Driver Information
Make sure you have the proper vehicle operator license with our wide range of services, prep kits as well as help and resources.
In order to obtain an Alberta License or Alberta Identification Card you will be required to prove your identity, your legal status in Canada and proof of residency in Alberta.
You will also need these documents if your license or ID card has been expired for more than 6 months.
If you are applying for a drivers licence and you already have a valid driver’s licence(s) from another jurisdiction, you must surrender it to the registry agent.
Some examples of Legal Presence documents include:
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A Canadian birth certificate
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A valid Canadian passport
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A Secure Certificate of Indian Status (Federal Issued)
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A valid Work Permit or Permanent Residency Card
These documents can also be used as secondary pieces of ID.
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Some examples of residency include:
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Mailed bank statements within 90 days
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A tenancy/lease agreement
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Online utility statements within 90 days
Please visit our office with your documents if you are unsure as to whether they are acceptable for residency/legal presence.
Steps to getting an Alberta driver's license
In Alberta, it takes new drivers a minimum of 3 years to get a full, non-GDL Class 5 Driver’s Licence. Learn about the steps to getting licensed and the types of licences needed to legally drive different vehicles in Alberta.
As of April 1, 2023, drivers are no longer required to take the advanced road test to exit the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program.
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
New to Canada?
To exchange a licence from a jurisdiction that does not have an agreement, you will need to pass a knowledge test, surrender a valid driver’s licence and pass a road test.
Upon successful completion of the knowledge test, you will be issued a Class 7 licence. The registry agent will check to see if you can apply for the GDL Exemption Program and will give you an application to complete. Your licence, application for GDL exemption and support documents will be sent to the Service Alberta Special Investigations Unit (SIU) for review.
GDL Exemption Program
The GDL program is a 3-stage program designed to help new drivers in Alberta, regardless of age, acquire the knowledge and skills needed to safely operate a motor vehicle.
The GDL Exemption Program was developed to reduce red tape while ensuring traffic safety as it gives new drivers in Alberta that have a genuine driver’s licence from outside of Canada access to a road test without needing to wait as a learner (Class 7 driver) for one year or as a Class 5 GDL driver for a full 2 years, depending upon years of experience credited.
If you are coming to Alberta from another jurisdiction that does not have a reciprocal licensing agreement with Alberta, you may apply to have your previous driving history credited. If accepted, you will be exempted from part or all of the graduated licensing program, depending on your years of experience. This exemption gives you access to a road test without needing to have a Class 7 licence for one year or a Class 5 GDL for a full 2 years.
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Before you apply:
Read the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) Exemption User Guide carefully for detailed instructions on application requirements.
If you are exchanging a valid driver’s licence from one of the jurisdictions in the list below, you can get your Alberta licence without taking a knowledge or road test:
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Australia (Class 5 and 6)
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Austria (Class 5)
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Belgium (Class 5)
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Bulgaria (Class 5)
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Croatia (Class 5)
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Cyprus (Class 5)
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Czech Republic (Class 5)
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Estonia (Class 5)
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Finland (Class 5)
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France (Class 5)
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Germany (Class 5)
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Greece (Class 5)
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Guernsey (Class 5)
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Hungary (Class 5)
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Iceland (Class 5)
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Isle of Man (Class 5 and 6)
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Italy (Class 5)
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Jersey (Class 5)
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Japan (Class 5)
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Kingdom of Denmark (Class 5)
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Latvia (Class 5)
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Liechtenstein (Class 5)
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Lithuania (Class 5)
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Luxembourg (Class 5)
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Malta (Class 5)
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Netherlands (Class 5)
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New Zealand (Class 5)
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Norway (Class 5)
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Poland (Class 5)
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Portugal (Class 5)
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Republic of Ireland (Class 5 and 6)
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Republic of Korea (Class 5)
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Romania (Class 5)
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Slovakia (Class 5)
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Slovenia (Class 5)
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Spain (Class 5)
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Switzerland (Class 5 and 6)
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Sweden (Class 5)
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Taiwan (Class 5)
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United Kingdom (Northern Ireland – Class 5 and 6)
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United Kingdom (England, Scotland and Wales – Class 5)
Commercial Licence and vehicle types
There are 4 classes of commercial driver’s licences in Alberta, and each one allows you to drive different types of vehicles.
Eligibility
To upgrade to a commercial licence you must:
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have a full Class 5 driver’s licence
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be a least 18 years old
To upgrade to a commercial driver’s licence, you will need:
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photo ID
How to upgrade
Step 1. Take a knowledge test
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To drive a vehicle with air brakes, you must pass an air brake knowledge test. For more information, check the Air Brake Program.
Step 2. Pass a vision test
Step 3. Pass a road test
Step 4. Purchase your licence card
Class 1 – Commercial
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any motor vehicle other than a motorcycle
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all class 6 vehicles as a learner
Class 4 – Commercial (taxi, ambulance)
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taxi, ambulance or bus that seats up to 24 people, excluding the driver
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all Class 5 vehicles
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all Class 1, 2, 3 or 6 vehicles as a learner
Class 2 – Commercial (bus)
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any motor vehicle that the holder of a Class 3, 4 or 5 licence is allowed to drive
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bus
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Class 1 and 6 vehicles as a learner
Class 6 – Motorcycle
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motorcycle or moped
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all Class 5 vehicles as a learner
Class 3 – Commercial (3 or more axles)
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any motor vehicle that the holder of a Class 5 licence may drive
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single motor vehicle with 3 or more axles
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motor vehicle with 3 or more axles towing a trailer with one or more axles (if the trailer is not equipped with airbrakes)
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Class 1, 2, 4 or 6 vehicles as a learner