Table of contents

Driver licensing changes

Starting February 1, 2023 a road test will no longer be required to obtain a Class 4 driver’s licence, which is required to transport passengers in taxis, ride-share vehicles, limousines, small buses and ambulances. Additionally, Class 1 drivers will have the option to take the Class 1 road test in an automatic or a manual transmission truck. Starting in spring 2023, Alberta will no longer require the advanced road test for Class 5 and Class 6 Graduated Driver’s Licences (GDL).

See Changes to driver licensing system for more details.

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
  • any motor vehicle other than a motorcycle
  • Class 6 vehicles as a learner only
2 – Commercial
(bus)
  • any motor vehicle that the holder of a Class 3, 4 or 5 driver’s licence is allowed to drive
  • a bus
  • a Class 1 or 6 vehicles as a learner only
3 – Commercial
(3 axles or more)
  • any motor vehicle that the holder of a Class 5 licence may drive
  • a single motor vehicle with 3 or more axles
  • a motor vehicle with 3 or more axles that is towing a trailer with one or more axles (if the trailer is not equipped with airbrakes)
  • a Class 1, 2, 4 or 6 vehicles as a learner only

However, you cannot drive a vehicle that:

  • can seat more than 15 people including the driver
  • transports passengers for hire
4 – Commercial
(taxi, ambulance)
  • a taxi, ambulance or bus (including a school or kindergarten bus) that seats fewer than 25 people including the driver
  • all motor vehicles included under Class 5
  • a Class 1, 2, 3 or 6 vehicles as a learner only

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.

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 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.

Refunds

We must be approve all refunds.

  • Approved refunds will be processed within 5 business days.
  • If you purchased your road test online, the refund will appear on your original form of payment. You will receive email confirmation of your refund.
  • If you purchased your road test in-person at a Registry Agent Office, a refund cheque will be mailed.

We are not liable for costs incurred, including, but not limited to, vehicle rentals and loss of wages.

Cancellation policy

The cancellation policy states:

  1. If you cancel at least 24 hours before your road test, you will be eligible for a full refund.
  2. If you cancel less than 24 hours before your road test, you will lose the entire road test fee. You will also be responsible for rescheduling and paying for a new road test.
  3. If you fail to show up for the road test, you will lose the entire road test fee. You will also be responsible for rescheduling and paying for a new road test.
  4. If you need to reschedule a road test, you must do so at least 24 hours before your road test.
  5. Road tests may be cancelled on short notice or on site by the driver examiner due to bad weather conditions. If this occurs, the Road Test Permit you purchased will still be valid and can be used to reschedule your road test online through the Alberta Road Test Scheduler or in-person at an Alberta registry agent.
  6. Driver examiners can refuse the vehicle you bring to do your road test in if it is not safe or legal. If this occurs, you will lose the entire road test fee. You will be responsible for rescheduling and paying for a new road test.
  7. Driver examiners can cancel the road test if they feel that you are unsafe to drive due to a physical or cognitive impairment or suspect that you are impaired by alcohol or drugs. If this occurs, the Road Test Permit you purchased will still be valid and can be used to reschedule your road test online through the Alberta Road Test Scheduler or in-person at an Alberta registry agent.

To cancel your appointment, you will need your Road Test Permit Number, Motor Vehicle Identification Number, and your date of birth.

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]

Connect with Transportation Client Support Centre if you require further information:
Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm Monday to Friday
Phone: 780-427-8230
Toll free: 310-0000 before the phone number (in Alberta)
Email: [email protected]

Related

Driver’s road test

Was this page helpful?

All fields are required unless otherwise indicated.

Your submissions are monitored by our web team and are used to help improve the experience on Alberta.ca.