you may use the valid
licence plate that was issued for your previous vehicle. You must transfer
the registration to the newly acquired vehicle within 14 days and have valid
insurance. If you are a first time owner, you will receive a new licence plate
upon registering the vehicle.
Vehicle registration renewal
• The renewal form is mailed to you prior to the expiry of the current
vehicle registration.
• Alberta Registries must have a record of your current address. If not, you
may not receive your renewal form.
• You can renew your vehicle registration at any registry agent office. Refer
to your telephone Super Pages under Licence and Registry Services for a
location in your area.
Licence plate transfer/exchanges
• You may transfer a licence plate to another vehicle within the same class
by completing the necessary application and paying the required fee at
any registry agent office. A new plate or validation tab is not issued.
• You may exchange a licence plate for another class and put it on a
new vehicle. A new plate and tab will be issued upon payment of
the required fee.
• You may not transfer your plate to another person.
Trailer plates
A trailer licence plate is issued for a one-time fee and is valid for as many
years as the current issue of licence plates is recognized. If you purchase a
different trailer, you can transfer your existing plate to the new trailer but
you must go to a registry agent office to have this processed.