Calgary 
Alberta drivers on Graduated Driver’s Licensing program will automatically exit the program to a non-GDL licence.
Joshua Woroniecki/Pexels
The initiative aims to save young drivers $154 as they transition to a full Class 5 or Class 6 licence.
Previously, eligible drivers in the GDL program were required to undergo advanced road tests to obtain their full licences. However, this requirement was removed last April.
It is important to note that those who exhibit unsafe driving behaviours and accrue demerits, suspensions, or tickets for other unsafe driving offences during the final year of their probation will have their probationary period extended for an additional year.
The Class 5 licence allows individuals to independently drive most cars, trucks, or vans, while the Class 6 licence permits them to operate motorcycles or mopeds on their own.
Under the new policy, GDL drivers who have completed the mandatory 24-month driving period without suspensions, demerits, or instances of alcohol or drug consumption within the last 12 months of probation will receive a notification letter informing them of their transition to a non-GDL status. These drivers are not legally obligated to obtain a new licence card immediately, as their physical licences will be upgraded to the full version upon their next renewal.
Per the news release, law enforcement officers within Alberta will be able to identify drivers with full licences through the Canadian Police Information Centre if they are stopped within the province.
Alberta recommends drivers travelling outside the province carry the notification letter in the vehicle or update the physical licence at a registry office, as law enforcement agencies in other jurisdictions may not have access to Alberta’s licensing data.
The criteria for exiting the GDL program are as follows:
- you must be 18 years of age
- you must have completed your 24 months of probationary driving
- if you have taken a Class 5 or Class 6 driver training program from a driver training school licensed by Transportation and Economic Corridors, you may be eligible to reduce the 24-month probationary period by up to six months
- you must be suspension and demerit free for the last 12 months
