Photo: Marek Slusarczyk, CC BY 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons
The Alberta Class 5 road test is the test that moves you from a Class 7 learner’s licence to a probationary Class 5-GDL. You book it through a registry agent or the Alberta Road Test Scheduler, the examiner assigns points for errors, and you fail with more than 75 points or with any dangerous or illegal action. This guide covers eligibility, booking, fees, the vehicle check and what examiners mark.
Can you take the Class 5 road test yet?
- You are at least 16 (written parental or guardian consent if under 18).
- You have held a Class 7 for at least 12 months.
- All outstanding fines owed to the Government of Alberta are paid.
- You live in Alberta and meet the residency and ID requirements.
How to book an Alberta road test
- Find a registry agent that offers Class 5 road tests, or use the Alberta Road Test Scheduler online.
- Have your Motor Vehicle Identification (MVID) number ready. It is the 9-digit number near the barcode on your Alberta licence.
- Ask for the registry’s road test information sheet. It lists eligibility, vehicle requirements, documents, fees and the cancellation and no-show policy.
How much does the Alberta road test cost?
Class 5 and Class 6 road tests are delivered by driver examiners contracted or employed by registry agents, and each registry agent sets its own fee and must publish it online. Compare a few registries before booking. Maximum charges for tests are set in the Government of Alberta’s Registry Agent Product Catalogue. Check the current figure with your registry; you also pay for the GDL licence card after you pass.
How the Alberta road test is scored
The examiner adds points for errors. More than 75 points on a Class 5 test is a fail. Points come from three kinds of mistake:
| Type of error | Examples given by Alberta |
|---|---|
| Missing a driving skill | Not checking mirrors or blind spots |
| Breaking a rule of the road | Not observing a road sign, making an incorrect turn |
| Doing a manoeuvre poorly | Signalling too soon or too late, being too aggressive or too hesitant |
Automatic fail (“F”): endangering a pedestrian or another driver, driving unsafely, or breaking traffic laws, for example speeding or not stopping at a stop sign.
What is on the Alberta Class 5 road test?
Alberta’s Driver’s Guide (Spring 2023) says the test takes about 45 minutes, including the examiner’s instructions and a summary of your results. You must show you can drive safely without supervision while dealing with other road users. The test includes:
- identifying and operating your vehicle’s controls
- handling the vehicle: steering, braking and speed control
- choosing the right lane for turns
- obeying speed zones, including school and playground zones
- working out right of way at intersections and when changing lanes
- intersections with and without signs or signals
- moving with other traffic without obstructing it
- parking: perpendicular, uphill or downhill, and parallel (drivers over 65 do not have to parallel park)
No passengers or pets may ride along. Confirm the details on your registry’s road test information sheet.
Automatic fails listed in the Driver’s Guide
- speeding, or driving too fast for conditions
- not stopping completely at a stop sign, or before turning right on a red light
- not yielding at an intersection or during a lane change
- obstructing traffic by driving too slowly or stopping when you do not need to
- climbing the curb while parking, or not parking legally within three attempts
- not slowing or looking properly at uncontrolled intersections, where you must be ready to yield to drivers on your right
The vehicle check before you drive
Your vehicle must be legal and in good working condition. The Driver’s Guide lists what it must have:
- valid licence plate and insurance
- brake lights and signal lights, horn, speedometer
- brakes and parking brake
- clear windshield and working wipers
- tires in good condition
- driver and passenger doors, seats and seat belts
- exhaust and muffler, mirrors
- enough fuel for the test
You may be asked to help check lights, horn, brakes and steering, and to describe and demonstrate two controls, such as the hazard lights and wipers. A failed vehicle check can stop the test before it starts.
What to bring
- Your Class 7 learner’s licence (plus photo ID if you only have a temporary non-photo licence).
- Clothing suitable for the weather.
- A road-legal, insured vehicle that passes the checks above.
- Payment.
Skills to practise, in order of risk
- Observation: mirror checks and shoulder checks before every lane change, turn and pull-out. This is the most-cited point category.
- Full stops: behind the stop line or crosswalk, or within 3 metres of the intersecting road if neither is marked.
- Zone speeds: 30 km/h in school zones on school days at set times and in playground zones from 8:30 a.m. to one hour after sunset. See school and playground zones.
- Right of way: uncontrolled intersections and traffic circles. See Alberta intersections and traffic circles.
- Left turns: wait until the turn can be completed safely.
- Parking: parallel and hill parking with full observation.
After the test
Pass: pass a vision test at the registry, then buy your Class 5-GDL card. You get a 30-day temporary licence; the card should arrive within 21 business days. Your GDL rules are in Alberta Class 5 GDL probationary rules.
Fail: the examiner explains where you lost points. Keep the checklist form for your next test, and ask your registry when you can book again.
Common questions
How many points can you get on the Alberta road test?
Up to 75. More than 75 points is a fail on a Class 5 test.
Can I use my own car?
Yes, if it meets all legal and safety requirements. Driving schools may also provide a vehicle.
Does driver training help me pass?
Alberta encourages it. A licensed course includes at least 10 hours in the vehicle, and the instructor helps you judge when you are ready for the test.
How do I complain about my road test?
Alberta has an online Traffic Safety Services complaints form, or you can contact Examinations and Licensing.
Is there a second road test later?
No. The advanced road test was removed on 1 April 2023. See learning to drive in Alberta.
Sources
- Government of Alberta, “Driver’s Guide to Operation, Safety and Licensing: Cars and Light Trucks”, Spring 2023 edition (alberta.ca)
- Government of Alberta, “Driver’s road test” (alberta.ca)
- Government of Alberta, “Class 5 driver’s licence” (alberta.ca)
- Government of Alberta, “Steps to getting your licence” (alberta.ca)
- Government of Alberta, “Class 5 driver training” (alberta.ca)
- Government of Alberta, “School and playground zones” (alberta.ca)
- Alberta Transportation, “Information about the Class 5 Road Test for New Drivers” (transportation.alberta.ca)
- Alberta King’s Printer, “Use of Highway and Rules of the Road Regulation, AR 304/2002” (kings-printer.alberta.ca)