Alberta

PASSENGER VEHICLES MOTORCYCLES

To obtain a licence in AB to operate a passenger vehicle, the Class 7 Learner stage precedes the Class 5 Novice stage. It will take a minimum of 3 years to complete both stages.
Effective date of program implementation: Since 1998; new rules added May 20, 2003


AGE REQUIREMENTS
Minimum entry age: 16 years
Minimum exit age: 18 years
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Parental consent
Successfully passed test  ⁄ course: Alberta basic road test
Time completion: Held a Class 7 Learner licence for 12 months
EXIT REQUIREMENTS
Successfully passed test ⁄ course: Advanced road test
Time completion: Hold a Class 5-GDL licence for 24 months
STAGE DURATION
Minimum duration: 24 months
Maximum holding period: A Class 5-GDL licence can be renewed indefinitely
SUPERVISORY DRIVER
N⁄A
SUPERVISED DRIVING
N⁄A
DRIVING RESTRICTIONS AND CONDITIONS
BAC level while driving: 0.0 BAC
Must display "N" sign⁄plate when driving
Night restrictions
Other restrictions
Passenger restrictions: No more passengers than seatbelts
Road restrictions
SUSPENSION & PROHIBITION
Lower driver penalty point threshold: 7 instead of 14; licence will be suspended at 8 points. Any time spent suspended will have to be made up before moving on to the next stage.
Novice Drivers Escalating Sanctions Program (see below)
Violation of the zero BAC limit: 30-day licence suspension
Violation of the passenger restrictions: Learner will receive a $115 fine and two demerit points on their licence
DRIVER IMPROVEMENT ACTIONS
Voluntary: Defensive Driving Course (3 demerit point reduction)
ADDITIONAL CLASS 5 FEATURES
Cannot serve as an accompanying driver
Cannot upgrade to a commercial licence
CONTACT INFORMATION
The Office of Traffic Safety, Alberta Transportation
Room 109 Twin Atria, 4999 - 98 Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta T6B 2X3
Phone: (780) 422-8839 
Toll Free: 310-0000
Email: debbie.lamoureux@gov.ab.ca
Mike Caverhill
Manager, Provincial Operations and Compliance
Driver Programs and Licensing Standards
Alberta Transportation
Phone: (780) 427-7193 
Email: Mike.Caverhill@gov.ab.ca