Last year, Alberta’s government established a temporary one-year driver’s licence exchange program for all holders of a Ukrainian Category B or BE driver’s licence to help them seek meaningful employment and care for their families. Following the success of this program, Alberta’s government is making the licence exchange program permanent.
Alberta will allow the permanent unilateral exchange of Ukraine Class B (passenger vehicles) and BE (passenger vehicles with a trailer) driver’s licences for an Alberta Class 5 driver’s licence with no extra testing.
“Making this licence exchange permanent is the right thing to do. Evacuees from Ukraine already have too much stress to deal with, and this will remove unnecessary barriers and ensure that these newcomers can drive to work and integrate into our communities.”
Access to a valid driver's license is vital for individuals to secure employment, access essential services and participate fully in their community. By removing unnecessary barriers to obtaining a driver's license, Alberta is empowering Ukrainian evacuees to rebuild their lives.
“Facilitating the exchange of Ukrainian driver's licenses for Alberta Class 5 licenses not only assists in the immediate resettlement process but also contributes to the long-term integration and economic success of Ukrainian evacuees in Alberta.”
Ukrainian driver’s licensing standards meet or exceed Alberta’s standards in most cases, particularly in driver training requirements. This move aligns with similar actions taken by most other provinces across Canada. Alberta’s government is committed to supporting Ukrainian evacuees fleeing the war and helping them resettle in the province while maintaining safety on Alberta roads.
"By making the driver's license exchange program permanent, Alberta reaffirms its commitment and compassion to Ukrainian evacuees. This initiative not only facilitates integration and opportunity but also reflects our solidarity with those fleeing conflict.”
Quick facts
- From April 2023 to March 2024, a total of 14,315 driver’s licences from Ukraine have been submitted for exchange at Alberta registries.
- This permanent licence exchange replaces the existing, temporary one-year exchange put in place last year and comes into effect April 18.
- As of April 4, more than 60,000 Ukrainian evacuees have registered with Alberta Health in 210 communities across the province.
Related information
- Exchange a licence from outside Alberta
- Steps to getting a driver's licence
- Get a Class 5 driver’s licence
Related news
- Helping Ukrainians get an Alberta driver’s licence (April 14, 2023)