Drivers Licence And Identification Cards

In Alberta, driver’s licences are categorized into classes based on the type of vehicle you wish to drive. Here’s a sorted list of the Alberta Driver’s Licence Classes along with a brief description of each class:

1. Class 5 (Regular Driver’s Licence)

• Class 5 GDL
  • This is for new drivers and is issued under the Graduated Driver Licensing system. You can obtain a Class 5 GDL after passing a written knowledge test and a road test. It comes with certain restrictions (e.g., probation period, zero alcohol limit).
  • Full Class 5:
    • After completing the GDL probation period (usually 2 years), you can upgrade to a Full Class 5, which has no restrictions.
  • Vehicles Allowed:
    • Passenger vehicles, light trucks, and some motorcycles with no passenger capacity limit.

2. Class 6 (Motorcycle Licence)

• Class 6 GDL:
  • Allows new motorcycle riders to operate motorcycles under specific restrictions (e.g., no passengers, no night driving).
• Full Class 6:
  • After completing the Class 6 GDL probationary period, you can upgrade to a Full Class 6 licence, which has no restrictions.
  • Vehicles Allowed:
    • Motorcycles, scooters, and mopeds.

3. Class 1 (Commercial Driver’s Licence (CDL) for Large Vehicles)

• Class 1 allows you to drive a combination of vehicles, such as a semi-truck or tractor-trailer.
• Vehicles Allowed:
  • Any combination of vehicles, including heavy trucks and trailers, or trucks with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) over 11,794 kg.
• This class is required for people pursuing a career in long-haul trucking or driving heavy-duty vehicles.

4. Class 2 (Commercial Licence for Buses)

• Class 2 is required for driving buses with the capacity to carry 24 or more passengers.
• Vehicles Allowed:
  • Buses (including school buses), shuttles, and other passenger-carrying vehicles.
• Class 2 is often needed for professional bus drivers, including those driving for transit systems and school buses.

5. Class 3 (CDL for Large Vehicles without a Trailer)

• Class 3 allows you to drive large single vehicles, such as straight trucks or large trucks without a trailer.
• Vehicles Allowed:
  • Large trucks with no trailer or with a trailer that does not weigh more than 4,600 kg, vehicles such as dump trucks, garbage trucks, and delivery trucks.

6. Class 4 (For Small Passenger Vehicles and Taxis)

• Class 4 is typically required for driving small buses, taxis, ambulances, or other vehicles designed to carry 10 to 24 passengers.
• Vehicles Allowed:
  • Taxis, ambulances, shuttle buses, and other vehicles carrying 10-24 passengers.
• It is also required for limousine drivers and those working in the ride-sharing industry.

7. Class 7 (GDL Licence)

• Class 7 GDL is a graduated driver’s licence for beginner drivers. This licence is issued after the applicant passes a written knowledge test and is typically valid for new drivers before they move to a Class 5 GDL.
• Vehicles Allowed:
  • Passenger vehicles and light trucks under the GDL system restrictions.
• The Class 7 allows for restricted driving (e.g., accompanied by an experienced driver, restrictions on night driving).

8. Class 8 (Motorcycle Learner’s Permit):

• This is a learner’s permit for those learning to ride a motorcycle, which has restrictions like a Class 6 GDL licence, including no passengers or night riding.

Summary Table:

These are the main classes of driver’s licences in Alberta, each designed for a specific type of vehicle or driving scenario. The GDL system applies to new drivers. Once the probationary period is completed an upgrade to full, unrestricted licences in certain classes may be permitted.