RoadVisa Beta

How to get a driving licence in Alberta

Getting a car licence from scratch, country by country.

More provinces coming soon.
Car licence, Class 5

Getting your licence in Alberta

Knowledge test questions30
Pass mark25 correct
Minimum age for a learner's licence14
GDL stage before a full licence2 years
Knowledge test fee (set by each registry)Varies
Road test feeVaries

Registries set their own service fees, so prices differ between offices.

Before you start driving

2
Learner's licenceYes. Pass the knowledge and vision tests at a registry to get a Class 7 licence.
Medical checkNo doctor's exam. The registry tests your vision.

Required lessons

2
Supervised practiceLearners drive with a fully licensed driver aged 18+. No set number of hours.
Driver education (optional)An approved course can shorten the GDL stage.

Good to know

7
Minimum age14 for a Class 7 learner's licence. 16 for the road test, after at least 1 year as a learner.
Licence validity5 years, shorter for some older drivers.
Exam languagesKnowledge test in 25 languages on the registry computer, with audio if you need it.
If you failKnowledge test: once a day at most, paying each time. Road test: book and pay again.
Automatic or manualNo restriction. A licence earned in an automatic covers manual cars too.
New drivers2 years on a graduated (GDL) licence with zero alcohol before a full licence.
Already have a licence from abroad?Licences from Alberta's exchange countries, which include all EU countries, are exchanged without tests. Others pass the knowledge and road tests. See the Abroad tab.

Step by step

  1. Knowledge and vision testAt a registry: 30 questions, at least 25 correct. Then you get your Class 7 licence.
  2. Learner stageAt least 1 year, always with a supervisor.
  3. Road testFrom 16. Pass to get your Class 5 GDL licence.
  4. GDL stage2 years with zero alcohol, then a full Class 5 licence.

Tips

  • Read the Alberta Driver's Guide: the knowledge test is based on it.
  • Registry fees vary, so compare a few offices before you book.

Official links

Alberta: Driver's licence ↗Alberta King's Printer: Traffic Safety Act ↗Last checked 20 Oct 2026
Wrong information? Help us fix itTell us what's incorrect and we'll check it against the official sources.

About: This page

Frequently asked questionsCoverage, sources and how RoadVisa works.

Why isn't my country listed?

RoadVisa is still growing. It covers 42 countries and all 50 US states plus Washington, D.C. so far, and more are added step by step. Each country is checked against its own official sources, in its own language, before it goes live.

Why isn't Africa covered?

Many African licensing authorities publish little detail about their driving rules online, so we can't yet check the answers against official sources. We'll add African countries as official information becomes available.

Where does the information come from?

From official sources only: licensing authorities, ministries, police and government websites, read in each country's own language. Every answer links to its sources and shows when it was last checked.

What's the difference between Visiting and Moving?

Visiting covers short stays such as holidays and business trips, when you keep your home licence. Moving covers becoming a resident, when most countries want you to exchange your licence or take tests by a deadline.

What is an International Driving Permit?

A translation of your licence in a standard format. It's only valid together with your own licence, and you get it in the country that issued your licence, usually from a motoring club or the licensing authority. RoadVisa tells you when a country expects one.

Does RoadVisa cover motorcycles or trucks?

Not yet. The answers are about car licences: category B in Europe, and the local equivalent elsewhere, such as Class C or D in most US states. Other licences may follow later.

Is RoadVisa official?

No. RoadVisa is an independent guide and isn't linked to any government or licensing authority. The authority that handles your application always has the final word.

Is RoadVisa free?

Yes, RoadVisa is free to use.

I found a mistake. What should I do?

Use "Wrong information? Help us fix it" above. We check every report against the official sources and correct the answer.

About RoadVisa and disclaimerWho we are, and how to use this information.

An independent guide. RoadVisa is a private project. It is not run by, linked to or approved by any government, licensing authority (such as a national road traffic agency or a US DMV), embassy or driving school.

Information only, not legal advice. RoadVisa sums up official rules in plain English. It does not replace the official rules, and it is not a decision about your case. Only the authority that handles your application can decide that.

Rules change. Every answer shows when it was last checked and links to the official source. Check that source before you drive, book a test, move or apply. If RoadVisa and the official source differ, follow the official source.

Your situation matters. The answer can depend on your residence status, licence category, age and when your licence was issued. If you're unsure, ask the licensing authority or your embassy.

Car hire and insurance. Car hire companies and insurers can set their own rules, for example asking for an International Driving Permit even where it isn't required. Check with them too.

Our responsibility. We work hard to keep RoadVisa correct, but we can't promise it is complete or up to date. As far as the law allows, we are not responsible for fines, refused applications, costs or other losses that come from relying on it.

Links to other sites. We link to official and other websites for your convenience. We don't control them and aren't responsible for their content.

Found a mistake? Use the report form above. What you send is used only to check and correct the information. See our privacy notice.