Alberta

PASSENGER VEHICLES MOTORCYCLES

To obtain a licence in AB to operate a passenger vehicle, the Class 7 Learner stage precedes the Class 5 Novice stage. It will take a minimum of 3 years to complete both stages.
Effective date of program implementation: Since 1998; new rules added May 20, 2003


AGE REQUIREMENTS
Minimum entry age: 14 years
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: Alberta basic road test
Time completion: 12 months with a Class 7 licence
STAGE DURATION
Minimum duration: Hold a Class 7 Learner licence for 12 months
Maximum holding period: A Class 7 licence can be renewed indefinitely
SUPERVISORY DRIVER
Age: 18+ years
BAC level while supervising: 0.08 BAC
Driver log
Licence held: Full non-probationary licence
Location while supervising: Seated in the front passenger seat next to the driver
Time Licensed
SUPERVISED DRIVING
Minimum amount: New drivers are strongly encouraged to have a minimum of 60 hours of driving experience before taking the basic road test
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: No more passengers than seatbelts
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: Learner could be fined up to $115 and two demerit points
Violation of the passenger restrictions: Learner will receive a $115 fine and two demerit points on their licence
Violation of the Supervisory Driver conditions: Learner could be fined $230 and two demerit points
DRIVER IMPROVEMENT ACTIONS
Voluntary: Defensive Driving Course (3 demerit point reduction)
ADDITIONAL CLASS 7 FEATURES
Cannot serve as an accompanying driver
Cannot upgrade to a commercial licence
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