NEW DRIVER
JOURNEY
Alberta’s graduated
driver Licencing
(gdL) program was
introduced in 2003.
Here’s how it works
Class 7: Learner’s Licence
At age 14, teens can take the
30-point multiple-choice
exam that tests knowledge of
driving skills, road rules and
signs. It can be taken at any
AMA centre. Pass by getting
at least 25 questions correct
and obtain a Class 7 learner’s
licence. Teens can then drive
when accompanied by a fully
licensed driver 18 years of
age or older. Other restric-
tions: no driving from mid-
night to 5 a.m., zero alcohol
level behind the wheel and
8-demerit points (vs. 15 for
licensed drivers).
Class 5:
Probationary GDL
After one year driving with a
Class 7, drivers at least 16 years
of age can schedule the Class
5 road test. It’s a good idea to
take driver’s ed during that
year. During the in-car test,
teens must demonstrate solid
driving skills, including park-
ing, turning, reversing and
lane changes. Pass, and a Class
5 probationary licence will be
issued, allowing teens to drive
unaccompanied any time of
day (demerit and alcohol limits
are the same as Class 7).
Class 5:
Full Licence
Drive Class 5 for two years (the
last one suspension-free), and
complete and pass an advanced
road test. This class increases
the demerit points one can
amass before licence suspen-
sion, removes the zero-alcohol
condition and permits you to
accompany a learner driver.
MY KID IS TURNING 14…
NOW WHAT?
S T U DY LEARNER’S TEST
download the Alberta driver’s
guide (transportation.alberta.ca).
Teen studies for Class 7 learner’s
test and takes practice tests.
purchase flashcards at AMA
centres and sign up for AMA’s
online prep course or lessons:
AMADriverEducation.ca If teen is at least 14 years of age,
has parental consent and passes
a vision test, they can take the
Class 7 knowledge test ($18).
Teens can take the test at any
AMA centre and there’s no time
limit. If they pass, they can pur-
chase the Class 7 permit ($65).
I N -V E H I C L E
DRIVER’S ED
A driving course is the best way
to learn the skills of actually han-
dling a car. It builds a foundation
while practice sessions keep the
momentum going. Teens should
have a combination of both to
become good drivers and build
solid driving habits.
1
YEAR
L AT E R
A
N
D
P R AC T I C E
W I T H A COAC H
Be mindful of Class 7 restric-
tions (see left). Teens can drive
with a parent/coach to practise and
learn smart driving skills. download
a coaching guide at ama.ab.ca/
NewDri ver. parents: Make sure
you’re teaching good driving habits;
consider taking a brush-up lesson.
After at least a year driving with Class 7 licence, teens
age 16 or older can take the basic road test.
B A S I C R OA D T E ST
Is teen ready to test their skills behind the wheel? register for the Class 5 basic road
test ($89). schedule and take a test at an AMA centre: ama.ab.ca/RoadTests.
during the in-car exam, teen will demonstrate proper steering, turning, signaling,
parking, lane-change and reversing skills.
YES
Pass THE TEsT?
NO
CLASS 5 GDL LICENCE
If teen is at least 16 and passes the road test, they’ll receive a Class 5 gdL. They can drive
unaccompanied, any time of day, though demerit and alcohol limits still apply (see left).
2
YEARS
L AT E R
Teen drives for at least two years with Class 5 licence, and is suspen-
sion-free for the last year. They can then take the advanced road test.
A D VA N C E D R O A D T E S T
To get a full Class 5 licence to drive anytime, restriction-free, teen must
pass one final road test ($139). The exam tests both the driver’s skills and
their confidence level in dealing with common traffic scenarios.
YES
Pass THE TEsT?
NO
CLASS 5 FULL LICENCE
Congrats! Teen is a fully licensed driver!
They can now drive, GDL-restriction-free.
AMA InsIder
sprIng 2018
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