Page 12: Graduated Driver Licensing

• All new drivers are part of the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program

• GDL ensures new drivers get the support, skills, and experience they need to handle driving

• GDL improves road safety by creating a safe and controlled environment for new drivers

• GDL driver's licenses:

  • Stage One: Class 7 (Learner's Licence)

  • Stage Two: Class 5-GDL (Probationary Licence)

Stage 1: Learner (Class 7)

• Requirements to obtain a Class 7 learner's licence:

  • Be 14 years of age or older

  • Pass a vision screening

  • Pass a knowledge test on the rules of the road

  • Have parental consent if under 18 years of age

  • Have valid identification

• Learner's conditions:

  • Hold a learner's licence (Class 7) for at least one year

  • Be accompanied by a fully-licensed (non-GDL) driver who is 18 years of age or older and seated next to you

  • Not permitted to drive from midnight to 5 a.m.

  • Not permitted to have more passengers than seat belts

  • Suspended if accumulate eight or more demerit points

  • Must have a zero alcohol and/or drug level when driving

Stage 2: GDL Probationary (Class 5-GDL)

• Requirements to become a probationary driver:

  • Hold Class 7 learner's licence for a year (extended if driving privileges are suspended)

  • Be 16 years of age or older

  • Pass the Alberta Class 5 road test

• Probationary conditions:

  • Be a probationary driver for a minimum of two years

  • Not have more passengers than seat belts

  • Suspended if accumulate eight or more demerit points

  • Must have a zero alcohol and/or drug level when driving

  • Not able to re-class licence to a commercial driver's licence

  • Cannot serve as a supervising driver to a learner

Page 13: Stage 3: Full Class 5 (non-GDL)

• Requirements to exit the GDL program:

  • Be at least 18 years of age

  • Be in the probationary stage for a minimum of two years

  • Be free of suspensions or traffic violations within the last 12 months of the probationary stage, including zero alcohol and/or drug level when driving

• Probationary stage can be reduced by up to six months if:

  • Successfully complete an approved driver training course resulting in a condition code (U) being added to driving record

  • All other eligibility requirements are met

• Upon exiting the GDL program, you will:

  • Move from a Class 5-GDL to a full Class 5 driver's licence

  • Qualify to re-class to a Class 1, 2, 3, or 4 driver's licence

  • Increase the number of demerits allowed

  • Remove the zero alcohol and drug tolerance condition

  • Be able to be an accompanying driver to a learner

Page 14: Vision requirements and Class 5 road test

• Vision assessment is required before obtaining an Alberta driver's licence

• If vision standards are not met, referral to an optometrist or ophthalmologist is needed

• Class 5 road test allows drivers to move from a Class 7 learner's licence to a Class 5-GDL driver's licence

• Class 5 road test determines if learner has necessary driving skills and knowledge of the rules of the road

• Requirements for the road test:

  • Vehicle in acceptable working condition

  • Valid licence plate and insurance

  • Headlights, brake lights, and signal lights

  • Horn, speedometer, brakes/park brake

  • Unobstructed windshield/wipers, tires in good condition

  • Driver and passenger doors, vehicle seats/seat belts

  • Exhaust system/muffler, mirrors, enough fuel

• Road test includes identifying and operating vehicle's controls, handling the vehicle, selecting proper lanes, obeying speed zones, determining right-of-way, interacting with other road users, and parking

Page 15: Reasons for not passing the road test and updating driver's license

• Common reasons for not passing the road test:

  • Drivers earn points for mistakes made during the road test

  • Exceeding the speed limit or driving too fast for the conditions

  • Failing to stop completely before proceeding through an intersection controlled by a stop sign or before turning right on a red light

  • Failing to yield the right-of-way at an intersection or during a lane change

  • Obstructing traffic by driving too slowly or stopping unnecessarily

  • Climbing over the curb while parking or being unable to park legally in three attempts

  • Failing to slow or observe adequately at uncontrolled intersections

• To update driver's license after passing a road test:

  • Take the road test permit to a registry agent

  • The road test permit is not a driver's license

Page 15: Types of vehicles for license class

• Class 7 (GDL) license:

  • A person 14 years of age or older may apply for a learner driver's license

  • Parent or guardian consent required for applicants