Driver’s Licence Classes

There are several classes of licence in Alberta. Each class has it’s own requirements and allowances.

Driver’s Handbooks

basic licence
drivers handbook		 commercial operator’s
licence information		 motorcycles, mopeds,
& power bicycles handbook

DRIVER’S LICENCE CLASSES

COMMERCIAL LICENCES – CLASS 1, 2, 3, and 4

Commercial licenses in Alberta allow individuals to operate commercial vehicles for various purposes. These licenses include Class 1, 2, 3, and 4, each with specific eligibility requirements and privileges.

For more information, please visit the Government of Alberta Website: https://www.alberta.ca/upgrade-commercial-licence

Eligibility:

To qualify for commercial licenses in Alberta, individuals must meet specific criteria:

  • The minimum age requirement for the desired class of license is 18 years old.
  • Pass a medical examination conducted by an approved medical examiner, for Class 1,2, and 4
  • Pass written knowledge tests on relevant commercial driving regulations and practices
  • Complete the required training programs, such as the Air Brake Program, MELT for Class 1, 2, and 3 licenses
  • Provide proof of Canadian citizenship, permanent residency, valid work or study permit, or approved refugee claim
  • Provide proof of Alberta residency, valid ID, and proof of residence in Canada

Obtaining a Commercial License:

The process for obtaining a commercial license typically involves the following steps:

  • Pass the required medical examination
  • Study and pass the written knowledge test(s) for the desired class of license
  • Complete any mandatory training programs, such as the Air Brake Program for certain classes
  • Schedule and pass a road test specific to the class of license being sought
  • Pay the applicable fees for the license and testing

Restrictions:

Commercial license holders must adhere to specific regulations and restrictions depending on the class of license held, such as vehicle weight limits, passenger restrictions, and endorsements required for specific vehicle types or cargo.

Progression:

Ongoing training and certification may be required to maintain or upgrade commercial licenses as regulations and industry standards evolve.

CLASS 5

A Class 5 license in Alberta allows driving various vehicles, including

  • a 2-axle single motor vehicle,
  • a motor home without airbrakes unless you hold an air brake certificate,
  • tow a trailer with one or more axles if the trailer is not equipped with airbrakes, and
  • a moped, a recreational vehicle, or any combination of recreational vehicles and a trailer, if the trailer has 2 axles or less, and isn’t equipped with airbrakes.

A Driver’s Education course is recommended but not mandatory.

For more detailed information, please visit the Government of Alberta Website:

https://www.alberta.ca/class-5-drivers-licence#jumplinks-2

Eligibility:

Eligibility for Probationary Class 5 GDL:

  • Minimum age is 16
  • 1 year driving experience with Class 7 license
  • Parental consent if under 18
  • Canadian residency, valid ID, and proof of Alberta residence

Obtaining Class 5 GDL:

  • Pass road and vision tests
  • Purchase a Class 5 GDL license card (arrives in about 10-14 business days)

Steps in Obtaining Your Full Class 5 Licence

To become a fully licensed driver you:

  • must be the minimum age of 18 yrs or older.
  • have 24 months of probationary driving.
  • have the option to reduce probation by up to 6 months with approved training.
  • have a clean record for 12 months.

Upgrade to Full Class 5:

  • Drive for 2 years as a Class 5 GDL
  • Maintain a clean record (no suspensions or demerits in the last year).

Come into our Southland Registrations office with all the documents mentioned above and our friendly staff can assist you.

CLASS 6

A Class 6 motorcycle license in Alberta allows individuals to operate motorcycles and mopeds on public roads.

For more information, please visit the Government of Alberta Website: https://www.alberta.ca/class-6-motorcycle-licence

Eligibility:

To qualify for a Class 6 license, individuals must meet the following criteria:

  • Minimum age of 16 years
  • Pass a written knowledge test on motorcycle safety, rules of the road, and traffic signs
  • Parental or guardian consent if under 18
  • Canadian citizenship, permanent residency, valid work or student visa, or approved refugee claim
  • Proof of Alberta residency, valid ID, and proof of residence in Canada
  • Hold Class 7 Licence for 1-year

Obtaining a Class 6 License:

  • Pass a written Class 6 knowledge test at a registry agent office
  • Pay the applicable fees
  • Practice riding under the supervision of a fully licensed Class 6 motorcycle rider
  • Pass a motorcycle road test to obtain a Class 6 full license

Restrictions:

  • Learner’s license holders must be accompanied by a fully licensed Class 6 rider while riding
  • No passengers allowed for learner’s license holders
  • No blood alcohol level while riding

Progression:

  • Drive for 2-years as Class 6 GDL driver
  • Maintain a clean driving record (no suspensions or demerits in the last year)

CLASS 7

A Class 7 learner’s license in Alberta allows individuals to start learning how to drive under supervision. It’s the first step towards obtaining a full driver’s license.

For more information, please visit the Government of Alberta Website:

https://www.alberta.ca/class-7-learners-licence

Eligibility:

To qualify for a Class 7 learner’s license, individuals must meet the following criteria:

  • be of the minimum age of 14 years or older.
  • pass a written knowledge test on traffic signs, rules, and safe driving practices.
  • have parental or guardian consent if under 18 years of age.
  • have Canadian citizenship, permanent residency, valid work or student visa, or approved refugee claim.
  • have proof of Alberta residency, valid ID, and proof of residence in Canada.

Obtaining a Class 7 License:

  • Pass a written knowledge test at a registry agent office.
  • Pay the applicable fees.
  • After obtaining the learner’s license, practice driving under supervision.

Restrictions:

  • Must be accompanied by a fully licensed driver who is at least 18 years old.
  • No blood alcohol level while driving.
  • Must have the learner’s license for a minimum of 1 year before applying for the Class 5-GDL license.

Progression:

After holding the Class 7 license for at least 1 year and completing the required training, individuals can apply for a Class 5-GDL license to further their driving privileges.