Classes of Driver’s Licences

There are seven types of driver’s licences in Alberta which allow drivers to operate different types of vehicles under different conditions. In some cases, a driver may have more than one class – for example, a taxi driver who has a motorcycle will need a Class 4, 6 driver’s licence.

Class 1   Can drive any class or vehicle, including motorcycle as a learner

Class 2   Can drive any vehicle that a Class 3, 4 or 5 driver can drive, plus Class 1 and Class 6 vehicles as a learner

Class 3   Can drive any motor vehicle that the holder of a Class 5 licence may drive; a single motor vehicle with 3 or more axles; a motor vehicle with 3 or more axles that is towing a trailer with one or more axles (if the trailer is not equipped with airbrakes); a Class 2 or 4 type vehicle without passengers (bus, taxi, ambulance); a Class 1, 2 or 6 vehicle as a learner

Class 4   Can drive a taxi, ambulance or bus (including a school or kindergarten bus) that seats fewer than 25 people including the driver; all motor vehicles included under Class 5; a Class 1, 2, 3 or 6 vehicle as a learner

Class 5 non GDL   Can drive a two-axle single motor vehicle; a motorhome without air brakes; a vehicle towing a trailer with one or more axles if the trailer is not equipped with airbrakes; a moped, a recreational vehicle, or any combination of recreational vehicles and a trailer, if the trailer has two axles or less, and isn’t equipped with airbrakes

Class 5 GDL   As above, with some restrictions: zero alcohol limit, cannot supervise a class 7 learner, cannot drive with more passengers than seat belts and licence will be suspended at 8 demerit points (rather than 15 for the Class 5 Non-GDL driver).

Class 6   Can drive a motorcycle or moped; all other vehicles under Class 5 as a learner (unless licenced with another class in addition to the Class 6 licence)

Class 7   Can drive any vehicle that a Class 5 driver can drive, but only under supervision of a driver over the age of 18 who holds a Class 5 non-GDL licence. Learner drivers cannot drive between 12 midnight and 5 am and are subject to the same additional restrictions of a Class 5 GDL driver.