Alberta today announced the elimination of Class 5 and Class 6 advanced road tests under the Graduated Driver Licensing program required for a full driver’s licence.
The additional advanced test will not be required for a Class 4 driver’s licence. The change will be effective spring of 2023.
Currently, residents who want a full driver’s license need to pass a basic road test, be on probation for two years and be suspension free for the final 12 months of probation before they can take the advanced road test to earn their full driver’s licence.
Starting spring of 2023, Albertans with GDL will automatically qualify for their full Class 5 or Class 6 driver’s license without having to take the advanced road test leading to a saving of $150.
Under the new program, drivers with GDL are required to have no suspensions or traffic violations within their last 12 months of probation, including zero tolerance for any alcohol and/or drug consumption.
As per the news release, those with demerits, or who are ticketed for other unsafe driving offences during the last year of their probation will have their probationary period extended for an additional year. This additional probationary period can be reduced by up to six months if they complete an approved driver training course.
A Class 6 licence allows you to drive a motorcycle or moped by yourself, while a Class 5 driver’s licence allows you to drive most cars, trucks or vans by yourself.
An additional road test will no longer be mandatory to obtain a Class 4 driver’s licence, which is required to transport passengers in taxis, ride-share vehicles, limousines, small buses and ambulances. An enhanced knowledge test, driver medical and vision test will still be required to obtain a Class 4 licence.
The province says these changes are based on a 2019 survey on red tape reduction actions to be taken by the government.
Currently, about 700,000 GDL drivers qualify to take their advanced road test.
Alberta says over the past five years, about 65 per cent of drivers and 99 per cent of motorcycle riders did not take their advanced road test.