Minimum age for a car driving licence in Alberta (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Alberta issues the Class 7 learner's licence from age 14, with parental consent under 18; learners may not drive between midnight and 5 a.m. The probationary Class 5-GDL licence is available from 16 after 12 months as a learner, and the full Class 5 from 18. GDL drivers may not carry more people than there are seat belts.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Earliest age to drive a car supervisedCar (category B) driving licence | 14 years [1] |
| Driving before the minimum ageCar (category B) driving licence | The Class 5-GDL probationary licence is available from age 16 after at least 12 months holding a Class 7 learner's licence and a road test. A full Class 5 licence needs age 18 and 2 years as a Class 5-GDL driver. [1] |
| Visitors on a foreign licence: ageCar (category B) driving licence | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Minimum age for a car licenceCar (category B) driving licence | 16 years [1] |
| Learner's permit from ageCar (category B) driving licence | 14 years [1] |
| Supervised driving hours requiredCar (category B) driving licence | No number of supervised hours is stated; the learner stage is a minimum period instead. A Class 7 learner's licence must be held for at least 12 months before the Class 5-GDL licence. [1] |
| Night-time limit for new driversCar (category B) driving licence | A Class 7 learner may not drive between 12:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. [2] |
| Passenger limit for new driversCar (category B) driving licence | A Class 5-GDL (probationary) driver may not drive with more people than there are seat belts in the vehicle. [3] |
Notes
- Alberta: licences are issued in stages. The age shown is that of the first (learner) stage, which allows driving only with a supervisor.
- No age rule for visitors with a licence from outside the province or territory was found.
Sources
- Government of Alberta: Steps to getting a driver's licence (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Government of Alberta: Get a Class 7 learner's licence (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
- Government of Alberta: Get a Class 5 driver’s licence (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Alberta and neighbouring provinces and territories
| Province or territory | Minimum age for a car licence | Earliest age to drive a car supervised | Driving before the minimum age | Visitors on a foreign licence: age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alberta | 16 (Class 5-GDL, after 12 months as a learner) | 14, with a supervisor aged over 18 | Class 5-GDL from 16 after 12 months; full at 18 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| British Columbia | ⚠ Not yet verified | 16, with a supervisor aged 22+ (from 19 Oct 2026) | L at 16, N road test, then record check (from 19 Oct 2026) | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Saskatchewan | 16 (Class 5, after 9 months as a learner) | 16, supervised (15 with driver education) | 15 with high school driver education | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Northwest Territories | 16 (Class 5P, after a year as a learner) | 15, with a supervisor (24 months' experience) | Class 5P from 16 after one year as a learner | ⚠ Not yet verified |
More rules in Alberta
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal within limits (18+) · Growing at home: Yes, up to 4 plants per home
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 50 km/h · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 100 km/h (standard)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Power bicycle: a cycle, not a motor vehicle · Minimum age: 12 (consent if under 18)
- Fireworks
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $15.00 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Hands-free allowed
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 18 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 18
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 18 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 18
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.05% (3-day suspension) · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: Zero; 30-day suspension
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.