Upgrade to a professional driver’s licence
Get a Class 1, 2, 3 or 4 driver’s licence to operate professional vehicles, such as a bus, taxi or ambulance.
Overview
There are 4 classes of professional driver’s licences in Alberta, and each one allows you to drive difference types of vehicles.
Class | Allows you to drive |
---|---|
1 - Professional |
|
2 – Professional (bus) |
|
3 – Professional (3 axles or more) |
However, you cannot drive a vehicle that:
|
4 – Professional (taxi, ambulance) |
a taxi, ambulance or bus (including a school or kindergarten bus) that seats fewer than 25 people including the driver |
To upgrade to a professional driver’s licence, you’ll need:
- photo ID
Visit the ID requirements page to find out what types of documents you need.
It’s recommended, though not mandatory, to take a Driver’s Education course before upgrading to a professional driver’s licence.
Eligibility
To upgrade to a professional licence you must:
- have a full Class 5 driver’s licence
- be a least 18 years old
How to upgrade
Step 1. Take a knowledge test
Go to a registry agent and take a knowledge test. You will need to pay a $17 fee to take the test. You can take the test once a 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 medical report form from your doctor will be required for class 1,2 and 4 licences.
Step 3. Pass a road test
Schedule a road test through a registry agent.
Registry agents have a road test information sheet that lets you know what you need, including:
- eligibility
- vehicle requirements
- required documents
- fees and cancellation/no-show policies
The cost of the road test is set by the registry agent, and can vary by location.
Step 4. Purchase your licence card
If you successfully pass the knowledge test, road test and vision test, you will be able to upgrade to a professional 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- 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
A knowledge test costs $17.00 plus GST.
The cost of the road test are set by the registry agent, and can vary by location.
The maximum charges for the tests are outlined in the Registry Agent Product Catalogue (PDF, 379 KB).
Exchanging your licence for a professional class licence
The fee for exchanging your licence card (not including GST) is $13.00. You can extend your licence expiry for several years.
# of years valid | Cost |
---|---|
1 | $21 |
2 | $37 |
3 | $53 |
4 | $69 |
5 | $84 |
Contact Motor Vehicles
Edmonton and area: 780-427-7013
Other areas in Alberta: 310-0000, then 780-427-7013 (toll-free)
8:15 am - 4:30 pm, Mon - Fri. Closed statutory holidays.