Overview
If you are a new resident in Alberta, you must obtain an Alberta driver’s license within 90 days of moving to the province.
Exchanging a Canadian Licence
A valid licence from another Canadian jurisdiction can be exchanged for an equivalent class of operator’s licence. Testing is not normally required. A vision screening is required for all classes. A medical is required for Classes 1, 2 and 4 and may also be required for all other classes if the applicant has a medical condition that may affect their ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. Applicants must produce acceptable identification and proof of residency.
Exchanging a Licence from a country with a reciprocal agreement
If you are exchanging a valid driver’s license from one of the jurisdictions in the list below, you can get your Alberta licence without taking a knowledge or road test. You must:
· hand in your valid license that is equivalent or higher than an Alberta Class 5 or 6 license to a registry agent
· provide proof of 2 or more years of driving experience
· provide proof that you live in Alberta
· provide proof of residence in Canada
Alberta has Reciprocal Licensing Agreements with the following countries in addition to all Canadian jurisdictions and territories:
- Australia (Class 5 & 6)
- Austria (Class 5)
- Belgium (Class 5)
- France (Class 5)
- Isle of Man (Class 5 & 6)
- Germany (Class 5)
- Japan (Class 5)
- Netherlands (Class 5)
- Republic of Korea (Class 5)
- Switzerland (Class 5 & 6)
- Taiwan (Class 5)
- United Kingdom (Northern Ireland - Class 5 & 6)
- United Kingdom (England, Scotland & Wales - Class 5)
- United States (Class 5, 6 & 7)
All Other Countries
A person coming to Alberta from outside Canada, USA or those with a Reciprocal Agreement may apply to have their previous driving history credited to their Alberta driving record. A successful application will grant exemption from the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program and allow for Class 5 road testing without being required to hold a Class 7 driver's licence for one year. Please visit: Countries that don't have a reciprocal licence exchange agreement for more information
Alberta's Graduated Driver Licensing Program for New Drivers
If you do not have a driver’s licence and would like to get one in Alberta, please visit: Steps to getting a driver’s licence.
Location
You must visit a Registry Agent’s Office in order to exchange your licence. You can find the location most convenient to you by visiting the following website: http://www.servicealberta.ca/1641.cfm
A Few Important Driving Laws
- Canadians drive on the right side of the road.
- Drinking and driving is dangerous and against the law. There are serious penalties if you are caught.
- Right turns are allowed at red lights unless otherwise noted. You must come to a complete stop and ensure the road is clear before making your turn.
- The speed limit is posted on the right side of the road and shows the maximum speed in kilometers. The typical speed for city streets is 50 km, 40 km in school zones and 100 km on highways.
- Wearing of seatbelts is mandatory.
- Do NOT pass a school bus with flashing lights.
- If you see an ambulance, fire truck or police car approaching with their lights flashing, reduce your speed or completely pull off the road to the right and stop.
Children under the age of 6 must be in the appropriate child safety seat. While it might have been okay to drive with your child on your lap in your home country, Canada has very strict child car seat laws. For more details, please visit: Alberta Child Safety Seat Guidelines
- The use of all cellular and handheld devices is prohibited while driving. Hands free devices are allowed.
Vehicle RegistrationIf you are a new resident of Alberta, you must register your vehicle(s) and obtain an Alberta driver’s license within 90 days of moving to the province, even if you travel outside Alberta during those 90 days.
Register your vehicle
To register a vehicle, you must go to a registry agent with the following:
· Proof of ownership document, such as a lease, bill of sale, probated will or letters of administration
· Proof of valid insurance for the vehicle that includes the name(s) of the persons(s) requesting the registration
· Acceptable identification
· Vehicles imported into Canada must get the proper inspection complete and provide import documentation.
· An inspection certificate from Alberta Transportation is required for all first time Alberta registrations of used vehicles (and used vehicles returning to Alberta that were last registered in another jurisdiction)
· The vehicle must be physically in Alberta
Location
The registry agent can look after both your vehicle registration as well as your driver’s license.
Please visit Find a registry agent for more information
Central Contact Information
For inquiries on government programs and services, contact the Programs & Services Call Centre between 8:00 am and 6:00 pm at 310-000 (within Alberta) or 780-427-2711 (outside Alberta).
Winter driving can be a challenge for all motorists. Conditions can be icy and slippery. Snow drifts and black ice are common. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when driving in the Winter:
* Check to see if your area requires that your vehicle be equipped with winter tires during the winter months.
* Slow down and always give yourself more time to get where you are going during the winter months.
* Always leave more space between you and the car ahead of you allowing for more room to stop.
* Winter driving courses are available from many local driving instructors and are invaluable to newcomers to Canada.
* Stay on the main roads as it is unlikely that back roads will be well plowed.
* Never pass a snowplow on the right-hand side. It is best to stay well back when you see the blue flashing light of a plow.
* Practice emergency braking to understand how your vehicle will react.
* Skidding occurs when your wheels slide out of control on a slippery surface. To reduce the likelihood of this occurring, slow down well in advance of turns and avoid sudden stops.
* Every vehicle should have a winter survival kit. Suggested items to have are:
- Warm winter gloves, toque and boots - Blanket or extra clothing
- Bag of sand or kitty litter - Small shovel
- Ice scraper and/or snow brush - Booster cables
- Non-perishable food items/water - Duct tape
- Extra windshield washer fluid - First Aid kit
- Road maps (not just a GPS unit) - Flashlight and batteries
- Flares - Waterproof matches
- Battery jumper cables - A fully charged cellphone
- Tools - Fire extinguisher
How to prepare for Winter in Canada
Winter in Canada can be unforgiving, with heavy snowfalls and blizzards, high wind chills, freezing rain and extremely cold temperatures. If you are properly prepared for Winter, you can enjoy all the season has to offer.
Wind Chill
During the Winter months, you will hear two different temperatures from the weather reports. One is the actual temperature and the second one is called "wind chill". The "wind chill" is the actual temperature with the wind chill factor included. It is a calculation that takes into account the effect of the wind to provide a reading of the apparent temperature, as opposed to the actual temperature that shows on a thermometer. It is the effect that the wind has on making the air feel colder than it is. For example, if the actual temperature is –10˚C and the wind chill temperature is –20˚C, your skill will feel the –20˚C. For more details on Wind Chill, please visit: Wind Chill - The chilling facts.
Frostbite
When your skin is exposed to extremely low temperatures you risk the chance of getting frostbite. This is the partial freezing of the exposed parts of your body. Frostbite most commonly affects the hands, feet and face. Expose as little skin as possible in very cold weather as frostbite can happen in a very short time.
Hypothermia
Hypothermia, also referred to as exposure, occurs when the body is producing less heat than it is losing. Hypothermia occurs as your body temperature passes below 35°C (95°F). When your body temperature drops, your heart, nervous system and other organs can't work normally. It is usually caused by prolonged exposure to cold temperatures or immersion in cold water. Dress for the weather and avoid long exposure to the cold.
Clothing
Dress warmly in layers and dress for the activity you are doing. You can always remove a layer if you are too warm. Some suggestions to keep warm are:
Feet
· Keep them dry
· Wear wool or thermal socks
· Wear waterproof or water-resistant boots/shoes
· Shoes/Boots should have a good tread to avoid slipping. Avoid leather shoes as they can be slippery on ice.
Hands
· Wear thick or insulated gloves or mittens as your hands can get cold very easily.
· Change them if they get wet
Head
· Most of your body heat is lost through your head so make sure its covered
· Don't forget to protect your ears
· People in Canada often refer to a winter hat as a "toque" (sounds like "tuke")
Neck
· Wear a scarf which can also be used to cover your face/head if needed.
Outer Clothing
· A good coat is perhaps the most important piece of winter clothing you will need.
· Keeping yourself dry is the best way to stay warm
· Purchase one that has a wind and/or waterproof outer layer.
· Buy your coat large enough to wear a sweater underneath.
