Reciprocal Driver Licensing in Alberta

[jadwig]

Can someone with local knowledge confirm that a full UK driver's licence can be exchanged for Alberta Class 5 Operator Licence even if the licence was just obtained in the UK? Would there be any conditions imposed if the UK licence is less than one year old?

Thank you.

 

[Mezo2009]

Dear,

Check this inclusive link:

http://www.servicealberta.gov.ab.ca/1671.cfm

Cheers!

 

[jadwig]

Dear,

Check this inclusive link:

http://www.servicealberta.gov.ab.ca/1671.cfm

Cheers!

Thanks for your response.

I have been to this link before. Let me quote a part of the link:


"The driver must provide proof of their date first licensed. (If the driver has been licensed for two or more years as a fully licensed driver in their country of origin, the Graduated Driver Licensing program (GDL) conditions do not apply. Please see the Traffic Safety in Alberta website for detailed information.)"

I have visited the Traffic Safety in Alberta website but could not find further information on the exchange scheme especially information regarding if there will be any conditions placed on the exchange, for instance, if I will still be required to take a new driving test before I'm allowed to drive a car on my own?

 

[Kanamen]

Can someone with local knowledge confirm that a full UK driver's licence can be exchanged for Alberta Class 5 Operator Licence even if the licence was just obtained in the UK? Would there be any conditions imposed if the UK licence is less than one year old?

Thank you.

If your license is less than a year you will be considered as new driver and Graduated Driver Licensing program (GDL)condition will apply.You will have to go through GDL requirements


GDL Program Exemption – Effective August 9, 2010


Alberta has implemented the GDL program. A person with no previous driving history is required to complete full testing, beginning with a written Class 7 learner's test. The driver is required to hold a Class 7 learner's licence for a one-year period before becoming eligible to take a Class 5 basic road test. The driver is required to complete two years as a Class 5 basic (GDL) driver before taking the Class 5 advanced road test and becoming a full Class 5 driver. If a driver from a non-reciprocal country can prove they have two or more years driving history, they will be exempt from the GDL program. The driver must still write and pass the Class 7 learner's test but once their application is approved they are eligible for an advanced road test.

Can a person from a non-reciprocal country apply for GDL exemption if they have less than two years driving history?

No, they will not be exempted. However, if they can prove that they have previous driving experience, their file will be credited with that driving time towards the necessary 2 year requirement. They will be eligible to take the Class 5 basic road test immediately after writing and passing the Class 7 learner's test.

When is a person eligible to take the advanced road test?

When a person has two or more years of documented driving experience that meets ministry requirements.

How do applicants find out if their GDL Exemption Application was accepted or denied?

Applicants must attend a registry office in person, 10 or more business days from the date they applied for GDL exemption. The registry agent office will inform the applicant if the application has been accepted or denied. If an application is denied, the registry agent office will explain to the applicant the reason for denial or of any additional requirements as determined by the Special investigations Unit.

Will the driver's licence and other documents surrendered for GDL exemption be returned to the client?

No. The documents are retained by Service Alberta as part of the file.

Can a driver surrender photocopies of documentation for GDL exemption?

No. All documents reviewed by Service Alberta must be genuine original documents. It is recommended that a person submitting an original document make a copy for themselves prior to surrendering it as it will not be returned.

Is an English translation required when applying for GDL exemption?

Yes. If the foreign driver's licence is not in English, it must be accompanied by a written official translation when being submitted for GDL exemption. Please see the translation requirements above for more information.

Who can clients contact if they have questions about the GDL program?

In addition to the Service Alberta website, your local registry agent office and the Ministry of Alberta Transportation can answer your questions regarding the GDL exemption program.

 

[Mezo2009]

Usually you have to show evidences in addition to the actual driving license to show that you've driving for x number of months. Most provinces require one year driving experience to be granted exchange. I recommend you get such letter from the UK. Also, if you have other thank UK driving license that is older, it would add much help.

Unless provinces have direct and bilateral exchange policy and agreement in place, then, we have to submit such evidences.

Cheers!

 

[jadwig]

Thanks for your responses. The information on this link is quite confusing. I know about the GDL program. Once you are at GDL basic, you are practically allowed to drive on your own and categorised as a new driver. This is why it is probationary. You need to remain in this class (basic) for a certain period before you take an advanced test and get a full licence. The clarification I seek is:

With a new UK full licence, do you at least get the GDL (basic) category without needing to sit for the basic road test, which allows you to drive independently?

Please check on this link:

http://www.transportation.alberta.ca/Content/docType47/Production/reciprocallicensing.pdf

...especially conditions for reciprocal exchange of licence. It appears that although you may be placed in the GDL, you will not need to do a new test but can get straight to the probationary stage.

The driving history for GDL exemption clause applies only to clients from non-reciprocal countries. If you have a new full licence from the UK, it appears you get the probationary stage licence at least.

More contributions invited please.

 

[jadwig]

p

 

[jadwig]

I am posting a response of my enquiry to Service Alberta regarding reciprocal driver licensing below for the benefit of all. I also called one of the listed Registry Agent who confirmed to me that I can exchange a full UK licence for Stage 2 of the GDL (probationary). At least this allows me to drive independently! Here's the quote:

"Thank you for your inquiry.

A holder of a valid operator's licence issued anywhere
outside Alberta is required by legislation to apply for
an Alberta driver licence within 90 days of becoming a
resident in Alberta.

When an application is being made for an Alberta licence,
the licence from outside of Canada must be surrendered.

A valid licence from a country that has a Reciprocal Licensing
Agreement with Alberta, like Scotland, can be exchanged for a
Class 5 licence when the applicant presents a valid licence of
equivalent class.

Alberta will take in consideration a person's driving
experience from another reciprocal country, as long as the
licence is not a learner's licence. If the driver's licence does not
have an issue date on the card, then we suggest that you
bring a confirmation letter from the country's issuing authority
to show how long you have been driving for. Recognition of
previous experience will be given to drivers so they have an
alternative to the three-year Graduated Driver Licensing
program that was developed to extend the learning stage for
new drivers.

For more information please refer to the following links on
Alberta's Reciprocal / Non-Reciprocal Agreement:
http://www.servicealberta.ca/1671.cfm#JM_AllOtherCountries

A person must be able to prove legal presence in Alberta.
Proof of legal presence may be considered in determining
if a client is lawfully entitled to be or to remain in Canada.

The following are examples of legal presence documents:
- Valid Canadian passport.
- Provincial/Territorial Government issued birth certificate.
- Canadian Indian Status Card (Federal government issued).
- Record of Landing.
- Permanent Resident Card.
- Canadian Citizenship Certificate.
- Student Authorization (Federal government issued).
- Employment Authorization (Federal government issued).
- Visitor Record (Federal government issued). Issued to
missionaries authorized to drive, or Out of country spouses
of Canadian citizens and Alberta residents (proof of marriage
required).

To obtain an Alberta licence, a person is required to personally
attend any one of the Registry Agent offices.

A list of Registry Agents is available on our
website at: http://www.servicealberta.ca/617.cfm

A medical examination and vision screening
may be required if:
- your medical history indicates that such is warranted, or
- when a person reaches age 75.

Dependent on particular circumstances, testing may
also be required. To obtain a commercial licence,
testing is mandatory (Road and Knowledge testing).

Acceptable identification and proof of Alberta residency
are required.
Some examples of acceptable identification:
- Canadian Birth Certificate.
- Canadian Armed Forces Identification Card.
- Valid Canadian Passport.
- Valid foreign Passport with appropriate Immigration documents.
- Municipal, Provincial or Federal Police Force Identification.
- Permanent Resident Card.
- Citizenship Certificate.
- Temporary Resident Permit.
- Certificate of Indian Status Card (Federal issued).
-Métis Nations of Alberta Card (new version).
Métis ID number is displayed on the face of the card.
(The card contains water mark features).

Applicants originating from outside Canada must present
immigration documents in addition to identification.

Some examples to prove residency include:
- Utility, telephone, gas or cable TV bill in client's name.
- Current bank and/or credit card statements.
- Mortgage documents or residential lease containing a
client's physical address.
- Income tax return.
- Written confirmation of employment (including contact name
and telephone number).
- Written confirmation from an educational institution in
- Alberta indicating dependents are attending school.
- Alberta Social benefits documents.
- Land Title documents.

It is the responsibility of a Registry agent to verify
the residency documents presented by a client applying
for a Motor Vehicle service. Neither temporary documents
nor photocopies of documents can be accepted.

If you have further questions please contact:
Ministry of Service Alberta
Box 3140
Edmonton AB T5J 2G7
Phone: (780) 427-7013
for toll-free access within Alberta first dial 310-0000
Email: mv@gov.ab.ca

Visit our website at www.servicealberta.ca
for comprehensive registries and consumer information and
services."