How licensing works in Alberta
Alberta uses Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL). You start with a Class 7 learner’s licence, then get a probationary Class 5-GDL licence, and finally a full Class 5 licence. The idea is simple: new drivers build experience before they get full privileges.
| Stage | Minimum age | How long | How to move on |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class 7 learner | 14 (parental consent under 18) | At least 12 months | Be 16 or older and pass the road test |
| Class 5-GDL (probationary) | 16 | 24 months (up to 6 months less with approved driver training) | Be suspension-free and demerit-free for the last 12 months |
| Full Class 5 | 18 | No limit | — |
Class 7 learner rules
- Supervisor: a person over 18 with a full Class 5 licence or higher must sit in the front passenger seat.
- Hours: no driving between midnight and 5 a.m.
- Alcohol: 0% at all times when driving.
- Passengers: no more people than there are seatbelts.
- Demerits: you are allowed 8 demerit points before your licence is suspended.
Class 5-GDL rules
- You may drive alone, but your drug and alcohol level must be zero.
- Your licence is suspended at 8 demerit points.
- You cannot supervise a learner.
- You cannot upgrade to Class 1, 2, 3 or 4.
- No more passengers than seatbelts.
Since April 1, 2023, you do not need an advanced road test to leave GDL. After 24 months of probation (less with approved driver training), you can move to a full Class 5 if you have had no suspensions or demerits in the last 12 months and you are at least 18.
The Class 7 knowledge test
The test has 30 multiple-choice questions, and you need 25 correct to pass. It covers the rules of the road, road signs and safe driving. You take it at an Alberta registry agent office. Bring acceptable identification and the fee.
- Languages: the test is offered in 25 languages, including English, French, Spanish and Cree.
- Audio help: test stations have audio devices that read the questions and answers aloud.
- Dictionary: a paper English conversion dictionary is allowed for small help.
- Retakes: you can take the test once per day, and you pay each time.
- Vision test: the registry agent checks your vision before you can buy your licence card.
If your language is not offered on the computer, you may be able to bring a translator who has a valid Translation Identification Number to your first test. Check the official knowledge test page for the current rules.
Rules that are specific to Alberta
Most of the test is about general rules of the road, but expect questions about Alberta’s own licensing system. These are the facts people most often mix up:
- The learner age in Alberta is 14, younger than in many provinces.
- The supervisor must be over 18 and fully licensed (Class 5 or higher). A GDL driver cannot supervise.
- Learners cannot drive from midnight to 5 a.m., even with a supervisor.
- You must hold the learner’s licence for at least 12 months before the road test, and you must be 16 to take it.
- Probation lasts 24 months. An approved driver training course can cut up to 6 months.
- There is no advanced road test any more.
Stop: come to a full stop. Yield: let other traffic go first. School zone: slow down and watch for children.
Test-day tips
- Bring the right identification and the fee. If you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian to give consent.
- Wear your glasses or contacts if you need them. The vision test comes first.
- Read every answer before choosing. Many wrong answers are close to the right one.
- Use the audio device if reading in English is slow for you.
- If you fail, study the topics you missed and try again on another day.
Keep studying
This guide covers Alberta’s own licensing rules. The general rules of the road, such as right-of-way, signals, lanes, parking, school buses and safe driving, are in the national Canada driving study guide. Read it too, and use Alberta’s Driver’s Guide to Operation, Safety and Licensing for the full details.