Driver licensing in Alberta is completed through a step-by-step graduated driver licensing program (GDL). This GDL system is designed to help drivers gradually build their driving knowledge and confidence and have a lot of support at each stage in their learn to drive in Alberta journey. Stage 1 is the Class 7L or Alberta Learners licence, and while at this stage, you must follow some specific Alberta learners license rules to avoid substantial penalties and possible license suspension.
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Class 7L Restrictions for Alberta Drivers
All Alberta drivers should strive to stay current on any licence restrictions that apply to their licence class. For Class 7L learner drivers we have compiled together the five key Alberta learner licence restrictions you must follow at all times.
1. You Must Always be Accompanied by a Fully Licensed (Class 5 Non-GDL) Driver.
Supervised Driving Is Mandatory
As an Alberta learner licence holder, you cannot drive independently. You must always be accompanied by a supervising driver who holds a full Class 5 Alberta licence, is at least 18 years old and is seated next to you. The intention of the Class 7L Alberta learner licence stage is to allow you to practice driving as much as possible under the guidance of a qualified driver.
2. You Are Not Allowed To Consume Any Alcohol.
Zero Tolerance For Alcohol Consumption
There is absolutely no tolerance for the consumption of alcohol while operating a car at the Class 7L learner licence level. You should abstain from consuming any alcohol or substances that could impair your ability to safely drive a car. If you are caught driving under the influence you could lose your licence and/or face heavy penalties.
3. You May Not Have More Passengers in the Vehicle Than There are Seat Belts.
Passenger Seat Belts
Seat belts save lives and at no point should you be carrying any passengers that exceed the number of working seat belts in your vehicle.
4. 8 Demerit Point Suspension Applies.
Avoid Mistakes That Could Cost You Demerit Points.
You should always practice safe driving, adhere to Alberta learners license rules and avoid getting demerit points on your Alberta Class 7L licence. If however, you do receive demerit points unlike a full Alberta licence your Alberta learner licence will be suspended as soon as you reach 8 demerit points.
5. No Driving Between Midnight and 5 am.
Restricted Driving at Night
The hours between midnight and 5 am are deemed to be the most likely time periods for accidents. Learner license holders even if supervised by a fully licensed driver, cannot drive between the hours of midnight and 5 am.
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Moving From an Alberta Learners Licence to a Class 5 GDL Licence
The Class 7L or Alberta learners licence is obtained after you've masted Alberta road signs and road rules to pass a Class 7 written test. Once you have your Alberta learner licence you must drive within the Alberta learner license restrictions and rules before you can graduate to the Alberta Class 5 GDL licensing level.
Pass the Alberta Class 7 knowledge test
Prior to attempting the Class 7 knowledge test you should invest some time in reading and fully understanding the Alberta Driver's Guide to Operation, Safety and Licensing Cars and Light Trucks. You should also practice Alberta Class 7 practice tests. Depending on how much you've practiced you should be able to successfully pass the Class 7 written test and begin driving under supervision as per the Alberta learners license rules.
Driving With an Alberta Learners License
You will remain at the 7L Alberta learner license stage for a minimum of 12 months. After driving within the Alberta Learners License Rules and Restrictions with no issues for 12 months, you can then apply for your Alberta Class 5 GDL licence. If you do violate any of the Alberta Class 7 license restrictions, you could face possible penalties and license suspension. Always be aware of all of the Alberta learners license restrictions.
Get Your GDL Alberta Class 5
The Alberta Class 5 GDL licence is available to qualifying drivers who successfully pass the Class 5 road test. This test is structured to check if you are comfortable driving in all sorts of weather and driving conditions. While obeying all the Alberta road signs and road rules, you must confidently demonstrate driving maneuvers such as parking, turning, signalling, changing lanes, hazard avoidance etc.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Alberta Learners License Rules.
At icandrive.ca, one of our goals is to help remove any confusion when it comes to the process of getting through the Alberta Graduated Drivers Licence system. Whatever your question or concern is, we strive to provide the answers.