Non-Reciprocal Countries

A person coming to Alberta from outside Canada may apply to have their previous driving history credited to their Alberta driving record. The foreign documentation must be submitted to the government so that previous driving experience can be verified. A successful application will grant exemption from the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program and allow for Class 5 road testing without being required to hold a Class 7 drivers licence for one year.

Steps for GDL Exemption

Study for Class 7 Learners knowledge exam (click here for more exam info).
Come into the Registry with all of the ID requirements and take knowledge exam.
Once the knowledge exam is passed, the foreign licence is surrendered, and an Alberta learners licence is issued.
The government will investigate the surrendered foreign licence and approve or deny GDL exemption. The processing time is approximately three (3) weeks.
Once approved, book and pass a road test to obtain a Class 5 drivers licence.

Minimum Acceptance Standards

Please click here for the full listing of countries that do not have a GDL exemption verification process available. In general, the unverifiable document protocal will be used with these countries.

If you are EITHER under 25 years of age OR have less than two years experience at the time of application, you may complete and pass the basic road test only. Once the road test is passed, the client will be a Class 5 GDL driver for two years, at which point they may exit the GDL program.
If you are BOTH 25 years of age or older AND you have more than two years of driving experience at the time of application, you may complete and pass:
- Basic Road Test OR
- Advance Road Test. If you wish to challenge the advanced road test you must first complete the Alberta Transportation 25 hour Class 5 Driver’s Educaiton Course or Insurance Reduction Training Course. The original notice of course completion must be submitted to the registry office and sent to the government for approval. After an approximate three-week time period, the client will be approved to book and pass a Class 5 Advanced road test to become a fully classed 5 driver.