The Government of Alberta has announced changes to drivers license testing requirements, April 2, 2023. (Photo: Filtv | Dreamstime.com)

By David Opinko/LethbridgeNewsNOW

Effective April 1, 2023

Alberta announces changes to driver’s license system

Apr 3, 2023 | 10:13 AM

Albertans who are looking to upgrade their driver’s license can take note of a few new and upcoming changes.

Effective on April 1, 2023, the Government of Alberta said eligible drivers currently in the Graduated Driver’s Licensing (GDL) program will not have to take an advanced road test to obtain a full Class 5 or 6 license.

Drivers who can show an urgent need to exit the GDL program, such as needing a non-GDL license for a job, can go to a registry agent office to confirm their eligibility. If the agent determines that the person is eligible, they will exchange the driver’s GDL license for a non-GDL license for free.

Other criteria for exiting the GDL program includes:

• Being 18 years old
• Having completed your 24 month probationary period
  • If you have taken a Class 5 or 6 driver training program from a driver training school licensed by Transportation and Economic Corridors, you may be eligible to reduce the 24 month probation period by up to six months
• Having no suspensions or demerits for the last 12 months

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Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors Devin Dreeshen said eligible drivers will save $154 by not having to take an advanced road test.

“There are close to half a million drivers who will benefit from this,” said Dreeshen. “These changes will help GDL drivers exit the program and apply for other classes of driver’s licences whether it’s for a semi-truck, gravel truck or bus.”

Drivers who have incurred demerits or tickets for unsafe driving behaviours will have their probationary period extended for an additional year.

All restrictions of a GDL license will remain in effect until a driver has received a letter from the province, indicating that they have exited the GDL program.

On June 25, 2023, the government said it will introduce technology that will automatically exit eligible Albertans who have demonstrated safe driving behaviours from GDL to non-GDL status.

According to the province, there are currently approximately 700,000 Albertans who are in the GDL program, about 500,000 of whom may be eligible to exit the program under the new rules.