Vision requirements
A vision assessment is required before you are eligible to obtain an Alberta driver’s licence. If you do not meet the vision standards, you will be referred to an optometrist or an ophthalmologist to have a Vision Referral form completed. If you have corrective glasses or contact lenses, bring them with you for your vision assessment.
Class 5 road test
Class 5 is the most commonly held driver’s licence, allowing drivers to operate cars and other light vehicles. Passing the Class 5 road test allows drivers to move from a Class 7 learner’s licence to a Class 5-GDL driver’s licence. This test determines whether a learner has developed the necessary driving skills such as safe vehicle handling, judgement, and knowledge of the rules of the road to become a Class 5-GDL probationary driver.
When you pass the Class 5 road test you must take the road test permit you purchased to do the test to a registry agent to ensure your driver’s licence is updated. The road test permit is not a driver’s licence.
This road test is approximately 45 minutes. This will include the driver examiner’s pre-test instructions and summary of your results. You will be required to demonstrate the ability to operate your vehicle safely without supervision while interacting with other road users.
The vehicle for your road test must be in acceptable working condition and must have the following:
- a valid licence plate and insurance
- headlights, brake lights, and signal lights
- horn
- speedometer
- brakes/park brake
- unobstructed windshield/wipers
- tires are in good condition
- driver and passenger doors
- vehicle seats/seat belts
- exhaust system/muffler
- mirrors
- enough fuel for a road test.
The test will include identifying and operating your vehicle’s controls.
This includes
- handling the vehicle (steering, braking, and speed control)
- selecting the proper lane for turns
- observing and obeying speed zones
- determining right-of-way at intersections and while changing lanes
- demonstrating knowledge and skill at intersections with and without sign and signal controls
- interacting with other road users in a non-obstructive manner
- parking – perpendicular, uphill, or downhill parking, and parallel (drivers over 65 are not required to complete a parallel park).