Alberta

PASSENGER VEHICLES MOTORCYCLES

The GDL program applies to motorcycles only if it the applicant's first licence or if they are currently in the GDL program. GDL does not apply to fully-licensed drivers who apply for a Class 6 licence.
Effective date of program implementation: Since 1998, new rules added May 20, 2003


AGE REQUIREMENTS
Minimum entry age: 14 years to receive a Class 7 Learner's Licence, however, applicants must be 16 years old to begin learning to ride a motorcycle.
Minimum exit age: 16 years
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Driver education: Voluntary
Knowledge test
Parental consent: If driver is under 18 years of age
Vision test
EXIT REQUIREMENTS
Successfully passed test ⁄ course: On-road motorcycle road test
Time completion: Held a Class 7 Learner licence for 12 months
STAGE DURATION
Minimum duration: 12 months
Maximum holding period: While the Learner stage lasts for one year, it can be renewed indefinitely
SUPERVISORY DRIVER
Age: 18+ years
BAC level while supervising: 0.08 BAC
Driver log
Licence held: Class 6; if the accompanying driver is following in a vehicle, they must have both a Motorcycle Licence (Class 6) and a Driver’s Licence (Class 5)
Location while supervising: On the motorbike with the Learner, or following behind on their own motorbike or in a vehicle
Time Licensed
SUPERVISED DRIVING
Minimum amount of supervised driving
DRIVING RESTRICTIONS AND CONDITIONS
BAC level while driving: 0.0 BAC
Display "L" sign⁄plate when driving
Night driving: No driving between midnight and 5 a.m.
Other restrictions
Passenger restrictions: Limited to the supervisory driver
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
Violation of the zero BAC limit: 30-day licence suspension
Violation of the night driving restrictions: The Learner could be fined up to $115 and two demerit points if riding after sunset
Violation of the Supervisory Driver conditions: The Learner could be fined $230 and two demerit points if a supervisory driver in an accompanying motor vehicle does not hold both Class 5 and Class 6 licences
DRIVER IMPROVEMENT ACTIONS
Voluntary: Defensive Driving Course (3 demerit point reduction)
ADDITIONAL CLASS 6 LEARNER FEATURES
Cannot serve as an accompanying rider to a Learner
Upgrade to a commercial licence is not possible
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
WEBSITES
Alberta Transportation - http://www.saferoads.com
 
Brochure: Motorcycle Licence (Class 6) New Rules for New Riders – Alberta’s Graduated Driver Licensing Program: - http://www.saferoads.com/pdf/Class6licence.pdf
 
Operator’s Driver Handbook for Motorcycles, Moped’s and Power Bicycles - http://www.transportation.alberta.ca/531.htm