Canadian Driver’s Licence

Exchange a licence from another province

A valid license from another Canadian jurisdiction can be exchanged for an equivalent class of operator’s license.  Testing is not normally required.  A medical and vision screening is required for Classes 1, 2 and 4.  Please refer to this page if you are switching your class 1 or class 2 licence to Alberta. Applicants must provide acceptable identification and proof of residency as stated below.

1. Photo Identification
2. Proof of Canadian Residency
​3. Proof of Alberta Residency (Must be dated within 90 days)

For clients under the age of 18 years old, consent of parents/legal guardians is required.

Individuals who have not held a Class 5 (standard driver’s license) or Class 6 (motorcycle) license for a minimum of two years may be placed into the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program.

For those with less than two years of driving experience who are placed in the GDL program, there is an option to reduce the probation period by up to six months. This can be achieved by completing a Class 5 or Class 6 driver training program from a driver training school licensed by Transportation and Economic Corridors, subject to meeting all other eligibility requirements. For detailed information on eligibility to exit the GDL program, please refer to the “Changes to driver licensing system” page.

Class 1 Driver Licence Exchange
It should be noted that Class 1 (truck) licenses from jurisdictions outside of Alberta may not be directly exchangeable. The eligibility for exchange depends on when and where the license was obtained. Individuals transferring a Class 1 driver’s license from another Canadian jurisdiction to Alberta will be subject to Alberta’s new commercial driver training policies. For comprehensive information on this topic, please consult the “Class 1 Learning Pathway” page.

Countries with Reciprocal Licensing Agreements

Alberta has Reciprocal Licensing Agreements with the following countries:

• Australia 
• Austria
• Belgium
• France
• Germany
• ​Isle of Man
• Japan
• Northern Ireland
• Netherlands
• ​Republic of Korea
• Switzerland
• Taiwan
• Republic of Ireland
• Ukraine
• United Kingdom (UK) of Great Britain
• ​United States

A valid license from a country that has a Reciprocal Licensing Agreement with Alberta can be exchanged for a Class 5 license when the applicant presents a valid license of equivalent class. The reciprocal licensing agreements with Australia, Isle of Man, Switzerland, Northern Ireland and the United States include the exchange of a class 6 (motorcycle) license when the applicant presents a valid license of equivalent class. 

To exchange your license for an Alberta driver’s license, you must fulfill the following requirements:

• Surrender your valid license that is equivalent to or higher than an Alberta Class 5 or 6 license to the registry office.
• Surrender any additional licenses in your possession, including expired ones. As per the Operator Licensing and Vehicle Control Regulation of the Traffic Safety Act, all out-of-Alberta issued driver’s licenses must be surrendered prior to the issuance of an Alberta license.
• If you wish to obtain a full Class 5 license, provide documented evidence of two or more years of driving experience.
• Provide proof of government issued photo identification
• Provide proof of Alberta residency.
• Provide proof of your legal status in Canada.

For clients under the age of 18 years old, consent of parents/legal guardians is required.

A certified translation is required if your driver’s licence is not in English. For a list of approved translator, please refer to this document – Approved Document Translator

Exchanging a License from a Non-Reciprocal Jurisdiction

For jurisdictions without a reciprocal license exchange agreement, the process involves passing a knowledge test, surrendering your current driver’s license, and completing a road test.

To exchange your license for an Alberta driver’s license, follow these steps:

• Visit our office to take the Class 7 knowledge test.
• Surrender all valid and expired licenses in your possession. As per the Operator Licensing and Vehicle Control Regulation of the Traffic Safety Act, all out-of-Alberta issued licenses must be relinquished prior to obtaining an Alberta license.
• Provide government issued photo identification
• Provide proof of Alberta residency.
• Provide documentation verifying your legal status in Canada.

For clients under the age of 18 years old, consent of parents/legal guardians is required. A certified translation is required if your driver’s licence is not in English. For a list of approved translator, please refer to this document – Approved Document Translator

Upon successful completion of the knowledge test, you will be issued a Class 7 license. The registry agent will assess your eligibility for the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) Exemption Program and provide an application if applicable. Your license, GDL exemption application, and supporting documents will be forwarded to the Service Alberta Special Investigations Unit (SIU) for review.

During the SIU review period, you may operate a vehicle with your Class 7 license under the supervision of a driver who is at least 18 years old and holds a full Class 5 (or higher class) driver’s license.

After 10 business days from your application date, return to the registry office. The agent will confirm your application status and, if eligible, schedule a road test for a Class 5 license. If you do not qualify for the GDL exemption program, you must continue to meet Class 7 license requirements until you become eligible for a Class 5 license. For more information about the Class 7 license, please refer to the “Get a Class 7 learner’s license” resource.

Please refer to User Guide: Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) Exemption Program for more information.

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