Alberta Registry Road Test Routes - Class 5

The Alberta Class 5 Road Test

Most new drivers work toward their Class 5 licence, which is the standard passenger vehicle licence in Alberta. There are two key stages:

Class 5 GDL (Probationary Licence)

To take this road test, you need to have held a Class 7 learner’s licence for at least 12 months. The test checks that you can safely handle everyday driving situations such as lane changes, parking, turns at intersections, and following local traffic laws. Passing this test gives you a probationary licence under Alberta’s Graduated Driver Licensing program.

Class 5 Non-GDL (Advanced Licence)

As of April 1, 2023, you no longer need to take a second “advanced” road test to exit the GDL program. Instead, you automatically qualify for a full Class 5 licence after:

1. Holding your Class 5-GDL for at least 2 years

2. Having no suspensions or demerits in the last 12 months

While you hold a Class 5-GDL licence, some restrictions apply:

• You must have zero alcohol or drugs in your system while driving

• You cannot supervise another learner driver

• Your licence is suspended if you reach 8 demerit points

• You cannot drive a commercial vehicle that requires a Class 1, 2, 3, or 4 licence

Both the road test and licence applications are handled through Registry Agent offices across Alberta. You’ll need to bring valid ID, proof of residency, and provide a safe, roadworthy vehicle to take your exam.

How Road Tests Work in Alberta

Tests aren’t handled directly by the provincial government, instead, they’re run through Registry Agent offices located across the province. Each has their own licensed examiners, who carry out the tests on behalf of Alberta Transportation. Here’s the process:

• Booking your test - Schedule online through the official government site, or in person at your preferred participating Registry Agent. The online booking system lets you choose your preferred your location, date, and time (it can get busy so book in advance).

• Costs - Depending on what test you’re taking, prices are set by the province, and Registry Agents may charge an additional service fee.

• What to bring - Your current licence or learner’s permit, valid ID, and the payment for your test.

• Your vehicle - You will need to provide a safe, roadworthy vehicle. This means functioning lights, wipers, horn, seatbelts and properly inflated tires etc. Insurance and registration documents must also be up to date and present for checking.

• On the day - The examiner will ask you to drive a set route in the vicinity of your chosen Registry office. They’ll give clear instructions when it comes to directions, but won’t help you with decisions like when it’s safe to merge or change lanes.

Safe Driving Tips

From downtown Calgary traffic to the icy highways in the Rockies, your road test - and indeed your future everyday driving - will be influenced by the conditions around you:

• Winter conditions - Snow, ice, and slush are common for much of the year - making it important to learn how to brake and accelerate smoothly, leave extra space between vehicles, and clear snow from windows before setting off. Even if your test is during summer, examiners will expect you to know winter driving rules (like using headlights in poor visibility).

• Rural highways and wildlife - Highways can be long, straight, and lightly trafficked , and wildlife crossings are common. Stay alert for deer, elk, and even moose, especially at dawn and dusk.

• Playground and school zones - Alberta has strict speed limits in these areas for good reason, usually 30 km/h during the posted hours. Failing to react to one of these signs during your test can lead to an instant fail.

• Construction zones - Roadworks are frequent, especially in summer, so always follow the reduced speed signs and be ready for lane shifts or flag people.

• City driving - Places like Edmonton and Calgary, have multi-lane roads, light rail crossings, and busy intersections. Make sure you practise proper, confident lane changes, yielding to pedestrians, and handling left-turn situations before your test.

Learn to Avoid These Mistakes

Here are a few problem areas Alberta examiners see often, so you can avoid them:

• Rolling stops - Always come to a complete stop at stop signs and red lights before the crosswalk or stop line. A "slow roll" is one of the quickest ways to lose points.

• Missing school or playground zones - Speeding in these zones is a critical error, so stay alert for the posted signs and adjust your speed immediately.

• Not checking blind spots - Shoulder checks are essential whenever you change lanes, merge, or pull away from the curb.

• Improper lane changes - Failing to signal, drifting between lanes, or cutting across multiple lanes can result in an automatic fail.

• Poor observation at intersections - Many drivers focus only straight ahead. Remember to scan left, right, and ahead before proceeding.

• Speed control - Driving too fast isn’t the only issue; going too slow can also hurt your score, especially on highways.