COVID-19: State of public health emergency. Mandatory measures remain in effect provincewide.
New road test model
Alberta is launching a new, more efficient road test system to ensure drivers have timely access to tests while keeping Alberta roads safe.
Starting on January 5, 2021, passenger vehicle road tests (Class 4 to 6) will be delivered by private driver examiners through Alberta registry agents. Registry agents started booking these passenger vehicle road test appointments on December 1, 2020 for appointments in January 2021.
Book a passenger vehicle road test (Class 4 to 6) in 2021.
We have 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 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.
Commercial vehicle road tests (Class 1 to 3) are delivered by Alberta Transportation.
Book or manage a commercial vehicle road test appointment.
View the News Release:
Overview
There are 4 classes of commercial driver’s licences in Alberta, and each one allows you to drive different types of vehicles.
Class | Allows you to drive |
---|---|
1 – Commercial |
|
2 – Commercial (bus) |
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3 – Commercial (3 axles or more) |
However, you cannot drive a vehicle that:
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4 – Commercial (taxi, ambulance) |
|
To upgrade to a commercial driver’s licence, you’ll need:
- photo ID
Visit the ID requirements page to find out what types of documents you need.
For Class 3 and Class 4, it is recommended, though not mandatory, to take a driver's education course before upgrading to a commercial driver's licence.
Eligibility
To upgrade to a commercial licence you must:
- have a full Class 5 driver’s licence
- be a least 18 years old
Effective March 1, 2019, all new Class 1 and 2 commercial drivers must successfully complete Mandatory Entry-Level Training.
Effective March 1, 2019, driver’s licence requirements for school bus drivers have changed. See the School Bus Driver Improvement Program for more information.
How to upgrade
Step 1. Take a knowledge test
Go to a registry agent and take a driver's knowledge test. You will need to pay a $17 fee to take the test. You can only take one attempt per day.
You will need to bring acceptable ID.
To drive a vehicle with air brakes, you must pass an air brake knowledge test. For more information, check the Air Brake Program.
Step 2. Pass a vision test
A registry agent will test your vision to see if your vision is good enough to drive.
A completed Driver's Medical Report Form will be required for class 1, 2 and 4 licences.
Step 3. Pass a road test
Schedule a road test through a registry agent or online through the Alberta Road Test Scheduler.
Review the road test eligibility requirements, including:
- eligibility
- vehicle requirements
- required documents
- fees and cancellation/no-show policies
Step 4. Purchase your licence card
If you successfully pass the knowledge test, road test and vision test, and are medically approved you will be able to upgrade to a commercial class driver’s licence.
You will be given a temporary licence that’s valid for 30 days or until your licence card comes in the mail.
Your licence card should arrive in 7 to 10 business days. If it hasn’t arrived in 21 days, call the number on the back of your temporary licence and you’ll be given instructions on what to do. Report the missing licence to a registry agent within 60 days of applying, or you may be charged for a replacement.
When you get your licence card, you’ll have to destroy the temporary licence.
Cost
The maximum charges for the tests are outlined in the Registry Agent Product Catalogue.
Exchanging your licence for a commercial class licence
The maximum charges for exchanging your licence card are outlined in the Registry Agent Product Catalogue. You can extend your licence expiry for several years.
Contact
Connect with Motor Vehicles:
Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Phone: 780-427-7013
Toll free: 310-0000 before the phone number (in Alberta)
Email: [email protected]