Information for drivers
All Albertans who want to take a driver’s road test can now book one online as the province continues to open up the economy and access to personal protective equipment (PPE) increases.
Information about the tests and required health protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19 can be found in COVID-19 Road Tests: Eligibilty and procedures (PDF, 77 KB). All drivers will have to follow these procedures, including signing this Assumption of Risk and Release of Liability ("Assumption and Release") for Road Tests During the COVID-19 Pandemic (PDF, 126 KB) form to the test to be signed in front of the driver examiner.
We are experiencing increased online scheduling requests so drivers are encouraged to check back regularly if they are having problems connecting with us.
Knowledge tests
The Registrar of Motor Vehicles has extended the expiration of the following driver knowledge test results:
- Class 1 to 4: Knowledge test results expiring between March 1, 2020 and September 20, 2020 – 180 days past the original date of expiry
Driving schools
All driving schools are responsible for determining when they can provide services in a safe manner.
For information about operating a business during COVID-19 visit Alberta Biz Connect or email bizconnect@gov.ab.ca.
Motor vehicle documents
All motor vehicle documents must now be renewed prior to expiry. Alberta driver’s licences, vehicle registrations, and other permits and certificates that expired prior to May 15, 2020 must now be renewed.
Find select registry services available remotely through encrypted email or fax.
Some registry agents have voluntarily closed or are operating with reduced hours. Call your local registry office to ensure it is open and confirm whether they provide the service you require remotely.
Regulations and policies
The following vehicle inspection certificates must now be renewed if they have expired:
- Commercial Vehicle Inspection certificates and decals
- Out of Province Motor Vehicle Inspection certificates
- Salvage Motor Vehicle Inspection certificates
Carriers providing direct assistance to the COVID-19 response efforts can apply for exemptions to the provincial hours of service requirements.
- These exemptions will be given through permits, and permit fees will be waived.
- Permits will only be considered for carriers with Excellent, Satisfactory or Satisfactory Unaudited Safety Fitness Ratings.
- These permits can be obtained by emailing central.permits@gov.ab.ca.
Commercial carriers transporting supplies in direct assistance to the COVID-19 pandemic response will be allowed to:
- increase the weight that wide base single tires can carry on provincial and municipal roads without a permit
- increase the weight commercial vehicles with tridem and tridem drive axles can carry on municipal roads without a permit, to match what they can carry on provincial roads
- be exempt from road bans on provincial and municipal roads
- these vehicles would still have to comply with bridge carrying capacity limitations and truck routes
- be exempt from municipal bylaws that restrict the hours they operate and park
Direct assistance does not include routine commercial deliveries. The load must consist primarily of supplies and equipment used in direct assistance to the COVID-19 pandemic response efforts. These concessions are in place until August 14, 2020.
511 Alberta
Commercial carriers can access an interactive map on 511 Alberta to find open restaurants, restrooms and showers on Alberta highways.
Long-haul
All commercial carriers and drivers, whether they cross provincial, territorial or the Canada-United States (U.S.) border, are being encouraged to continue to follow comprehensive sanitation and health protocols to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
We recommend all commercial drivers travelling to or returning home from the U.S. or elsewhere in Canada:
- self-distance and avoid standard greetings, such as shaking hands
- regularly disinfect vehicles and any shared surfaces, inside and out, with antimicrobial disposable wipes or bleach solution
- wash hands whenever you stop for fuel, food or other reasons
- stay away from public places or large gatherings
- have enough food and water supplies so you can self-isolate on route if needed
- monitor your health, taking appropriate action if you feel ill at home or in another jurisdiction
- self-isolate on days off
- self-declare to dispatch and to 811 or a health care practitioner, if you have come in contact with anyone who has COVID-19, and follow the instructions provided
Additional measures to support commercial carriers will be published on this page as they are approved. For more information, visit COVID-19 info for Albertans.
Dangerous goods permits
Starting April 10, 2020, carriers involved in the transportation of dangerous goods may request a Permit for Equivalent Level of Safety (PELS) that will enable carriers to fulfil the shipping documentation requirements under the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations, electronically.
- The PELS is subject to safety permit conditions. Alberta Transportation will verify the carrier’s ability to comply with the permit’s conditions prior to issuing the PELS.
- Once issued, the PELS will be valid for 2 years.
- Carriers wishing to apply for this permit must contact Alberta Transportation at trans.dangerousgoods@gov.ab.ca.
Bill of Lading requirements
The Bill of Lading adds liability to consignors and carriers to ensure that goods being transported are not damaged or spoiled upon receipt.
To support social distancing efforts, carriers are reminded they can provide any required documents under the Bill of Lading electronically, as per section 31(1) and 31(2) of the Electronic Transactions Act. Carriers may:
- create and store these documents electronically
- provide these documents electronically to consignors
- acquire digital signatures from consignors upon satisfactory receipt of the goods
- provide these records in electronic form as part of any audits or compliance reviews
Electronic bills of lading are authorized continually.
Alberta Traffic Safety Board appeals
For decisions received between March 17, 2020 and June 15, 2020, Albertans and businesses will have until July 15 to file appeals of decisions by the Registrar of Motor Vehicles or peace officers to the Alberta Transportation Safety Board (ATSB).
For decisions received between March 17, 2020 and August 14, 2020, Albertans and businesses will have until September 14, 2020 to file for judicial review of ATSB decisions.
Provincial railways
The following requirements are temporarily suspended for existing railway employees of provincially regulated railways, to ensure physical distancing requirements can be met.
- Submission of results of a periodic safety audit when applying for a new or renewed approval to operate a railway.
- Re-examinations of railway employees’ knowledge on required subjects and hands-on competency of actual job tasks.
- Periodic medical fitness for duty assessments for railway employees in safety critical positions.
New employees will still be required to complete knowledge testing and fitness assessments to ensure they are capable of safely operating on railways.
These suspensions do not apply to training and testing or assessments of new employees.
Unless another deadline is specified, these temporary changes will remain in effect until the Ministerial Orders end. The Ministerial Orders will end on whichever date is earliest:
- August 14, 2020
- 60 days after the public health emergency order ends, if it ends before June 15, 2020
- Another date determined by the minister or Cabinet.
Key contacts
Permitting Questions: central.permits@gov.ab.ca
Driver Program Questions: driverexaminations@gov.ab.ca
International Registration Plan: prorate@gov.ab.ca
Driver Fitness and Monitoring: driver.fitness@gov.ab.ca
Commercial Carrier Questions: carrierservices.info@gov.ab.ca
Inspection certificate questions: mvip@gov.ab.ca
Dangerous Goods: trans.dangerousgoods@gov.ab.ca
International Registration Plan: prorate@gov.ab.ca
Provincial Rail Questions: railsafety@gov.ab.ca