Driver’s Licence & Testing

All new drivers are issued Graduated Driver’s Licences. The Graduated Driver Licence Program ensures that new drivers, regardless of age, get the experience they need in order to drive safely.

Special restrictions and rules apply to individuals on the Graduated Licensing Program.

• You must present acceptable identification
• You must be an Alberta resident
• You must be a Canadian citizen or have valid immigration documents
• You must meet the minimum age requirements (for example, 14 years for class 7 and 16 years for classes 5 and 6).
• You must pass a written test
• You must pass a road test
• You must pass a vision test
• Your parent must accompany you and give parental consent if you are under age 18 (unless you are married or living on your own)

To obtain your first Alberta driver’s licence you must satisfy the following conditions:

The GDL Program

Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) has changed the way we licence 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.

Class 5 GDL Requirements:

• be 16 years of age or older
• held a Class 7 learners licence for 1 year
• pass the Class 5 Basic road test

Probationary Conditions:

• must spend a minimum of two (2) years in program
• will be suspended after eight (8) demerit points rather than the 15 points for fully classed 5 drivers
• not permitted more passengers than seat belts
• zero alcohol tolerance
• cannot serve as the accompanying driver to a learner
• cannot upgrade to any professional class licence

How to Exit the GDL Program:

• must be suspension-free for the last year of the two-year probationary stage
• pass a Class 5 Advanced road test

To upgrade or reclassify your Alberta driver’s licence you must satisfy the following conditions:

• You must meet the minimum age requirements for the licence class you are applying for (for example, 16 years for class 5 or 6, or 18 years for class 1, 2, 3 or 4)
• You must pass a written test for classes 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 7
• You must pass a road test for classes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6
• You must pass a vision test
• Your parent must accompany you and give parental consent if you are under age 18 (unless you are married or living on your own).
• Your doctor must complete a medical examination form for class 1, 2, or 4 driver’s licences, or if you are 75 or older, or if you have a medical condition that could interfere with your ability to drive

Out of Province Licences

An Out of Province drivers licence may be exchanged directly for an Alberta drivers licence. Please bring the following:

Out of Province drivers licence

Proof of status in Canada:

• Canadian birth certificate
• Canadian passport
• permanent residence card
• work permit
• landing papers
• citizenship card

Proof of Alberta address: click here for more information

Vision Screening Test: One Stop Licence Shop will administer your vision test when you exchange your licence.

Out of Country Licences

It is the law in Alberta that a person must surrender any and all foreign drivers licences when they obtain any class of Alberta operator’s licence. It is illegal in Alberta to hold any other drivers licence and an Alberta drivers licence at the same time.

Students

If you are working or studying in Alberta and you have your valid home jurisdiction drivers licence and an International Drivers Permit, you do not have to obtain an Alberta drivers licence unless your home jurisdiction licence expires or you have been in Alberta for one year, whichever occurs first.

Reciprocal Countries

Canada has Reciprocal Licencing agreements with the following countries:

• Austria
• Belgium
• United Kingdom (excluding Ireland)
• France
• Germany
• Japan
• Republic of Korea
• Scotland
• Switzerland
• United States
• Wales

Individuals coming from these countries are exempt from taking the knowledge and/or road test. The foreign licence may be directly exchanged for an Alberta licence.

Requirements

Foreign Drivers Licence: including the contents translated into English by an approved translator

Proof of status in Canada:

• permanent residence card
• work permit
• landing papers
• citizenship card

Second piece of ID:

• valid passport (required if you are supplying a work permit, landing papers or citizenship card/certificate as these documents are not considered photo ID)
• Alberta Health Care card

Proof of Alberta address: click here for more information

Vision Screening Test: One Stop Licence Shop will administer your vision test when we exchange your licence.

Non-Reciprocal Countries

A person coming to Alberta from outside Canada may apply to have their previous driving history credited to their Alberta driving record. The foreign documentation must be submitted to the government so that previous driving experience can be verified. A successful application will grant exemption from the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program and allow for Class 5 road testing without being required to hold a Class 7 drivers licence for one year.

Steps for GDL Exemption

• Study for Class 7 Learners knowledge exam (click here for more exam info).
• Come into the Registry with all of the ID requirements (same as requirements listed here) and take knowledge exam.
• Once the knowledge exam is passed, the foreign licence is surrendered, and an Alberta learners licence is issued.
• The government will investigate the surrendered foreign licence and approve or deny GDL exemption. The processing time is approximately three (3) weeks.
• Once approved, book and pass a road test to obtain a Class 5 drivers licence.

India

The requirements for India are more specific. The steps are followed above, but include the following age limitations:

Experienced drivers under the age of 25 who have recently immigrated to Canada may submit an Indian licence for approval to take a Class 5 Basic road test only. Once the road test is passed, the client will be a Class 5 GDL driver for two years, at which point they may exit the GDL program.

Experienced drivers 25 years of age and over who have recently immigrated to Canada may complete a government-certified driver education course. You may complete this education course at any local accredited driving school. The course certificate is then submitted to the Registry and sent to the government for processing. After an approximate three-week time period, the client will be approved to book and pass a Class 5 Advanced road test to become a fully classed 5 driver.

Professional Licence

A Class 1, 2, 3 or 4 licence is considered a Professional Drivers Licence. You must be a fully classed 5 driver (i.e. not under Graduated Driver Licencing) in order to be eligible for professional class testing.
Class 1 – any vehicle
Class 2 – bus
Class 3 – 3-axel +
Class 4 – taxi and ambulance

Motorcycle Licence

A Class 6 Licence is required to operate a motorcycle. If you are already a Class 5 driver, you are required to take a Class 6 knowledge exam and Class 6 road test. The written exam is 30 multiple choice and passing grade requires 25 correct answers. After, you can book a road test that is about 45 minutes in length. The examiner will follow you in his/her car and will communicate via a walkie talkie.

The minimum learner or driver age is 16 years old.

The Government of Alberta no longer mails out reminder notices for vehicle and licence renewals*

Click HERE to request an FREE e-reminder from One Stop Licence Shop.

To renew a vehicle, please bring:

• Photo ID
• Valid insurance

If you would like to renew a vehicle on someone’s behalf, bring valid insurance and one of the following two options:

• The current vehicle registration, or
• Have the registered owner print out and sign the Vehicle Registration Authorizaion Form for you.

Licence or ID renewals:

• must be done in person
• are only eligible to current Alberta residents
• please bring in current licence
• medicals are required if you hold a Class 1, 2 or 4 licence, if you are over the age of 75 or have a condition code ‘C’ which requires periodic medicals

Expired Drivers Licence or ID Cards

If your licence or ID card has been expired for more than 6 months, you are required to:

• provide proof of Alberta address; click here for more information
• provide proof of legal status in Canada
  • Canadian passport or certificate
  • permanent residency card
  • citizenship card/certificate
  • landing papers

If your licence has been expired for more than 3 years, you are subject to passing a knowledge exam and road test before reinstatement.

Driver’s licence renewals can only be done in person.

Only residents of Alberta are eligible to renew

If you are 75 years or older, you are required to submit a medical report and proof of vision screening. Medical reports are also required for holders of class 1, 2, and 4 licences and for all licences with a condition code “C”.

You may obtain a replacement by visiting One Stop Licence Shop in person.

You will be required to present acceptable identification. If your licence or ID has been lost, stolen or destroyed, you may apply for a new card in person. You will be required to prove your identity, so please bring at least one other piece of ID, but preferably as many as you can.

Acceptable proof:

• passport
• birth or marriage certificate
• Alberta Health Care card
• citizenship or permanent residency card, work permit
• mail with your name and address (e.g. pay stub, bank statement, credit card statement, utility bill, etc.)

Unacceptable proof:

• Costco card and other membership cards
• student ID
• business cards
• credit card or bank card

You are required by law to change the address on your licence or ID within 14 days of moving. This must be done in person at the registry. Please bring one supporting piece of ID. The fee for printing a new card is $22.45. Always keep your address up to date on your driver’s licence. Should police need to notify you of a family emergency, they will contact the address on your driver’s licence.

You can obtain a photo identification card if you do not hold a valid Alberta Driver’s Licence. The card is clearly marked for identification purposes only and does not entitle you, under any circumstances, to operate a motor vehicle.

To obtain an identification care, you must be at least age 12 and provide acceptable identification and proof of Alberta residency.

If you are under the age of 18, you need your parent’s consent (parent must be present at the time of application) unless you are married or living on your own. You must apply in person.
The ID card is issued for a 5-year term.

ID Requirements

Under the age of 18:
Parental consent: presence and ID of the mother, father or legal guardian (must see legal papers if guardian)

ID for the youth: passport, birth certificate or other proof of status in Canada (permanent resident card or citizenship card)

18 years of age or over:

Two pieces of ID: birth certificate, passport or status in Canada (citizen, permanent resident, work permit). Second piece of ID can be: Alberta Health Care card

Proof of Alberta address: please click HERE for more information

A Driver Abstract may be issued for three, five or 10 years and can be printed when presented with one piece of ID.

Your driver’s abstract will list any demerit points and will give you the current status of your driver’s licence and suspensions.

A copy of your driving record can be ordered in person at One Stop Licence Shop.

Third Party Abstract Request

An individual who is personally known to the driver who has written consent may apply in person for an abstract on the driver’s behalf.

The person who is requesting the abstract of their driving record must fill out a Driver Abstract Consent and sign it.

The individual coming in to pick up the abstract on their behalf must fill out the Driver Abstract Statement of Intent and present acceptable ID.

Important Road Test Information CLICK HERE

One Stop Licence Shop can provide knowledge and road testing, vision testing, review of medical documentation and licence issuing.

Written knowledge tests, with color graphics, are available on computers at One Stop Licence Shop. No appointment is required. Please arrive at our office 45 minutes prior to closing (hours of operation) to allow adequate time to complete your test.

Learners Licence

No appointment is necessary to write the Class 7 knowledge exam in order to obtain a learners licence. The minimum age requirement is 14 years old.

ID Requirements

Under the age of 18:

• Parental consent: presence and ID of the mother, father or legal guardian
• ID for the youth: passport, birth certificate or other proof of status in Canada (permanent resident card or citizenship card)

18 years of age or over:

• Two pieces of ID: birth certificate, passport or status in Canada (citizen, permanent resident, work permit). Second piece of ID can be:
  • Alberta Health Care card
• Proof of Alberta address: click here for more information

Knowledge Test (Learner’s Class 7)

The learner’s exam is 30 multiple choice questions; 25 must be answered correctly in order to pass. Study books are available and can be downloaded on-line at no charge (see the links below). One Stop Licence Shop also has study card sets available for a nominal fee. These cards are great study guides and have proven to significantly increase your ability to understand and pass your knowledge test.

The Class 7 knowledge exam is available in 10 languages:

• English
• Arabic
• Chinese (Traditional)
• Farsi
• French
• Hindi
• Punjabi
• Spanish
• Tagalog
• Vietnamese

The charge is $17.60 each time the test is taken and it can be taken up to once per day. There is no time limit.

If you have difficulty reading or completing a written test, an oral knowledge test is available at One Stop Licence Shop.

Professional Knowledge Tests

A knowledge exam with a passing mark is required for all professional classes prior to booking a road test. The exam is 30 multiple choice questions; 25 must be answered correctly in order to pass. The knowledge exams for Class 1, 2, 3 and 4 are only offered in the English language.

Driver Guide Books and Practice Tests

Service Alberta no longer prints the guide books for learner’s, motorcycle and professional licenses! However, you can find the links to all the guide books below:

• Learner’s Guide Book (web version: better for reading online)
• Learner’s Guide Book (pdf version: better for printing out)
• Rider’s (Motorcycle) Guide Book (web version: better for reading online)
• Rider’s (Motorcycle) Guide Book (pdf version: better for printing out)
• Commercial Guide Book (web version: better for reading online)
• Commercial Guide Book (pdf version: better for printing out)

Try a Class 7 Learner’s Test Online

• Learners Practice Class 7 – Test 1
• Learners Practice Class 7 – Test 2
• Geared to Go A Workbook for Coaching New Drivers

Book Your Road Test Online

Once you have booked your road test, please download and print this form: Information for Your Road Test. Please read it carefully as it contains important information that you need to know for your test.

When you arrive for your Road Test do not wait in line. Report directly to our Receptionist who will issue you your test permit.

Road testing is provided by experienced Examiners that have been in the business for many years. Their pleasant, calm and relaxed attitudes are sure to put you at ease. We provide all Classes of tests at both our North and South locations.

Road tests must be booked and paid for in advance. If you prefer to book over the telephone instead of on-line please call (403) 341 7867. You can use your credit card to pay for your test.

We can provide a Rental Car for your Road Test

You must provide an appropriate type of vehicle for your road test. However, we also have RENTAL CARS available for use during your road test. These can be booked on-line at the time you schedule your road test, or in person or over the telephone. Advance payment is required to hold your testing spot and rental car.

Cancelation and rescheduling fees do apply and can be found HERE.

During the road test, no pets or passengers, other than the driver examiner, are allowed in the vehicle.

One Stop Licence Shop accepts payments both current and outstanding (overdue) tickets. Outstanding tickets can be paid in-person or over the telephone.

Current Tickets:

A fine is considered current if it is paid or resolved on time, either on or before the due date, or if you appear in traffic court on the due date to contest the ticket. Current fines are issued on Part 3 Offence Notices and are not overdue. They are issued for moving violations such as speeding, improper turns, running red lights, not wearing a seat belt and photo radar infractions. Other fines include non-moving offences such as parking offences.

To pay current traffic ticket, you must bring your original yellow motor vehicle violation ticket and provide acceptable identification.

The Alberta government does not accept cheques for your fine payments so only cash, debit or credit cards can be accepted. Service charges apply to all fine payments.

Outstanding (Overdue) Tickets

If you have not paid your motor vehicle fine for a moving (e.g. speeding) or non-moving (e.g. parking) offence or have not appeared in traffic court by the due date on the summons, you may be convicted in your absence. The motor vehicle fine then becomes overdue, a late penalty is added to the fine and your motor vehicle file is restricted. Any overdue motor vehicle fines must be paid before any motor vehicle service (for example, driver’s licence renewals and vehicle registrations) can be provided to you.

An accumulation of five or more outstanding fines or fines totaling more than $500 will result in suspension of your operator’s licence.

It takes several days for an overdue fine to appear on your motor vehicle record. During that time, we are unable to accept payment of your fine. Contact us to confirm that the fine appears on your record and for the amount owing, including late penalties.

Pay your Outstanding (Overdue) Tickets over the Telephone

Don’t wait in line or drive downtown to pay your overdue fine.

Just call our office and we will be happy to accept your fine payment via telephone. You will need a Visa or MasterCard that is in your name. We must confirm your identity so please have your Drivers Licence Number available. There is a $9.00 service fee for each fine that’s paid in this manner.