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Get your Alberta Driving Licence

Written By

Corinna Frattini

Dec 20, 2021

Driving

Young women with driving license

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.
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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 must 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 and Content Director, Prepare for Canada

Corinna researches and writes content to help newcomers make informed decisions about housing, employment, banking, and aspects of settling in Canada. With a background in human resources and leadership development, her articles focus on how newcomers can continue their careers in Canada. Her writing combines research, practical guidance, and clear language to support newcomers on their journey.

© Prepare for Canada 2026

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