Get a Class 5 driver’s licence

Overview

A Class 5 licence also allows you to drive all Class 5 motor vehicles, which includes:

• a 2-axle single motor vehicle
• a motor home without airbrakes unless you hold an air brake certificate
• tow a trailer with one or more axles if the trailer is not equipped with airbrakes
• a moped, a recreational vehicle, or any combination of recreational vehicles and a trailer, if the trailer has 2 axles or less, and isn’t equipped with airbrakes

It’s recommended, though not mandatory, to take a Driver’s Education course before getting a Class 5 driver’s licence.

Eligibility

Probationary Class 5-Graduated Driver's Licence (GDL)

To get a probationary Class 5-GDL you must:

• have had a Class 7 learner’s licence with at least one year of driving experience
• be at least 16 years old
• if you’re under 18, you must have written consent from your parents or guardian
• be a Canadian citizen, a Canadian permanent resident, hold a valid work or student visa, and/or have an approved refugee claim from the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada
• have proof that you live in Alberta
• have valid ID
• have proof of residence in Canada

Full, non-GDL Class 5 Licence

To get a full Class 5 (non-GDL) driver’s licence you must:

• be at least 18 years of age
• have completed the 24 months of probationary driving
  • Drivers may be eligible to reduce their 24-month probationary period by up to 6 months by completing a Class 5 or Class 6 driver training program from a driver training school licensed by Transportation and Economic Corridors.
• be suspension and demerit free for the last 12 months
• be a Canadian citizen, a Canadian permanent resident, hold a valid work visa, and/or have an approved refugee claim from the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada
• have proof that you live in Alberta
• have valid ID
• have proof of residence in Canada

Visit the Residency and ID requirements page to find out what types of documents you need.

If you are coming to Alberta from another province or country, you may be able to exchange your licence.

Temporary residents, such as students, visitors and temporary foreign workers, can't get a driver's licence because they don't live in Alberta permanently. However, they may be able to continue using a driver’s licence from their home province or country.

Get a Class 5-Graduated Driver's licence

Before you can get a full Class 5 driver’s licence, you must have a Class 5 GDL for at least 2 years with no suspensions or demerits in the last year.

While driving with a Class 5-GDL licence, the following rules apply:

• You cannot drive with more people than there are seat belts in your vehicle.
• A GDL licence will be suspended at 8 demerit points.
• You must have a zero drug/alcohol level when driving.
• Class 1, 2, 3, or 4 licence upgrades are not allowed.
• A GDL driver cannot be the accompanying driver to a learner.

To get a Class 5-GDL licence, follow these steps:

Step 1. Pass a road test

Schedule a road test through a registry agent or online through the Alberta Road Test Scheduler.

Registry agents have a road test information sheet that lets you know what you need, including:

• eligibility
• vehicle requirements
• required documents
• fees and cancellation/no-show policies

Step 2. Pass a vision test

A registry agent will test your vision to see if your vision is good enough to drive.

The registry agent may also ask for a medical report from your doctor.

Step 3. Purchase your licence card

If you successfully pass the road test and vision test, you will be able to purchase a Class 5 GDL licence card.

You will be given a temporary licence that’s valid for 30 days or until your licence card comes in the mail.

Your licence card should arrive in 21 business days. If it hasn’t arrived in 21 days, call the number on the back of your temporary licence and you’ll be given instructions on what to do. Visit a registry agent within 60 days of applying, or you may be charged for a replacement.

When you get your licence card, you’ll have to destroy the temporary licence.

Upgrade to a full Class 5 driver's licence

To get a full Class 5 driver's licence, you'll need to:

• drive for 2 years as a Class 5-GDL driver
• have no licence suspensions or demerits during the last year

Cost

Road test and knowledge test

The maximum charges for the tests are outlined in the Registry Agent Product Catalogue.

Exchanging your licence for a class 5 GDL or full Class 5 licence

You can extend your licence expiry for several years. Maximum charges for exchanging your licence card are outlined in the Registry Agent Product Catalogue.

Contact

Connect with Motor Vehicles:

Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Phone: 780-427-7013
Toll free: 310-0000 before the phone number (in Alberta)
Email: [email protected]

Related

• ID requirements for licences and identification cards
• Renew or replace a driver's licence
• Licence plate
• Get a parking placard for persons with disabilities
• Register a vehicle