If you’ve recently moved to Alberta, you may be wondering how to exchange your driver’s license. We’re here to help! In this guide, we’ll explain who needs to exchange their license, what documents are needed, and whether any additional tests are required.
Do I Need to Exchange my Driver’s License?
If you’re living in Alberta permanently, you must exchange your current driver’s license within 90 days of becoming a resident.
If you’re a temporary visitor, such as a student or worker, you can continue using your valid driver’s license from your home province or country. For full details on visitor rules, visit the Government of Alberta website.
Exchanging a Canadian Driver’s License
If you’re moving to Alberta from another part of Canada, exchanging your driver’s license is a straightforward process.
To complete the exchange, you’ll need to:
- Visit an Alberta registry agent
- Surrender your current driver’s license, as well as any expired ones in your possession
- Show proof of Alberta residency (e.g. a lease agreement)
- Show proof of legal status in Canada (e.g. a passport, PR card, or valid visa)
No knowledge or road test is required. You will receive the same class of license as the one you’re exchanging. For most drivers, that will be a Class 5 (standard license).
If you have held your license for less than two years, you may be placed into Alberta’s Graduated Licensing (GDL) program. If that’s the case, you can shorten the GDL probationary period by up to six months by completing an approved driver training course – like our Class 5 Beginner Program.
Exchanging a Driver’s License from a Reciprocal Country
If your current driver’s license is from a country that has a reciprocal licensing agreement with Alberta, you can exchange it for an Alberta license without taking a knowledge or road test.
Countries with reciprocal agreements include:
- Australia
- Austria
- Belgium
- France
- Germany
- Isle of Man
- Japan
- Netherlands
- Republic of Ireland
- Republic of Korea
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- United Kingdom
To complete the exchange, you’ll need to:
- Visit an Alberta registry agent
- Surrender your current driver’s license, as well as any expired ones in your possession
- Show proof of Alberta residency (e.g. a lease agreement)
- Show proof of legal status in Canada (e.g. a passport, PR card, or valid visa)
If you have held your license for less than two years, you may be placed into Alberta’s Graduated Licensing (GDL) program. If that’s the case, you can shorten the GDL probationary period by up to six months by completing an approved driver training course – like our Class 5 Beginner Program.
Exchanging a U.S Driver’s License
If you hold a U.S driver’s license that is equivalent to a Class 5, 6, or 7 in Alberta, you may exchange your license without taking any tests.
Visit an Alberta registry agent to begin the exchange process.
Exchanging a Ukrainian Driver’s License
If you hold a Class B or BE Ukraine driver’s license, you can exchange it for a Class 5 Alberta license without taking any tests.
Visit an Alberta registry agent to begin the exchange process.
Exchanging a Driver’s License from a Non-Reciprocal Country
If your driver’s license is not from a country above, you will need to pass a knowledge test and road test to get your Alberta license.
To begin the process, you’ll need to:
- Visit an Alberta registry agent
- Surrender your current driver’s license, as well as any expired ones in your possession
- Show proof of Alberta residency (e.g. a lease agreement)
- Show proof of legal status in Canada (e.g. a passport, PR card, or valid visa)
- Take the Class 7 Knowledge test, which is a written test on basic rules of the road
Once you pass the knowledge test, you’ll be issued a Class 7 Learner’s License. The registry agent will then assess whether you are eligible for the GDL Exemption Program. If you are, they’ll provide you with an application to complete and submit to Alberta’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) for review.
What Happens Next?
After 10 business days, return to the registry to check your application status.
- If you’re approved, you can book your Class 5 Road Test.
- If you pass and have at least two years of driving experience, you’ll receive a full Class 5 license.
- If you pass and do not have at least two years of driving experience, you’ll receive a Class 5 GDL license. This license comes with some restrictions for at least two years.You can shorten the GDL probationary period by up to six months by completing an approved driver training course – like our Class 5 Beginner Program.
- If you’re not approved, you will keep your Class 7 license until you become eligible to take the road test through the standard GDL process. You can learn more about the Class 7 license here.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re moving from within or outside of Canada, Alberta has a process in place to help you exchange your driver’s license. Regardless of where your license is from, be sure to exchange it within 90 days of becoming an Alberta resident.
Looking for places to practice driving in Edmonton? Check out our post on the Top 5 Areas to Practice Driving in Edmonton.
