Auto École, Service en français.

GRADUATED DRIVER LICENSING

Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) has changed the way we license new drivers in Alberta. The GDL program ensures new drivers, regardless of age, get the support, skills and experience they need to handle the complex task of driving. The chart below outlines the program.

STAGE ONE (LEARNER)

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

• Be 14 years of age or older.
• Pass a vision test and a knowledge test on the rules of the road.
• Have parental consent if you are under 18 years of age.
• Have valid identification.

Learner's Conditions

• Must hold the Learner's license (Class 7) for at least 1 year.
• Must be accompanied by a fully licensed (non-GDL probationary) driver who is 18 years of age or older and who is seated next to the driver.
• Not permitted to drive from midnight to 5 A.M.
• Not permitted to have more passengers than seat belts.
• They will be suspended at 8 demerit points rather than the 15 for fully licensed drivers.
• Have a zero alcohol level.

STAGE TWO (PROBATIONARY)

To become a Probationary Driver (Class 5-GDL) you must:

• Be 16 years of age or older.
• Have held a Class 7 license at least one year.
• Pass the basic Alberta Class 5 road test.

Probationary Conditions

• Must spend a minimum of 2 years as a probationary driver.
• Not permitted to have more passengers than seat belts. They will be suspended at 8 demerit points rather than the 15 for fully licensed drivers.
• Have a zero alcohol level.
• No upgrading to a commercial license (Classes 1, 2, 3 or 4).
• Cannot serve as an accompanying driver to a learner

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

• Have been suspension free for the last year of the 2-year Probationary Stage.
• Pass an advanced road test.

Stage 1 + Stage 2

It will take a minimum of 3 years to complete both stages of Graduated Driver Licensing. It will take 4 years if you get your Learner's Licence at 14 years of age.

To become a Probationary Driver you must:

• Be 16 years of age or older.
• Pass the basic Alberta Class 5 road test.

Probationary Conditions

• Must spend a minimum of 2 years as a probationary driver.
• Not permitted to have more passengers than seat belts. They will be suspended at 8 demerit points than fully licensed drivers at 15.
• Have a zero alcohol level. No upgrading to a commercial license (Classes 1, 2, 3 or 4). Cannot serve as an accompanying driver to a learner.

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

• Must spend a minimum of 2 years as a probationary driver.
• Have been suspension free for the last year of the 2-year Probationary Stage.
• Pass an advanced road test.

If you apply for a Motorcycle Licence (Class 6) as your first licence, you are subject to the conditions of the Graduated Licensing Program.

If learning to drive a motorcycle, you must be 16 years of age and are not permitted to drive during nighttime hours. Night time for GDL motorcycle riders is defined as from one hour after sunset or 12:00 midnight, whichever is earlier, and extends until one hour before sunrise or 5 A.M., whichever is later.

You must be accompanied by a fully licensed (non-GDL probationary) driver who is 18 years of age or older and is either seated on the motorcycle with you or is following you in close proximity in or on another motor vehicle. Note: Operators of a moped with a Class 7 licence are subject to the zero alcohol level restrictions and are not permitted to drive during night-time hours.

For further information, contact Alberta Transportation at 780 427-8901, or toll free by first calling 310-0000.