Alberta's Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL)

Stage One: Learner

Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) is for all first-time drivers, regardless of age. It enables new drivers to gain real behind-the-wheel experience with less risk before "graduating" to more demanding driving conditions.

The three stages to becoming a fully licensed driver:

• Stage One - Learner
• Stage Two - Probationary
• Stage Three - Non-Probationary Licence (Class 5) 
  

To obtain a Learner's Licence (Class 7) you must:

• Be 14 years of age or older
• Pass a vision test and a written knowledge test on the rules of the road
• Have parental consent if younger than 18

Learner's Conditions

• Must hold a Learner’s Licence (Class 7) for at least one year - Must be accompanied by a fully licensed (non-probationary) driver 18 years or older, seated next to you, the driver
• Not permitted to drive from midnight to 5 a.m.
• No more passengers than seat belts
• Must have a zero alcohol level
• Fewer demerit points are allowed than for fully licensed drivers before licence suspension.

Common questions during Learner stage:

Can I take driver education any time during GDL?
Yes. You must be over 14 years of age and hold a valid Class 7 (learner's) licence. See AMA Driver Education programs.

Can I take the test for my Class 7 (learner's) licence at the AMA?
No. For information on obtaining your Class 7 (learner's) licence, please visit the Government of Alberta's Driver Licensing website.

Where can I get a copy of the Basic Licence Drivers' Handbook?
You can only view the Basic Licence Drivers' Handbook online.

Can I take the road test without taking a driver education program?
Yes. You can take a road test without driving lessons, but it is highly recommended that you do. Currently there is no mandatory Driver Education required in Alberta to take a road test. Please note that AMA does not do road tests.

Stage Two: Probationary

The three stages to becoming a fully licensed driver:

• Stage One - Learner
• Stage Two - Probationary
• Stage Three - Non-Probationary Licence (Class 5) 

To become a probationary (class 5) driver you must:

• Be 16 years of age or older
• Pass the standard Alberta road test

Probationary Conditions

• Must spend a minimum of two years as a Probationary Driver 
• No more passengers than seat belts 
• Fewer demerit points are allowed than for fully licensed drivers before licence suspension 
• Must have a zero alcohol level 
• No upgrading to a commercial licence 
• Cannot serve as an accompanying driver to a Learner

Common questions during Probationary stage:

Is a driver restricted to daytime driving during the probationary period?
No. There is no restriction as to when you drive during this stage, only during the learner licence stage.

Why do I need to take an advanced road test to exit from the probationary Class 5 licence?
Alberta Transportation's objectives are to ensure that new drivers:

• Consistently demonstrate safe driving skills.
• Consistently demonstrate responsible decision-making under challenging conditions.
• Have developed the skills to properly handle the more complex driving tasks associated with full licensing.

If my licence is suspended during the probationary period, what happens?
When the suspension is lifted you continue on as a probationary driver. You are not allowed to have any demerit points on your licence for the 12-month period prior to taking the exit test.

Can my probationary licence be suspended?
Yes. GDL has reduced the number of demerit points allowed to 8 during the probationary stage. A one-month suspension results if this limit is reached.

Stage Three: Non-Probationary Licence (Class 5)

The three stages to becoming a fully licensed driver:

• Stage One - Learner
• Stage Two - Probationary
• Stage Three - Non-Probationary Licence (Class 5) 

To become a fully licensed (class 5) driver you must:  

• Have been suspension-free for the final year of the two-year probationary stage
• Pass an advanced road test 

Common questions about the advanced road test:

How long is the advanced road test?
The road test lasts about 60 minutes and covers 20 to 30 kilometers in distance.

Is there a fee to take the advanced road test?
Yes. Fees vary between regions and may range up to $120 or more. Contact a local registry office for more information.

What happens if I fail the advanced road test?
You will remain a GDL Probationary driver, subject to all the GDL conditions and restrictions until you pass the advanced road exit test.