Changes to driver licensing system

Class 1 – Driver licence changes

Starting February 1, 2023

• Drivers have the option to complete the Class 1 road test in an automatic transmission truck.
• Allowing drivers to take the Class 1 road test in an automatic transmission truck ensures drivers are tested in the type of truck they will be driving. This will continue to ensure safe, skilled drivers work behind the wheel.
• If a driver completes and passes the Class 1 road test in an automatic transmission truck, a condition code will be applied to their licence stating the driver is only able to operate commercial trucks with an automatic transmission.
• The condition code can be removed by taking a second Class 1 condensed road test in a commercial truck with a manual transmission.
• This change will not impact Mandatory Entry Level Training (MELT).
• Class 1 training can be taken in a manual or automatic transmission truck.
• Government driver examiners will continue to conduct Class 1 road tests.
• A new competency training grant program for Class 1 drivers will be available later this year to provide drivers with job-related skills, knowledge and competencies to meet the full scope of work performed by a commercial truck driver.

Class 2 – Driver licence changes

Starting April 23, 2023

• Drivers are no longer required to complete MELT to obtain a Class 2 driver’s licence.
• Class 2 training will be voluntary for all new Class 2 drivers.
• School bus safety is preserved by maintaining the “S” endorsement.
• A new, post-licensing competency-based training program will be available this year to ensure drivers will be able to gain the necessary experience to maintain safety on the roads. An application form will be available in April.
• The knowledge and road test will not change.
• The Commercial Driver’s Guide will be updated at a later date to include much of the material that was previously covered in the MELT curriculum. In the meantime, the archived MELT curriculum is available for information: Mandatory entry-level training: Commercial bus driver training course: Class 2.
• Drivers who start Class 2 MELT training on or before April 22, 2023 will still receive a Class 2 MELT designation on their licences.
• This will not affect existing Class 2 licence holders, who will continue to have the Class 2 MELT designation on their driver’s licence for as long as they hold that licence, including after renewal.                                 

Class 4 – Driver licence changes

Starting February 1, 2023

• Drivers are no longer required a road test to obtain a Class 4 driver’s licence.
• The Class 4 knowledge test is enhanced to include elements on passenger management and safety as well as working with vulnerable populations.
• The Commercial Driver’s Guide has been updated. All information within the new Commercial Driver’s Guide may be on the knowledge test.
• Class 4 drivers must still meet vision requirements and provide a driver medical report.
• Drivers who passed the Class 4 knowledge and road tests within 12 months of the updated program implementation, but who have not applied to have the Class 4 driver’s licence card issued, will have their test results honoured.
• Drivers who passed the Class 4 knowledge test but who did not pass the Class 4 road test prior to February 1, 2023, will be required to pass the new Class 4 enhanced knowledge test at their own expense.
• Driver examiners will no longer be authorized to conduct Class 4 road tests starting February 1, 2023.

Class 5 and 6 – GDL changes

Starting April 1, 2023

• Drivers are no longer required to take the advanced road test to exit the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program.
• All drivers who meet the following criteria are eligible to exit the GDL program:
  • They must be at least 18 years of age.
  • They must have completed the 24 months of probationary driving. Drivers may be eligible to reduce their 24-month probationary period by up to 6 months by completing a Class 5 or Class 6 driver training program from a driver training school licensed by Transportation and Economic Corridors.
  • They must be suspension and demerit free for the last 12 months.
• If a driver is not yet eligible to exit the GDL program, they will remain in the GDL program, subject to the restrictions on their driver’s licence, until they meet the eligibility criteria.
• Drivers eligible to exit the GDL program will automatically exit the program and will be notified by letter from the Government of Alberta of their exit.
• There is no need to update your physical driver’s licence unless you wish to do so. Your licence will be upgraded at the time of next renewal. Law enforcement in Alberta will have access to your upgraded driving status through information in the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC).
• Drivers travelling outside of Alberta should keep their letter with them in their vehicle or visit a registry agent to update their licence, as law enforcement agencies outside of Alberta may not have access to the data.
• If a driver wishes to update their licence prior to renewal, they can attend any registry agent and pay the prescribed fee.
• The Class 5 and Class 6 road tests are enhanced, and both include elements from the advanced road test.
  • The Class 5 road test will increase from 30 minutes to 45 minutes to ensure that we are focused on safety first.
  • The Class 6 road test will remain at 60 minutes, as there is time in the currently allotted 60 minutes to incorporate components from the current advanced road test.
• All other existing requirements of the GDL program will remain the same.

Contact

Questions about these licensing changes can be directed to [email protected].