UNIT B

• Alberta uses the GDL (Graduated Drivers Licensing) Program to ensure new drivers, regardless of age, get the support, practice and experience they need to become safe and successful drivers
• Stages in the GDL Program

  • Class 7 Learner's Licence
  • Class 5 Probationary GDL Licence
  • Full Class 5 non-GDL Licence
• Class 7 Learner's Licence

  First stage in the GDL Program
• Requirements for Class 7 Learner's Licence

  • Must be at least 14 years old
  • If under 18, need consent from parent/guardian
  • Must pass vision test and provincial government knowledge test
  • Can only drive with fully licensed non-GDL driver 18+ years old
  • Can't drive between midnight and 5am
  • Must be at least 16 and have had learner's licence for at least 1 year to move to next stage
• Class 5 Probationary GDL Licence

  Second stage in the GDL Program
• Requirements for Class 5 Probationary GDL Licence

  • Must be at least 16 years old
  • Must pass Alberta Class 5 road test
  • If under 18, parent/guardian must consent to reclassify licence from Class 7
  • Must have no suspensions or traffic violations in previous 12 months
  • Can reduce probation period by up to 6 months by completing approved driver education course
• Shared restrictions between Class 7 and Class 5 Probationary GDL licences

  • Subject to IRS: zero Novice program
  • Every passenger must have a seatbelt
  • Suspended at 8 demerit points
  • Can't upgrade to commercial licence
  • Can't be an accompanying driver for another Class 7 or Class 5 GDL driver
• Full Class 5 non-GDL Licence

  Final stage in the GDL Program
• Requirements for Full Class 5 non-GDL Licence

  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • Must have no suspensions or traffic violations for 12 consecutive months prior to exiting Stage 2
• Three ways to lose your licence in Alberta

  • Parent/guardian who originally consented can withdraw it (if under 18)
  • Suspended for violating IRS: zero Novice Program, or for a traffic-related Criminal Code violation
  • Accumulate 8+ demerits for traffic/driving offences within 2 years
• Liability insurance is the most important motor vehicle insurance protection you can have
• Liability insurance


  Protects you if you're sued for injuring another person or damaging their property. Also protects you and anyone else who has permission to drive your vehicle
• Liability insurance requirements in Alberta

  • You're legally required to have Public Liability and Property Damage (PLPD) insurance to operate a vehicle on any public road
  • Minimum of $200,000 PLPD, but AMA recommends at least $1 million
• Alberta's automobile insurance system

  Your insurance premium is calculated using factors like driving history, area you live in, amount of liability insurance, and your standing in Alberta's grid premium system
• In 2004 the Government of Alberta restricted all insurance companies doing business in Alberta from charging higher than their grid premium
• Grid premium system


  Every new driver starts at the same level. Level increases/decreases over time based on factors like years of good driving, number of at-fault liability claims, and whether you completed a certified driver education program
• Grid Levels


  System that determines insurance premiums for new drivers in Alberta
• How the grid premium system works


  1. Start at same level

  2. Level increases/decreases based on driving record

  3. Each year of good driving decreases level

  4. Each at-fault claim increases level by 5
• Grid Premium Examples


  • Completing driver training program decreases level by 2
  • At-fault claim increases level by 5 after 3 years
• Vehicle Registration


  Legally required document that shows proof of ownership and confirms licence plate belongs to vehicle
• If stopped by law enforcement, you must be able to produce driver's licence, vehicle insurance card, and vehicle registration card
• Failure to produce required documents may result in fines, vehicle seizure, or other charges
• Driving in Alberta is governed by laws at the federal, provincial and municipal levels
• Powers of law enforcement officers

  Can enforce all levels of law (municipal, provincial, federal)
• Possible penalties for driving/traffic offences

  • Demerit points
  • Fines
  • Licence suspension
  • Jail time
  • Criminal record
  • Increased insurance costs
  • Travel restrictions
• Demerit System

  • Points recorded against driving record for traffic offences
  • Remain for 2 years
  • Licence suspended at 15 points (8 points for GDL)
• Licence Suspensions

  • 1st suspension - 1 month
  • 2nd suspension within 1 year - 3 months
  • 3rd+ suspension within 2 years - 6 months
• Must be suspension and traffic violation-free for 12 months to exit GDL program