What Is Alberta's GDL Program?
Alberta's Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program is a structured licensing system that introduces new drivers to the road gradually. Rather than granting full driving privileges immediately after passing a written test, GDL breaks licensing into stages to help new drivers gain experience safely before driving alone.
The program has two main stages:
- Class 7 — Learner's Licence: You have passed the knowledge (theory) test and can drive with a supervising driver.
- Class 5 GDL — Probationary Licence: You have passed the road test and can drive alone, but with zero tolerance for alcohol and drugs and no more passengers than seatbelts.
You can start the process at age 14 by passing the Class 7 knowledge test at any Alberta registry office.
Class 7 Learner's Licence — Rules & Restrictions
Once you hold a Class 7 licence, the following rules apply every time you drive:
✅ Supervising Driver Required
You must always be accompanied by a fully licensed driver (full, non-GDL Class 5 or higher) sitting in the front passenger seat. The supervising driver must:
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Be seated in the front passenger seat
🚫 Zero Blood Alcohol & Drug Impairment
As a Class 7 driver you must have a blood alcohol content (BAC) of exactly 0.00%. There is absolutely no tolerance — even one drink can result in immediate suspension. The same zero-tolerance rule applies to cannabis and other impairing drugs.
🌙 Nighttime Curfew (All Class 7 Learners)
You cannot drive between midnight and 5:00 AM for as long as you hold a Class 7 learner's licence. The ban applies at any age, even with your supervising driver beside you.
👥 Passenger Restrictions
You cannot carry more passengers than there are seatbelts in the vehicle. All passengers must wear seatbelts at all times.
📵 Distracted Driving
Alberta's distracted driving law applies fully to Class 7 drivers. No handheld devices while driving — this includes texting, calling, or using apps on your phone.
How Long Do You Hold Class 7?
You must hold a Class 7 licence for at least 1 year (12 months) before you can take the Class 5 road test.
The hold period is the same at every age. You must also be at least 16 to take the road test, and time spent under suspension does not count toward the 12 months.
There are no shortcuts — this waiting period is mandatory regardless of how much you practice or how skilled you become.
Moving from Class 7 to Class 5 — The Road Test
Once you have held your Class 7 for the required period, you can book the Class 5 GDL road test. This is a practical driving exam assessed by a licensed examiner. The road test typically covers:
- Starting, stopping, and accelerating smoothly
- Left and right turns, U-turns
- Lane changes and merging
- Parallel parking and angle parking
- Highway or high-speed road driving (if applicable)
- Responding to signs, signals, and pedestrians
- Overall observation and hazard awareness
After passing, you receive a Class 5 GDL licence. You still face some restrictions (zero alcohol and drugs, no more passengers than seatbelts, and you cannot supervise a learner) until you exit GDL: you must be at least 18, finish the 2-year probationary period (up to 6 months shorter with an approved driver training course), and be suspension- and demerit-free for the last 12 months.
Key Numbers to Remember
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Minimum age to get Class 7 | 14 years |
| Knowledge test fee | $5 government fee + registry service charge (max $12.60) |
| Knowledge test questions | 30 questions (from pool of 250) |
| Passing score | 25/30 correct (83%) |
| Class 7 hold period (any age) | 1 year minimum |
| Minimum age for the Class 5 road test | 16 years |
| Blood alcohol limit (Class 7) | 0.00% — zero tolerance |
| Nighttime curfew (all Class 7 learners) | Midnight – 5:00 AM |
| School zone speed limit | 30 km/h |
Ready to Study? Start the Free Practice Test
The first step in Alberta's GDL program is passing the Class 7 knowledge test. Our free Alberta Class 7 practice test covers all 250 questions from the Alberta Driver's Handbook — including road signs, GDL rules, traffic laws, and safe driving.
Also see: How to Pass the Alberta Class 7 Knowledge Test, Alberta Road Signs Guide, and our Alberta Learners Practice Test.