Alberta requires a minimum of 3 years to obtain a full, non-GDL Class 5 driver's license, be 14 or older, have parental or guardian consent if you are under 18, pass a knowledge test, pass a vision test. Verification of personal information with the Motor Vehicle System; your address, zip code, old address, vehicle registration, telephone number, etc. Once you have met these three categories, you will be required to submit your old Alberta license. You will receive a temporary provisional license valid for 30 days.
Your new driver's license will arrive in the mail approximately 2 weeks later. The temporary provisional license will NOT be sufficient for photo identification. If you have a valid driver's license from Canada or any country with a reciprocal license agreement (see list of countries below), you have 90 days from your date of arrival in Alberta to change your current license to an Alberta driver's license. The GDL licensing system was designed to ensure that all new drivers gain the experience, knowledge, instruction and support necessary to pass the required driving tests and knowledge test.
Most license renewals can be done online, including one-year driver's license and ID card renewals (with existing photo) and replacement or cancellation of driver's license and ID card. Alberta has a Graduated Driver's Licensing Program (GDL) in place to ensure that all drivers have the right support, skills and experience they need to navigate Alberta's roads. You can download a copy of the Alberta Driver's License Manual free of charge from Alberta Transportation. A minimum of 3 years are required to complete both stages of the graduated driver's license system in Alberta.
Keep in mind that it is Alberta law that you must surrender your foreign driver's license when you obtain any kind of Alberta driver's license. Alberta operates a graduated licensing system, as it helps reduce the risks faced by new drivers, especially when driving in a province with ice and snow. If you have moved to Alberta from one of the following countries, you can change your valid driver's license to an Alberta Class 5 license without the need for additional training. A learner's license (also known as a Class 7 license) is the first step to becoming a driver in Alberta.
This blog will explain everything you need to know about the new Alberta driver's license renewal process online, whether you're a senior driver or have a full Class 5 license. As in Ontario and other provinces, Alberta drivers must complete a phased licensing system to become fully licensed drivers. The process to close the out-of-province driver's license requires the current province to notify its previous province that it has applied for an Alberta driver's license. If you hold a learner's license (or equivalent) from a reciprocal country, you can apply for the GDL exemption to reduce the time you need as an Alberta apprentice driver and you may be eligible to take the Class 5 Basic Driving Exam.
Whether you're a new driver just learning to drive, it's time to renew your Alberta driver's license, or you're new to the province, this Alberta driver's license guide will answer your questions and give you the information you need.
