Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL)

Regardless of age, all new drivers are part of the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program. This program ensures new drivers get the support, skills, and experience they need to handle the complex task of driving. GDL improves road safety by creating a safe and controlled environment for all new drivers. As a GDL driver, you will hold one of the following driver’s licences:

• Stage One: Class 7 (Learner’s Licence)
• Stage Two: Class 5-GDL (Probationary Licence) The following information highlights the key features of the Learner and Probationary stages of the GDL program.

Stage 1: Learner (Class 7)

To obtain a Class 7 learner’s licence you must:  be 14 years of age or older  pass a vision screening  pass a knowledge test on the rules of the road  have parental consent if you are under 18 years of age  have valid identification. Learner’s conditions:

• You must hold a learner’s licence (Class 7) for at least one year.
• You must be accompanied by a fully- licensed (non-GDL) driver who is 18 years of age or older and is seated next to you.
• You are not permitted to drive from midnight to 5 a.m.
• You are not permitted to have more passengers than seat belts.
• You will be suspended if you accumulate eight or more demerit points.
• You must have a zero alcohol and/ or drug level when driving (or riding a motorcycle).

Stage 2: GDL Probationary

(Class 5-GDL)

To become a probationary driver you must:  hold your Class 7 leaner’s licence for a year (this time will be extended if you receive a suspension of your driving privileges)  be 16 years of age or older  pass the Alberta Class 5 road test. Probationary conditions:

• You must be a probationary driver for a minimum of two years.
• You must have no more passengers than seat belts.
• You will be suspended if you accumulate eight or more demerit points.
• You must have a zero alcohol and/or drug level when driving.
• You are not able to re-class your licence to a commercial driver’s licence (Class 1, 2, 3, or 4).
• You cannot serve as a supervising driver to a learner.

Stage 3: Full Class 5

(non-GDL)

To exit the GDL program you must:  be at least 18 years of age  be in the probationary stage for a minimum of two years  be free of suspensions or traffic violations within the last 12 months of the probationary stage, including zero alcohol and/or drug level when driving. You can reduce your probationary stage by up to six months, if:

• you successfully complete an approved driver training course resulting in a condition code (U) being added to your driving record
• all other eligibility requirements are met. Upon exiting the GDL program, you will:
• move from a Class 5-GDL to a full Class 5 driver’s licence
• qualify to re-class to a Class 1, 2, 3, or

4 driver’s licence

• increase the number of demerits you are allowed
• remove the zero alcohol and drug tolerance condition
• be able to be an accompanying driver to a learner.