Apply for a driver training school licence

COVID-19 response

Effective immediately, Alberta Transportation has introduced new, temporary measures, related to driver education and examinations.

Details available on COVID-19 Driver Education and Exams Memo (PDF, 170 KB)

Effective immediately all driver testing across all classes of licences are suspended for a minimum of 4 weeks, until April 18.

To help support Albertans isolating and practicing physical distancing, we are extending expiry dates for Alberta driver’s licences, vehicle registrations and other permits and certificates until May 15, 2020.

For more information, visit COVID-19 info for Albertans.

Overview

You must be approved to get a Driver Training School Licence to provide the following services as a driver training school in Alberta:

driver training for any class of driver’s licence, including Mandatory Entry-Level Training for Class 1 and 2 driver’s licences
Professional Driver Improvement Course
Defensive Driving Course
endorsement training, for example Q endorsement and S endorsement

A Driver Training School Licence will not be issued until the approval process has been fulfilled. Driver Programs and Licensing Standards (DPLS) will determine if a Driver Training School Licence will be issued.

Certified employee driver training agencies

Effective March 1, 2019, Alberta no longer certifies organizations or instructors that provide driver training for driver’s licence endorsements or demerit point reductions. Instead, these driver training providers must get the same type of licence as driver training schools and driving instructors.

Existing licensed driver training schools, certified employee agencies and instructors who provide Class 1 and 2 and S endorsement (School Bus Driver Improvement Program) training must also apply for this licence.

How to apply

Step 1. Confirm eligibility and complete application form

To be eligible, the driver training provider must employ a Senior Driving Instructor to guide, assist and monitor its staff in providing quality education and meeting DPLS standards. For more information see Become a licensed driving instructor.

Download and complete the Driver Training School Licence Application form (PDF, 64 KB). Pay the licensing fee of $175 (if applicable) at any Alberta registry agent.

You must also provide the following legal documents to DPLS (if applicable):

Surety Bond or Guarantee (not less than $10,000)
- a Surety Bond is not applicable to school boards, government agencies, or organizations that provide training for no compensation.
Certificate of Incorporation or Certificate of Amalgamation
Business Driver Training School Licence

You must complete the Record of Licensed Instructors (PDF, 131 KB).

You must complete the Record of Driver Training Vehicles (PDF, 132 KB).

See Section 2.00.01 of the Licensed Driver Training School Policies and Procedures Manual for more information.

Step 2. Get a Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Search

You must provide an original Criminal Record Check and a Vulnerable Sector Search from an approved police agency for each school owner, director or partner.

It must be dated within 90 days of the date Alberta Transportation receives your application.

See Section 4(1)(d), Driver Training Regulation (AR 316/2002) in the Traffic Safety Act for more information.

Step 3. Print, sign and submit the Terms and Conditions

Print a copy of the Licensed Driver Training School Terms and Conditions (PDF, 383 KB). Make sure you read and understand the document before you sign it. Submit the hard copy to DPLS.

Step 4. Ensure you have the required curriculum materials

Class 5 curriculum

You have the option of using the government’s standardized Class 5 curriculum or you can submit a curriculum proposal with the following:

Electronic presentation
Class 5 Driver Education Curriculum: A Guide for Instructors (PDF, 53.9 MB)
Class 5 Driver Education Curriculum: A Guide for Students

For more information, see Delivering Class 5 Driver Training.

Professional Driver Improvement Course

Requirements for approval of a Professional Driver Improvement Course

Requirements for approval: light vehicle - Professional Driver Improvement Course

Defensive Driving Course

Defensive Driving Course Policy

Mandatory Entry-Level Training

You must follow the government’s standardized curriculum for Class 1, 2 and 2-S.

Class 1

Class 2

Class 2-S

Air Brake Program

Air Brake Instructor Manual: A Guide for Instructors

School Bus Driver Improvement Program

Licensed S-endorsement instructors will receive a copy of the instructor’s manual for the School Bus Driver Improvement Program.

Resources

Licensed Driver Training School Policies and Procedures

Control List - Notice of Driver Education Completion Course (PDF, 382 KB)

Control List - Notice of Driver Education Completion Course Instructions (PDF, 110 KB)

Contact

To connect with Driver Programs and Licensing Standards:

Edmonton office

Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Phone: 780-427-8230
Toll free: 310-0000 before the phone number (in Alberta)
Email: trans.driver.prog@gov.ab.ca

Address:

Driver Programs and Licensing Standards
Alberta Transportation
1st Floor, Twin Atria Building
4999 98 Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta T6B 2X3

Calgary office