Alberta Driving License Program Changes

Report says that starting in Spring 2023, Alberta will no longer call for the advanced road test for Class 5 and Class 6 driver’s license. The Graduated Driver’s License program has been in effect since 2003.

Under the GDL program, new drivers with a learner’s license must have a fully licensed person seated next to them and mustn’t drive between midnight and 5 a.m. as well as mandatory driving with zero blood alcohol level.

The Albertan government have now changed the system to be effective next spring. The government said drivers who effectively complete a 24-month probationary period will now qualify for their full Class 5 or Class 6 driver’s license while saving $150 by not going through a second road test.

Also, an additional road test will not be required to upgrade to a Class 4 license, but an improved knowledge test, driver medical and vision test will still be required.

The Minister of Transportation, Prasad Panda, said in a statement “Many Albertans have told us that the advanced test costs too much, is a roadblock to finding jobs and has created unnecessary red tape. That’s why we are eliminating the advanced road test for (Class 5) passenger vehicles and (Class 6) motorcycles as well as the additional Class 4 road test while maintaining strong safety standards for drivers.”

However, GDL drivers must have no record of traffic violations or suspensions within the last 12 months of probation, as well as the zero blood alcohol level. Drivers who display poor driving conducts, earn demerits, or tickets for unsafe driving offenses during the last year of their probation will have their probationary period extended for an additional year.

Also, drivers will be allowed to reduce their probationary period by up to six months if they complete an approved driver training course.

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