New Road Test Model to improve access for Albertans

Alberta is launching a new, more efficient road test system to ensure drivers have timely access to tests while keeping Alberta roads safe.

The most in-demand road tests—those to get a licence to drive a passenger vehicle—will be conducted by private driver examiners trained and licensed by the government, starting in early 2021.

Drivers seeking Class 4, 5 or 6 road tests will be able to book passenger vehicle road tests through registry agents or a new online booking system starting Dec. 1, 2020 for appointments starting Jan. 5, 2021. Information about the new booking system will be made available prior Dec. 1, 2020. Existing appointments will be processed through the current system.

Government has strengthened oversight of the system to ensure all road tests are fair and safe, resulting in competent, safe drivers. All Class 1, 2 and 3 commercial, truck and bus driver road tests will continue to be conducted by government examiners to ensure drivers are meeting the higher standards set by the new Mandatory Entry-Level Training program.

Road test bookings will remain unchanged until the new system rolls out on Dec. 1. Please review the details below or go to the following site for booking information:

View the News Release:

Overview

This tests your knowledge of Alberta’s traffic laws. The following guidelines apply:

  • knowledge tests are conducted for:
    • all driver’s licence classes with the exception of Class 5
    • the air brake endorsement
    • the Safety Fitness Certificate (SFC) Compliance test
  • you must take the test at a registry agent office for a fee of $17
  • the test is 30 multiple choice questions and you must score a minimum of 25 to pass
  • if you fail the test you must wait one day before taking the test again. You may take the test as many times as required to pass but only once per day
  • test stations have audio-assistant devices that read the questions and choices of answers to you for $30 and can only be taken in English and only for class 7
  • if you have difficulty with English and only need minimal help, you can use a paper  English conversion dictionary for class 3, 6 or 7
    • if you want to take the test in a language other than those listed below, you’ll need to pay for an approved translator
  • class 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and air brake knowledge tests can only be taken in English
  • once a knowledge test has been passed and the test permit is validated by a registry agent, the permit is only valid for 1 year from the date of the test

You can study the driver guides for all classes of knowledge tests:

Practice driver’s knowledge tests

Online practice tests are available to show you what types of questions you may be asked on the driver’s knowledge test to get a Class 7 Learner’s Licence.

These online practice tests do not use the same software as the tests at the registry agent offices. There will be differences in how questions are displayed and how you move between questions.

Class 7 Learner's Licence - Practice Test 1
Class 7 Learner's Licence - Practice Test 2

The practice tests do not work on some mobile devices and web browsers. It is recommended that you use Internet Explorer.

Languages

The Class 7 test is available in 25 languages:

  • Amharic
  • Arabic
  • Chinese (Simplified)
  • Chinese (Traditional)
  • Cree
  • Dutch
  • English
  • Farsi
  • French
  • German
  • Hindi
  • Italian
  • Korean
  • Oromo
  • Polish
  • Portuguese
  • Punjabi
  • Russian
  • Somali
  • Spanish
  • Tagalog
  • Thai
  • Ukrainian
  • Urdu
  • Vietnamese

Request a translator for a knowledge test

Before requesting a translator for a Class 7 driver knowledge test, you must complete a minimum of 3 Class 7 driver knowledge tests using any combination of the following:

  • English audio
  • English assisted
  • Driver Knowledge Testing System in English
  • Driver Knowledge Testing System in any of the languages listed above

If you have completed a minimum of 3 Class 7 driver knowledge tests attempts, you can email Driver Programs and Licensing Standards (DPLS) at [email protected] to request a translator. You must provide the following information:

  • full legal name
  • complete date of birth
  • current mailing address
  • contact email address
  • language of translation requested

If the language you require is not available for translation through the computerized system (see the list above under the Languages section), you do not need to first attempt to complete the driver knowledge test 3 times. You can instead make arrangements to have a translator with a valid Translation Identification Number (TIN) attend the test with you on your first attempt. If you already know a translator with a valid TIN, you do not need to contact DPLS.

If you choose to have someone else provide the contact email address on your behalf, you authorize that DPLS may disclose your personal information to the third party email address provided.

DPLS may grant or refuse the use of a translator and will advise you of the decision via email. If DPLS approves the use of translator, you will receive a list of approved translators. You can choose to use any approved translator with a valid TIN at your knowledge test.

You are responsible for all scheduling and costs associated with knowledge testing and translator services (if applicable).

See the list of approved translator agencies and information on how to become a translator for driver's knowledge tests.

Related

Driver's road test

Get a Class 5 driver's licence

Get a Class 6 motorcycle driver's licence

Get a Class 7 learner's licence

Upgrade to a commercial licence

Driver guides overview and PDF versions