Join the Scotiabank StartRight® Program designed for Newcomers‡ and get up to $2,200* in value in the first year.

1

2

3

Guided Form

Please answer a few questions, and our guided form will give you the most relevant solutions for your needs.

You can close this form by clicking outside the form, and return to it at any time by pressing the form button on the site’s navigation bar.

Are you currently living in Canada?

Get your Alberta Driving Licence

Written By

Corinna Frattini

Dec 20, 2021

Driving

Driving in canada

If you’re moving to Canada and plan to drive, it’s important to know what you need to drive legally. If you already have a licence in your home country, you can check if you can exchange that license for a Canadian driving licence. Or, you may need to take a driving test in Canada.  Each province in Canada has slightly different rules.  Discover the simple process to get your driving licence in Alberta, Canada.

Exchanging a Driving License from Another Country

Canada has a reciprocal license exchange agreement with many countries. If you have a valid driver’s licence, you can exchange your license for an Alberta license without taking a knowledge or road test. Canada has a reciprocal license exchange agreement with the following countries:

Australia, Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Isle of Man, Japan, Republic of Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom, United States.  

To exchange your licence for an Alberta licence, you must:

  • Hand in your valid licence to a registry agent
  • Provide proof of two or more years of driving experience to receive a full license.

Your First Weeks in Canada | Developing Your Action Plan

Arriving with an action plan for your first weeks in Canada can save you time and money. The quicker you settle into your new environment the faster you’ll feel at home! In this webinar, Your First Weeks in Canada, we discuss the important things to do to manage your first weeks efficiently.

REGISTER FOR THE WEBINAR

Related Posts:

Exchange a licence with a country that doesn’t have a reciprocal licence exchange agreement

To exchange a licence from a country that doesn’t have an agreement, you’ll need to pass a knowledge and road test.

Step 1. Exchange your driver’s licence

Visit a registry agent and hand in your valid driver’s licence that is equivalent or higher to an Alberta Class 5 licence. The registry agent will check to see if you can apply for the Graduated Driver’s Licence (GDL) exemption program and will give you an application to complete.

Step 2. Pass a Class 7 knowledge test

Visit a registry agent and take a knowledge test.

Your licence, application for GDL exemption, and support documents will be sent to the Alberta Government for review.

Step 3. Get a full Class 5 licence

There are two ways you can get a full Class 5 licence:

  • If you can prove that you have more than 2  years of driving experience, you’ll need to pass an advanced road test
  • If you have less than two years of driving experience, you’ll need to pass a basic road test to get a Class 5 GDL licence.

When you have more than two years of driving experience, you’ll need to pass an advanced road test to get a full Class 5 driver’s licence.

WRITTEN BY

Corinna Frattini

Senior Editor, Prepare for Canada

Corinna Frattini is the Senior Editor and Content Director for Prepare for Canada. She contributes articles to help newcomers achieve their goals in key areas related to living, working, and settling in Canada. With an extensive background in human resources and leadership development, her articles focus on what Canadian employers seek and how newcomers can continue their careers in Canada.

© Prepare for Canada 2025

Related Articles