Rules & resources

Learn the requirements to get your driver's licence in Alberta — the Graduated Driver Licensing program, stage by stage.

Graduated Driver Licensing

What is GDL?

Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) changed how Alberta licences new drivers. 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 stages below outline the program.

Stage one — Learner

Class 7 Learner's Licence

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

Hold the Learner's licence (Class 7) for at least one year
Be accompanied by a fully licensed (non-GDL probationary) driver 18+ seated next to you
No driving from midnight to 5 a.m.
No more passengers than seat belts
Suspension at eight demerit points (rather than 15 for fully licensed drivers)
Zero alcohol level

Stage two — Probationary

Class 5-GDL

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

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

Probationary conditions

Spend a minimum of 2 years as a probationary driver
No more passengers than seat belts
Suspension at eight demerit points (rather than 15)
Zero alcohol level
No upgrading to a commercial licence (Classes 1, 2, 3 or 4)
Cannot serve as accompanying driver to a learner

Full licence

Full Class 5

Be suspension-free for the last year of the 2-year probationary stage
Pass an advanced road test

Completing both stages of GDL takes a minimum of 3 years. If you get your Learner's Licence at 14, it will take four years.

Motorcycles — Class 6

If your first licence is a motorcycle

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 you are learning to drive a motorcycle, you must be 16 and cannot drive during nighttime hours. Nighttime for GDL motorcycle riders is defined as one hour after sunset or midnight, whichever is earlier, 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 or older, seated on the motorcycle with you or following nearby in or on another vehicle.

Official resources & registries

Sierra Driving School is an independent driving school. Requirements above summarize Alberta's GDL program; always confirm current rules with a registry agent.