Graduated Drivers Licencing

WHAT IS the Alberta graduated drivers licencing system?

Graduated Drivers Licensing (GDL) is a three stage program that gives potential drivers the skills and experience to be responsible drivers. The Graduated Drivers Licencing system must be completed to become a fully licenced driver.

Click here for more information on the three GDL stages.

Stage 1: Learner Licence (Class 7)

You must:

  • Be 14 years of age or older
  • Pass a vision screening test
  • Pass a written knowledge test on the rules of the road
  • Have parent consent if you are under the age of 18

Conditions of the Learners Licence:

  • Must hold a Learners licence (Class 7) for at least 1 year
  • Must be accompanied by a fully licenced (non-probationary) driver who is 18 years of age or older who is seated next to the driver
  • Not permitted to drive between midnight and 5am
  • No more passengers than seatbelts
  • Will be suspended at 8 or more demerit points
  • Have a zero alcohol level at all times

Stage 2: Probationary Class 5 (GDL)

You must:

  • Be 16 years of age or older
  • Pass the Alberta Road Test

Conditions of the Probationary Driver:

  • Must spend a minimum of 2 years as a probationary driver
  • No more passengers than seatbelts
  • Will be suspended with 8 or more demerits
  • Have a zero alcohol level at all times
  • May not have a commercial licence
  • Cannot serve as an accompanying driver to a learner

Stage 3: Fully Licenced driver class 5

You must:

  • Have been suspension free for the last year of your 2 year probationary stage
  • Pass the Alberta Advanced Road Test

Hide this extra information.

Click here to learn more about Drivers Licence Classes.