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Driver’s Licence Information

Driver’s Licence Classifications

For information on the following licence classes please go to the Service Alberta.

• Class 1
• Class 2
• Class 3
• Class 4
• Class 5
• Class 6
• Class 7

Class 5 Graduated Driver Licence (GDL)

A Class 5 GDL driver’s licence permits the operation of:

• Any two axle single motor vehicle.
• A recreational vehicle with not more than three axles.
• A two axle motor vehicle or a two axle recreation vehicle towing a trailer with one or more axles when the trailer is not equipped with airbrakes.
• A three axle recreation vehicle and a trailer when the trailer has not more than two axles and is not equipped with air brakes.
• A Class 6 type vehicle as a learner only.
• A moped.

A client with a Class 5 GDL driver’s licence:

• Is not permitted to have more passengers than seat belts.
• Cannot operate a motor vehicle that has a seating capacity of more than 15.
• Cannot operate a motor vehicle that transports passengers for hire.

Class 5 GDL Requirements

A client must:

• Be 16 years of age or older.
• Complete 12 months as a Class 7 GDL learner.
• Pass a vision screening.
• Pass a Class 5 basic road test.

Road Test Vehicle

• Any two-axle motor vehicle except a motorcycle.

Class 6 Graduated Driver Licence (GDL)

A Class 6 driver’s licence permits the operation of:

• A motorcycle.
• A moped.
• Class 5 GDL type vehicles as a learner only.

Class 6 GDL Requirements

A client must:

• Be 16 years of age or older.
• Pass a Class 6 knowledge test.
• Complete 12 months as a Class 7 GDL learner.
• Pass a vision screening.
• Pass a Class 6 basic skill and road test.

Road Test Vehicle

• A motorcycle without a sidecar.

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Graduated Driver’s Licence Program (GDL)

The Graduated Driver Licence (GDL) Program implemented May 20, 2003, is a two stage program designed to permit newly licenced drivers the time to acquire, on a gradual basis, the support, skills and experience needed to safely operate a passenger car, light truck and/or motorcycle. The two stages are:

• 12 months as a Class 7 GDL learner.
• 24 months as a Class 5, 6 or 5 6 GDL driver.

The GDL Program applies to all newly licenced Class 7, 5 and 6 drivers, regardless of age.

As of May 20, 2005 GDL clients are required to complete an Advanced Road Test to become a fully licensed driver. All clients will remain as a GDL probationary driver until they pass the Advanced Road Test and apply for a new, non-GDL driver’s licence. GDL clients cannot upgrade to a Class 1, 2, 3 or 4 driver’s licence until they successfully exit the GDL Program.

Canadian Out of Province Drivers

As of May 20, 2005, clients from another Canadian jurisdiction who hold a drivers licence equivalent to a Class 5, 6 or 5 6 must meet the Alberta GDL exit timelines before being issued a non-GDL driver’s licence. 

Reciprocal Out of Country Drivers

Clients with a valid driver’s licence from a country that holds a Reciprocal Licensing Agreement with Alberta must meet the Alberta GDL exit timelines before being issued a non-GDL driver’s licence.

These countries are:

• Austria
• Belgium
• France
• Germany
• Japan
• Republic of Korea
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom (UK) of Great Britain (excluding Northern and Southern Ireland)
• United States

Non-Reciprocal Out of Country Drivers

Clients with a valid driver’s licence from a country that does not hold a Reciprocal Licensing Agreement with Alberta must meet the Alberta GDL exit timelines and complete and pass the following to obtain a non-GDL licence:

• Knowledge test.
• Vision screening.
• Advanced Road Test.

Clients who do not have the required two-year exit requirement or do not want to complete the Advanced Road Test will be placed in the GDL Licensing Program upon completing and passing the following:

• Knowledge test.
• Vision screening.
• Basic Road Test.

Clients must provide proof of the date first licenced. For more information on how to be exempted from the GDL program please go to the Service Alberta website.

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Condition Codes & Endorsements

A condition code is placed on a driver’s licence when it is determined that the client’s driving privileges require limitations/restrictions. Examples may include when a client:

• Has a medical condition.
• Has a vision condition.
• Has loss of hearing
• Has lost the use of one or more limbs.
• Is temporarily out of the province.
• Is monitored by the Alberta Transportation Safety Board.

An endorsement code is used when a client has completed one of the following endorsement courses:

• Airbrake
• School bus
• Driver Education

The following is a list of condition codes or endorsements and their meaning:

A: Adequate Lenses – client does not meet the minimum vision requirements without corrective lenses

B: Special Conditions – client has condition that may affect their ability to safely operate a motor vehicle

C: Periodic Medical – client has a medical condition that may affect their ability to safely operate a motor vehicle; must provide a medical at time of renewal

D: Periodic Vision Report – client has a vision condition which may affect their ability to safely operate a motor vehicle; must provide a vision referral report completed by an ophthalmologist or optometrist at time of renewal (does not appear on the licence)

E: Periodic Driver Examination – client has a degenerative medical condition or borderline driving habits that affect their ability to safely operate a motor vehicle; must pass a road test at time of renewal (does not appear on the licence)

F: Clients Temporarily Out of the Province – clients who are temporarily out of the province and require a replacement licence

H: Daylight Driving Only – client has a vision condition which may affect their ability to safely operate a motor vehicle

J: Both Outside Mirrors – client has restricted neck movement and is unable to shoulder check, total loss of hearing, or has vision restrictions

K: Automatic Transmission – client has lost the use of one or more limbs and is restricted to operating a vehicle equipped with automatic transmission

L: Adequate Hand Controls – client has lost the use of one or more limbs and is restricted to operating a vehicle with hand operated mechanical devices

M: Alberta Transportation Safety Board (ATSB) Review – client’s driver’s licence has been reinstated, however, continued monitoring is required by ATSB (does not appear on the licence)

N: Excludes Class 2 and 4 Operation – due to a medical condition the holder of a Class 1 licence is not allowed to operate vehicles in the Class 2 or 4 licence categories

Q: Airbrake Endorsement – client has successfully completed an Airbrake course (does not show on a Class 1 licence)

S: School Bus Endorsement – client has successfully completed a School Bus Endorsement program

T: Special Medical – client has a medical condition that affects their ability to safely operate a motor vehicle; must provide a special medical at time of renewal (does not appear on the licence)

U: Completed Driver Course – client has successfully completed a Driver Education course (does not appear on the licence)

Expiry Terms

An expiry term establishes the period of time for which a driver’s licence is issued to a client based on the client’s:

• Licence class and age
• Health

A driver’s licence expiry date is issued for a:

• Full calendar year calculated from birthday to birthday.
• 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 year term.
  • Driver’s licences must not be issued for less than 6 months.