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?
It is up to you. if it works better with your schedule, you can do your behind the wheel sessions before, with, or after your classroom dates.
What do I need to bring to the classroom?
You will need a pen, note book, and your lunch. A student study book is provided and refreshents are available.
General Information
Does my course include road test preparation?
Yes, a test preparation session is included in your course.
Are the driving courses only for people of school age?
The courses are designed for people of all ages to learn, refresh, or upgrade at any time in their life.
When do I get my Course Completion Certificate?
You are required to achieve a pass of 80% in the classroom and to be able to drive independently at least 75% of the time by the end of your 10 hours. This is achievable within the course, and once these levels are achieved, you will receive your Course Completion Certificate (Insurance Reduction Certificate) within one week of your last lesson.
Will I have the same instructor for every lesson?
We try to make sure you have the same instructor throughout your course; however, sometimes this is not possible due to instructor and student availability.
During my driving course do I just stay in Cochrane?
During your driving course you will experience all types of driving. Approximately half your hours will be in Cochrane, developing your driving skills while familiarizing yourself with the road system, practising all required manoeuvres, and ending with test prep. The remaining hours will be spent learning to drive in the city, downtown and on highway driving.
How long is the road test?
The road test is 45 mins in length.
Where do the driving tests take place?
There are many test centres in Calgary, but there is just one here in Cochrane.
Cochrane Registries, www.cochraneregistries.ca. Paste link into your browser to view dates and book your test.
When can I get my Class 5?
You have to be at least 16 years of age and must have held a learners license for at least 12 months prior.
When can I get my learners?
To get your learners (Class 7) you have to be at least 14 years old. The knowledge test can be taken at Cochrane Registries. If you require an oral test, please contact the Registries to book.
Will I have other students in the car with me?
We do not encourage joint lessons or expect you to drive with another student in the car. We would like you to have our undivided attention and for you to have no distractions whilst learning to drive.
Do I have to come to the Academy for my lessons?
We generally pick students up from home, school, or work. If you live outside Cochrane, we will arrange a convenient meeting place. It may be at the Academy or at a half way point.