General information for Classes 1, 2, 3 and 4

The following information is for upgrading a driver’s licence to the commercial driver’s licence classes.

• The minimum learning or licensing age for these classes is 18 years.

• To learn to drive a commercial class vehicle, you must have at least a Class 5 or a Class 5 GDL driver’s licence.
• You may not apply for these driver’s licences if you are in the GDL program.

• You do not need an air brake endorsement when learning to operate a vehicle that is equipped with air brakes.

• A medical report is required to upgrade to a Class 1, 2, or 4 licence.
  • Medical forms are available from a registry agent, a doctor, or a nurse practitioner. A doctor or a nurse practitioner must complete this form.
  • A medical report is required when first applying for a licence and:
    • every five years after that, until 45 years of age
    • every two years from age 45 to 65
    • every year after you turn age 65
  • You are legally responsible to report any disease or disability that may interfere with the safe operation of a motor vehicle to any Alberta Registry Agent office.
  • Alberta Registries can request a medical report from any driver, in any licence class, if they have concerns about a driver’s medical condition.

• A fee is charged for each knowledge test, road test, and operator’s licence re-classification.
• For information regarding current fees, contact any Registry Agent office.

• A 10-day waiting period is required for all non-GDL Class 5, 5-6, and 6 new applicants from other Canadian jurisdictions who want to re-class to licence Classes 1 to 4.
• This waiting period is required for Alberta to confirm the applicant’s licence information.

• Driving with the wrong licence class is against the law.
• It is also an offence for a vehicle’s owner to allow the vehicle to be driven by someone who does not have the proper class of licence to drive that vehicle.