Advice appreciated for Driver Licensing in Alberta
 

Hoping to move to Alberta (most likely Calgary/Edmonton) and in the process of trying to get as much info as I can whilst patiently waiting for someone in London to begin processing my application - damn that laid back Canadian attitude! :)

I've been driving over 10 years now and will hopefully have PR when I move over so I know it'll be fairly straightforward to swap my license for an Alberta one (just have to hope I can get to grips with driving on the 'wrong' side pretty quick). However it's a different issue for my other half who currently doesn't have a license.

I've been reading up on the graduated licensing system in Canada/Alberta and we're a bit unsure whether he's be best doing his driving test in the Uk first or if he'd be better waiting until we get over there (not least because it's bloody expensive here and the pass rates are dire). I'll elaborate though as it's not totally straightforward and so far after much trawling through Provincial websites etc I'm still unsure of the best option.

The Scenario:
As we don't have enough evidence to show we're a proper couple, I couldn't include him on my PR application, so he is going to get a WHV for at least one year, possibly two (by which time we should be able to apply for spouse sponsorship, or he might have a job offer that means he can get PR that way). He doesn't drive as yet but is keen to learn, however we plan to move aroun May next year so even if he passed his test in the UK on a fast-track program he would still have no more than 6 months driving under his belt before crossing the pond.

As he will only be on a WHV, how would this equate with the GDL scheme? Since he wouldn't be a PR would he have to swap his UK license still and be put under the constraints of the GDL? From what I've gathered, unless you have a minimum 2 yrs driving experience you would be put under the GDL scheme, but I'm unsure how this applies to people on WHV and holiday visas etc?

The hope is, he could pass his test here, get a few months driving experience here, move to Alberta, drive around there gaining more driving experience - by the time he is applying for PR and officially becoming a PR he would have the 2 yrs experience and would be able to just swap his UK licence for an Alberta one and not have to sit more tests?

We're essentially trying to figure the most cost effective option, and he's happy to wait until we get to Canada to learn if that works out better, we just don't want to fork out loads of money now to get a UK licence only to find it's not worth what it's printed on in Canada - and the money spent could have been put towards the move etc instead.

Any help/tips would be greatly appreciated as I'm hoping some of you may have first hand knowledge of this via teenage offspring etc?

Re: Advice appreciated for Driver Licensing in Alberta
 

I think the driving tests in North America are much easier than the one in the UK. So if failing the UK test is a real concern, I'd wait until he gets to Canada.

Re: Advice appreciated for Driver Licensing in Alberta
 

I agree, I would be inclined to wait until you get out here.
The standard of driving in Calgary is at times, shocking!LOL
So he shouldnt have a problem passing out here!
Good luck with your move!
x

Re: Advice appreciated for Driver Licensing in Alberta
 

I disagree with the previous replies as if he has never held a UK License before he will have to have a Class 7 Learner's License over here for 1 year. This is the equivalent of a Learner's License in the UK where you need a supervisor.

If he passes his UK test before coming over he can exchange the UK License for a Class 5 GDL license which allows him to drive unsupervised and just has a few restrictions on it compared to a full Class 5 License

Attached link explains it

http://www.saferoads.com/drivers/dri...ewdrivers.html

Tim

Re: Advice appreciated for Driver Licensing in Alberta
 

I could be wrong, but I thought you had to have passed your test in the UK for at least a year or thats what it used to be?
x

Re: Advice appreciated for Driver Licensing in Alberta
 

I don't think that's the case. From how I interpret it if you haven't had 2 years driving experience in one of the reciprocal countries you will go as a Class 5 GDL driver which at least allows you to drive on your own.

What is reciprocal licensing?

Persons originating from countries that have signed a Reciprocal Licensing Agreement with Alberta can exchange their out-of-country driver’s licence for an Alberta driver's licence if they are lawfully entitled to be in Canada and have taken up residence in Alberta.

Drivers must meet the following requirements:

•The driver must be at least 18 years of age. (If a applicant is under 18 years of age, consent for a minor, or proof of self-sufficiency or marriage, is required.)


•The driver must present proof of legal presence and residency in Alberta by providing federal travel authorization documents such as employment authorization and record of landing.


•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.)

•The driver must meet all requirements for the class of licence being applied for in order to drive a motor vehicle.


•The driver will be required to pass a vision screening test and disclose all medical conditions or physical disabilities that may affect their ability to safely drive a motor vehicle.


Tim

Re: Advice appreciated for Driver Licensing in Alberta
 

I would be inclined to tell your partner to wait. Sounds like your partner will be a new driver when they get here anyways and will likely have to start all over anyways.

My advice would be to start preparing for the Alberta written test and take it soon after you land.

Re: Advice appreciated for Driver Licensing in Alberta
 

There are some free online practice tests through the Alberta Government website and my son has downloaded a free app on his ipod from the AMA.

Re: Advice appreciated for Driver Licensing in Alberta
 

What you have quoted contradicts the argument you are trying to make. If one does not have 2 years prior experience, the GDL scheme applies. One is exempted from it only if one has had 2 years prior experience. Obtaining a full license less than 2 years prior to exchanging the license in Alberta means the GDL scheme applies and one would not obtain a Class 5 license. Does it not?:unsure:

Re: Advice appreciated for Driver Licensing in Alberta
 

But they would have a Class 5 GDL License which allows them to drive unsupervised....If they wait till they come out here they must start on a Class 7 and have that for at least 1 year prior to moving onto unsupervised driving as a GDL driver.

Tim

Re: Advice appreciated for Driver Licensing in Alberta
 

I believe you are wrong but I can see that you remained unconvinced by my position and the authority you have quoted.

Re: Advice appreciated for Driver Licensing in Alberta
 

Sorry I forgot that you are always right and no one else is allowed to express their opinion. Always seems the way with you on here in my opinion.

Re: Advice appreciated for Driver Licensing in Alberta
 

What bit do you believe I am wrong on as well?? Can you tell me how you interpret the rules on it?

Re: Advice appreciated for Driver Licensing in Alberta
 

:popcorn:

Re: Advice appreciated for Driver Licensing in Alberta
 

I cannot see any legal authority that states that a driver with less than 2 years experience from a reciprocal country will automatically be granted a class 5 GDL.

The italicised quote you made above states that, with 2 years experience, one can be exempted from the GDL scheme. I have inferred that, without 2 years experience, one is not exempted from the GDL scheme. That being the case, I suggest that such a person would be in a similar position as a driver from a non reciprocal country. The site has this to say about such a person:

What is the benefit of being exempt from the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program?

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.

Here is the link to where the rules state this: New Canadian and Alberta Residents

I guess you could argue that there is no definition of "experienced driver". The inference that I have drawn is that this would require 2 years of experience. I accept that I may be wrong.

For the avoidance of any doubt, my position is that, if one obtains the exemption, one goes straight to class 5 status; if one doesn't obtain the exemption, one must start from scratch. I cannot see any midway position although, as with most things, there appears to be an option that one can apply for an exemption if one is not automatically eligible for exemption.

You may be correct, you may not. I appreciate that you have your opinion, and I have mine. That is why I stated that, "I believe you are wrong ..." No discourtesy was intended and, if I caused any form of offence, I apologise.