Alberta Learner’s Licence Program Review

In Alberta, there is no ability to shorten the Class 7 Learner’s Licence period by taking driver’s training. For those 16 and over, the process requires a minimum of twelve months before a road test can be completed to obtain a Class 5 GDL, which enables the license holder to drive without a licensed passenger present. 

If a person is 16 years or older when they apply for a driver’s license, Alberta’s GDL system requires:

1. At least one year with a Class 7 license, which requires the driver to travel with a passenger in the front seat who has a full Class 5 license. 
2. After one year, the driver may complete a road test and receive a Class 5 GDL, which allows them to drive without a licensed passenger, but other restrictions still apply. 
3. A driver with a Class 5 GDL may only upgrade to a full Class 5 license after they have driven with a Class 5 GDL for at least two years and have had no license suspensions or demerits in the last year. However, a driver can reduce the time they hold a Class 5 GDL by six months if they complete an accredited Class 5 driver training school.[1]

If a person is under 16 years old when they apply for a Class 7 learner’s license, they will not be eligible to upgrade to a Class 5 GDL until they turn 16 years old. 

In most provinces, individuals with a Class 7 Learner’s Licence have the opportunity to shorten the required time period to obtain a full Class 5 Driver’s Licence by way of an approved and accredited driver’s training course that teaches the fundamentals of driving, both in theory and practicality. Should a new driver be successful in completing the approved and accredited driver’s training course, the driver is able to cut down their probation time anywhere from 12 months to eight months (and even six months in some provinces). 

If the Province of Alberta reduced the Class 7 Learner’s Licence period with the approved and accredited driver’s training course, it would certainly mean safer roads, as it is witnessed too often that Class 7 drivers are driving with individuals who they themselves barely know how to drive or just sit there as a passenger rather than someone who is to be providing supervision. In addition, a lot of Class 7 drivers continue to hold their Class 7 Learner’s Licence for a number of consecutive years which is attributed to failing road tests, as the driver likely had no real training and or good supervision. 

Giving Albertans the option to take a driver’s training course that not only goes over the theory of driving, but the fundamentals of actually driving is crucial to the individual’s development as a driver and fellow road user. 

Furthermore, it is a great incentive for people to obtain their Class 5 GDL within a shorter period of time, which is so important in aiding in municipal economies, as new opportunities will arise for business across the province. This will also provide an opportunity for those who want to do better and learn how to be better drivers because of it. Drivers may even qualify for cheaper insurance rates with having a driver’s training course on file as well.   

[1] Steps to getting an Alberta driver's licence https://www.alberta.ca/get-drivers-licence-steps