Driver Ed FAQ

Out of Province/Country Licence

1. Reciprocal Licencing Jurisdictions

If you possess a license from any of the jurisdictions below, you will be able to by-pass the Alberta written test and road test, and simply exchange your license for an Albertan license. PLEASE NOTE: you will not be getting this license back (ie: you will need to surrender your previous license to obtain a new Alberta license). If the license is in a language other than English, the license must be translated by a certified translator. Alberta has reciprocal licensing agreements with:

  • All Canadian Provinces
  • United States of America
  • Austria
  • Belgium
  • Republic of Korea
  • Switzerland
  • Japan
  • Germany
  • The United Kingdom
  • France

What will you need?

  • Your license from your previous jurisdiction. This license must have an "issue date" or "date first licensed" on it. If it is not on the license, you will need your previous jurisdiction to fax a confirmation letter stating this information. The date must be more than two years ago or you will need to take part in the GDL program.
  • Proof that you are entitled to be in Canada: We will require your passport and Permanent Residency Card, Citizenship, or Work Visa. If you are a Canadian Citizen, we will require your birth certificate or Canadian Passport.
  • Secondary Identification: We will require one more piece of non-photo identification such as a Credit Card, Debit Card, SIN, or Marriage Certificate.
  • Proof of Residency: We will require proof that you live in Alberta. This is something that has been mailed to you such as a bill, property tax statement, rental agreement, or bank statement. This must be in your name.

Non-Reciprocal Jurisdiction

If you have a license from a country that is not on the list of the reciprocal jurisdictions above, you will need to go through a few more steps:

Step 1: Learners Exam
We know you have driver's experience in the country you have come from, however, you are required to take a written Learners Exam in order to get your driver's license here in Alberta. See information about the Learners Exam and how to prepare here.

Step 2: Surrender your previous driver's license
Once you have passed the Learners Exam, you will be asked to surrender your driver's license from your previous country. PLEASE NOTE: you will not be getting this license back. When you surrender your license, you make an application to be exempted from the Graduated Drivers License Programme (GDL) so you are exempt from the GDL waiting time. You will have to wait 2-3 weeks for this application to be processed. Once you pass your class seven learners exam, you will receive your Class 7 learners license (please note, with a class seven you are not able to drive by yourself). Once you have your Class 7 Licence and your out-of-country license has been approved you can book your road test here online.

*Please remember to bring in all identification required when coming in to receive your Learner Licence.

Step 3: Advanced road test
You are now eligible to take the Advanced Class 5 Road Test

Step 4: Receive your Class 5 Advanced Licence
Once you have passed your Advanced Class 5 road test, you can return to Richmond Road Registry to exchange your Class 5 GDL for a full Class 5. Congratulations!


Classroom


Do I have to do the classroom before I can do my behind the wheel sessions?


What do I need to bring to the classroom?


General Information


Does my course include road test preparation?


Are the driving courses only for people of school age?


When do I get my Course Completion Certificate?


Will I have the same instructor for every lesson?


During my driving course do I just stay in Cochrane?


How long is the road test?


Where do the driving tests take place?


When can I get my Class 5?


When can I get my learners?


Will I have other students in the car with me?


Do I have to come to the Academy for my lessons?