Overview
New drivers preparing for your Class 5 driver’s licence road test are encouraged to take driver training through a licensed driver training school. Driver training provides new drivers with the knowledge and skills necessary to help them become capable, proactive and responsible drivers.
Classroom and in-vehicle instruction is provided by licensed driving instructors. These instructors are authorized to provide driver training under the Driver Training and Driver Examination Regulation under the Traffic Safety Act.
Benefits
A formal driver training program:
- allows you to learn driving manoeuvres in a controlled and safe environment
- once successfully completed, you may be able to get vehicle insurance at a reduced rate
If your driver training is from someone who is not a licensed instructor, you may learn incorrect information and develop unsafe driving habits.
Choosing a driver training school
It is recommended that you consider the following when deciding which driving school to attend.
Hours of instruction and training
We require new drivers with a Class 7 Learner's or a Class 5 Graduated Driver's Licence (GDL) to complete at least 15 hours of classroom, 10 hours of in-vehicle instruction, and pass the knowledge and practical assessments to receive a Notice of Driver Education Course Completion form from the driver training school.
Drivers who already have a Class 5 non-GDL licence must complete at least 15 hours of classroom and a minimum of 6 hours of in-vehicle training.
The Notice of Driver Education Course Completion form may be used to get a discount on your vehicle insurance.
Driver training school and instructors are licensed
To become licensed in Alberta, driver training schools and driving instructors must meet specific requirements as outlined in the Driver Training and Driver Examination Regulation.
Rates, hours of training and refund policy
If you request, the driver training school must provide a written policy of the rates (including all charges), hours of training, and refund policy.
Course outline for classroom and in-vehicle training
The Class 5 curriculum criteria will give you an idea of the material covered and how well the lessons are planned and carried out. While this is only an outline, it also shows what the average student should be able to do with proper instruction by the end of the course.
Instruction methods
Ask to talk to someone who can tell you how the classroom is run and what teaching aids and methods are used. Some examples of classroom teaching methods are lecture, one-on-one and group discussion. Methods of instruction used during the in-vehicle instructor training sessions include hands-on practice and instructor demonstrations, observations and illustrations.
Parent/guardian involvement in the education and training
Parents and guardians play a large role in helping the new driver gain experience through practicing. Many driving schools have programs to involve parents.
Training vehicles are safe and well-maintained
Driver training schools must have their training vehicles inspected annually if the vehicle is older than the current year. The inspection certificate must be in the vehicle at all times.
Training on a standard-transmission vehicle
Some driving schools will provide a vehicle for standard-transmission/manual shift training.
How to prepare for the course
When you register for the course, you should be provided with the books and information needed to prepare for the course. This may include a workbook, progress report card and the Alberta Driver’s Guide: Cars and light trucks.
Classroom training
You must attend all classes to qualify to write the knowledge assessment. Driver training schools must offer a minimum of 15 hours of classroom instruction. The class size will range from 10 to 30 students. The duration of classroom sessions will vary: Weekday evenings may be 3 to 4 hours and weekends 8 to 8.5 hours.
You can expect the following from classroom training:
- lectures, group work, class discussions, videos and homework
- most likely have the same instructor for all sessions
- classroom and in-vehicle instructor may or may not be the same person
- guest speakers may include someone from police, ambulance and fire departments
In-vehicle training
In-vehicle training can include:
- behind-the-wheel, hands-on training
- discussing the lesson before and after driving
- preparing for new activities through demonstration, illustration and observation
- grading and feedback after each lesson and at the end of the course – a minimum overall score of 7.5 out of 10 is required by the end of the training
What you can expect from a driving school
The driving instructor will:
- provide proof of identification on request
- keep the conversation focused on driver education material
- be courteous and professional at all times
- provide clear and accurate information and instruction, in a timely manner throughout the lessons
- provide clear feedback regarding areas performed well and areas requiring improvement
- provide assistance assessing when the student should take the Class 5 driver’s road test
Resources
You can order the Class 5 Driver Education: A Guide for Students from Alberta King's Printer.
Contact
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: [email protected]
Address:
Driver Programs and Licensing Standards
1st Floor, Twin Atria Building
4999 98 Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta T6B 2X3
Calgary 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: [email protected]
Address:
Driver Programs and Licensing Standards
1st Floor, Willowglen Business Park
803 Manning Road NE
Calgary, Alberta T2E 7M8