Driver's Guide

Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL)

Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL)

A program that ensures new drivers receive the support, skills, and experience they need to handle the complex task of driving, improving road safety.

Class 7 (Learner's Licence)

The first stage of the GDL program, obtained by passing a vision screening, knowledge test, and meeting other requirements.

Class 5-GDL (Probationary Licence)

The second stage of the GDL program, obtained after holding a Class 7 licence for a year and passing the Alberta Class 5 road test.

Learner's Conditions

Conditions for Class 7 licence holders, including being accompanied by a fully-licensed driver, restrictions on driving hours and passengers, and zero alcohol/drug level when driving.

Probationary Conditions

Conditions for Class 5-GDL licence holders, including restrictions on passengers, demerit points, re-classing to a commercial driver's licence, and supervising learners.

Full Class 5 (non-GDL)

The final stage of the GDL program, obtained after being in the probationary stage for a minimum of two years and meeting other requirements.

Knowledge Test

A test that must be passed to obtain a learner's licence, covering safe driving practices, driving laws, and road signs.

Vision Requirements

A vision assessment required before obtaining an Alberta driver's licence, with referral to an optometrist or ophthalmologist if vision standards are not met.

Class 5 Road Test

A test that determines whether a learner has developed the necessary driving skills to become a Class 5-GDL probationary driver.

Road Test Permit

A permit required to take the Class 5 road test, which is not a driver's licence.

Acceptable Working Condition

Requirements for the vehicle used in the road test, including valid licence plate and insurance, functioning lights, brakes, windshield, tires, and other components.

Vehicle Controls

The various controls and skills that must be demonstrated during the road test, such as steering, braking, speed control, lane selection, right-of-way, and parking.

Road test

A test that drivers must pass in order to obtain a driver's license, where they are evaluated on their driving skills and knowledge of traffic laws.

Points

A numerical value assigned to mistakes made during a road test, with a set limit for each test. If the maximum points for errors are exceeded, the driver fails the test.

Speed limit

The maximum legal speed at which a vehicle can travel on a particular road.

Intersection

The point where two or more roads meet or cross each other.

Yield the right-of-way

To give priority to other vehicles or pedestrians when entering or crossing an intersection or changing lanes.

Obstructing traffic

Driving too slowly or stopping unnecessarily, causing other vehicles to be delayed or unable to pass.

Curb

The raised edge of a road or sidewalk that separates it from a lower surface, such as a parking area.

Uncontrolled intersection

An intersection without traffic signals or signs, where drivers must use caution and yield to other vehicles.

Driver's license

A document that authorizes an individual to drive a motor vehicle legally.

Learner driver's license

A license that allows a person to learn to drive under the supervision of a fully-licensed driver.

Class 7 (GDL) license

A learner driver's license that allows the holder to operate certain vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, and mopeds, under certain conditions.

Class 5-GDL license

A license that allows the holder to operate certain vehicles, including cars and recreational vehicles, with some restrictions.

Class 5 non-GDL license

A license that allows the holder to operate certain vehicles, including cars and recreational vehicles, without restrictions.

Axle

A shaft on which a wheel rotates.

Air brakes

A type of braking system that uses compressed air to activate the brakes.

Class 4 driver's license

A license required for drivers who are being paid for providing transportation services with a vehicle.

Class 1, 2, and 3 commercial road tests

Road tests for drivers who want to obtain a commercial driver's license to operate specific types of vehicles.

Driver examiner

A person designated by the government to conduct road tests and evaluate drivers' skills and knowledge.

Registry agent

An office where driver licensing services, including road tests, are provided.

Identification

Documents that prove a person's identity, such as a passport or driver's license.

Immigration documents

Suitable documents required for applicants originating from outside Canada or the United States to be considered as residents.

Parental consent requirement

Minors (under 18) applying for a driver's license for the first time must have a parent or legal guardian accompany them, show proof of guardianship, and sign a consent form.

Non-Alberta license for tourists and visitors

Visitors to Alberta with a valid out-of-province license or permit for a specific vehicle class are allowed to drive the same class of vehicle in Alberta without obtaining a local license for up to one year.

New Alberta residents

Residents moving to Alberta from other places in Canada may use their out-of-province driver's license for the first 90 days, but must apply for an Alberta driver's license and surrender their out-of-province license within those 90 days.

Driver's Guide

A guide for applicants for Class 1, 2, or 4 licenses, which includes the requirement of providing a medical report and passing a vision screening.

Reciprocal licensing agreements

Alberta has reciprocal licensing agreements with certain jurisdictions, allowing for the exchange of a valid license from those jurisdictions for a Class 5 license in Alberta.

Medical requirements

Applicants must disclose any medical or physical conditions that may affect their ability to safely operate a motor vehicle and may be required to provide a completed Medical Examination for Motor Vehicle Operators form.

Driver's License Classes

Different classes of driver's licenses, including Class 1, 2, and 4, which have specific requirements and may require a completed Medical Examination for Motor Vehicle Operators form.

Condition codes and endorsements

Condition codes indicate special requirements or medical conditions on a driver's license, while endorsements indicate specific education or training completed by the driver.

Re-classing

The process of changing your driver's license from one class to another.

Knowledge test

A test that assesses your understanding of the rules and regulations of driving.

Vision test

A test that evaluates your visual acuity and peripheral vision.

Registry agent office

An office where you can complete various driver's license-related transactions.

Class 1, 2, or 4 license

Different classes of driver's licenses that allow you to operate specific types of vehicles.

Medical report

A document that provides information about your physical health and ability to drive.

License re-classification service

The service provided by the registry agent office to change the class of your driver's license.

Alberta driver's license

A license issued by the government of Alberta that allows you to legally drive in the province.

Replacement

The process of obtaining a new driver's license if your original license is lost, stolen, destroyed, or unreadable.

Renewing

The process of extending the validity of your driver's license by obtaining a new one before the expiry date.

Updating

The process of changing the information on your driver's license, such as your name, address, or license class.

Registration

The process of officially recording your vehicle with the appropriate authorities.

Insurance

A policy that provides financial protection in case of accidents or damages involving your vehicle.

Public liability insurance policy

An insurance policy that covers damages or injuries caused to others by your vehicle.

Traffic control signals

Lights that regulate the flow of traffic at intersections or merging roadways.

Right-of-way

The legal right to proceed first in a specific traffic situation.

Solid red light

A traffic control signal that requires drivers to come to a complete stop.

Solid yellow light

A traffic control signal that warns drivers to prepare to stop or clear the intersection.

Solid green light

A traffic control signal that allows drivers to proceed through the intersection without stopping.

Green arrow

A traffic control signal that indicates a specific direction in which drivers can proceed without yielding.

Pedestrian signal

A signal indicating whether pedestrians should walk or wait at a crosswalk.

Yellow lights on a sign

Lights on a sign that indicate caution is required in areas such as school zones, playgrounds, and pedestrian crossings.

Lane reversal signals

Signals used to control the direction of traffic on specific lanes of a roadway, often used for reversible lanes.

Solid red light

A red light at an intersection indicating that drivers should not enter the intersection.

Solid yellow light

A yellow light at an intersection indicating that drivers should clear the intersection if already crossing or not enter the intersection.

Wrong way

A sign indicating that traffic is moving in an oncoming direction.

Railway crossing

A sign indicating the presence of a railway crossing and warning drivers not to stop on the tracks.

Designated lane signs

Signs indicating the direction(s) a vehicle must travel in a specific lane.

Parking and stopping signs

Signs indicating where parking or stopping is not permitted.

School zone

A designated area near a school where drivers must adhere to a lower speed limit during specific times of the day.

School zone

A designated area near a school where special traffic rules and speed limits apply.

School crosswalk

A marked crosswalk near a school where drivers should watch for pedestrians.

Parking for persons with disabilities

Designated parking spaces for individuals with disabilities.

Traffic regulations

Signs that indicate upcoming traffic regulations such as stop or yield.

Crossings ahead

Signs that indicate upcoming pedestrian, animal, or bicycle crossings.

Intersections ahead

Signs that indicate upcoming intersections.

Divided highway

Signs that indicate the beginning or end of a divided highway.

Changing road conditions

Signs that indicate upcoming changes in road conditions such as hills or slippery surfaces.

Information and guide signs

Signs that provide information about routes, off-road facilities, and points of interest.

Oversized loads

A sign indicating that a wide load is being transported.

Construction zones

Areas where road construction is taking place and special speed limits and caution are required.

Lane markings

Markings on the road that provide information about traffic flow, lane changing, and passing.

White line markings

White lines on the road indicate that vehicles on each side of the line are traveling in the same direction. Broken white lines allow for lane changing, while solid white lines prohibit lane changing.

Symbols

Symbols may be used on the pavement to supplement standard signs or to warn, regulate, or guide traffic. Examples include arrows, which indicate permitted vehicle movements in a lane, and diamond markings, which indicate that a lane is reserved for specific vehicles.

Turning vehicles yield to bicycles sign

This sign is placed at conflict zones where drivers are required to cross a bicycle lane.

X markings

X markings on rural highways indicate the approach to a railway crossing. An advanced warning sign is also used to indicate the approach to a railway crossing.

Painted island

Painted islands on the road indicate areas that are not to be used for travel by any road users. They can be crossed for the purpose of entering or leaving a driveway, alleyway, or private drive, but parking or stopping is not allowed in this area.

Shared-use lanes

These lanes are reserved for both bicycles and vehicles to share. Reserved bicycle lanes are marked with bicycle-shaped stencils and street signage.

Crosswalks

Crosswalk lines mark pedestrian crosswalks. They exist at intersections, even when unmarked, unless a sign indicates no crossing.

Stop lines

Stop lines indicate where vehicles must stop at intersections or railway crossings.

Lock your doors

Locking your doors prevents unwanted persons from opening your door or entering your vehicle, and reduces the possibility of the doors opening in a collision.

Adjust your seat and seat back

Adjust your seat and seat back properly to ensure a comfortable and safe driving position. Be sure you can see over the steering wheel and operate the controls easily.

Adjust your head restraint

Position your head restraint correctly to reduce the risk of injuries in collisions. The centre of the head restraint should be level with the top of your ears.

Adjust your inside and outside rear view mirrors

Set your rear view mirrors in the correct position to maximize visibility and reduce blind spots.

Fasten your seat belt

Seat belts save lives and reduce injuries. Wear the lap belt low and snug over your hips, and the shoulder belt over your chest and shoulder. Do not tuck the shoulder belt behind your back or under your arm.

Check your intended path of travel

Before starting to drive, check that your intended path of travel is clear.

Check your mirrors and blind spots

Before changing lanes or making turns, check your inside and outside rear view mirrors and do a shoulder check to ensure your blind spots are clear.

Use turn signals

Use your turn signals to indicate your intentions to other drivers. Use your left turn signal when moving away from the right side of the road, and your right turn signal when on the left side of a one-way road.

Park

The gear position used when starting the engine and when leaving the vehicle parked, which locks the transmission and prevents the wheels from turning.