alberta driving
Jun 19th 2009, 7:47 am
#1
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 53
alberta driving
Hi all,
Just need clarification here, we are moving to calgary with an lmo on 1st July, and i would like to know if it is actually true that you dont have to do a test of any sort in alberta with a uk licence?
If this is true can anyone tell me which building you need to go to to exchange your licence? i have a NCB letter being sent to me for insurance purposes, but do i need anything else?
I'd appreciate any help from anyone who has done this in alberta, especially calgary if possible??
many thanks
daveshan
Just need clarification here, we are moving to calgary with an lmo on 1st July, and i would like to know if it is actually true that you dont have to do a test of any sort in alberta with a uk licence?
If this is true can anyone tell me which building you need to go to to exchange your licence? i have a NCB letter being sent to me for insurance purposes, but do i need anything else?
I'd appreciate any help from anyone who has done this in alberta, especially calgary if possible??
many thanks
daveshan
Jun 19th 2009, 11:54 am
#2
Sawdust making harpy
Joined: Sep 2007
Location: Alberta
Posts: 11,291
Re: alberta driving
Nope you don't need to do a test woohoo (sorry to all those in BC!)
Just take your UK license with you to an Alberta registry office (either someone on here will tell you which one for Calgary or you can look it up in the Canada Yellow Pages), and i'm sure some form of id (passport / work permit / maybe something with your addy on if you have it)
They will take away your UK license, give you an eye test, take a photo and give you a provisional paper license there and then - your card one will come through in about 10 days.
This will be the same place that you go to when you register a new car too once a year
(oh and get your license plates from too - they keep em alll in a drawer there!)
Just take your UK license with you to an Alberta registry office (either someone on here will tell you which one for Calgary or you can look it up in the Canada Yellow Pages), and i'm sure some form of id (passport / work permit / maybe something with your addy on if you have it)
They will take away your UK license, give you an eye test, take a photo and give you a provisional paper license there and then - your card one will come through in about 10 days.
This will be the same place that you go to when you register a new car too once a year
(oh and get your license plates from too - they keep em alll in a drawer there!)
Jun 19th 2009, 1:02 pm
#3
Happy Bunnies
Joined: May 2004
Location: NW Calgary
Posts: 1,371
Re: alberta driving
All the links you need are here (exchanging non-Canadian licence is on the right):
http://www.servicealberta.gov.ab.ca/...orVehicles.cfm
http://www.servicealberta.gov.ab.ca/...orVehicles.cfm
Jun 19th 2009, 2:25 pm
#4
Banned
Joined: Dec 2005
Location: In Limbo
Posts: 15,706
Re: alberta driving
Hi all,
Just need clarification here, we are moving to calgary with an lmo on 1st July, and i would like to know if it is actually true that you dont have to do a test of any sort in alberta with a uk licence?
If this is true can anyone tell me which building you need to go to to exchange your licence? i have a NCB letter being sent to me for insurance purposes, but do i need anything else?
I'd appreciate any help from anyone who has done this in alberta, especially calgary if possible??
many thanks
daveshan
Just need clarification here, we are moving to calgary with an lmo on 1st July, and i would like to know if it is actually true that you dont have to do a test of any sort in alberta with a uk licence?
If this is true can anyone tell me which building you need to go to to exchange your licence? i have a NCB letter being sent to me for insurance purposes, but do i need anything else?
I'd appreciate any help from anyone who has done this in alberta, especially calgary if possible??
many thanks
daveshan
As for Registry offices (to swap your licence) they tend to be on in EVERY community and I can think of at least three within (easy) spitting distance of my place DownTown, you will however need an address. Delay swapping your licence as long as possible if you dont already have a 'permanent address' as the registry offices are 'independent' and have been known to suggest that the last photo you had for your licence is 'no longer' acceptable (the cynic in me says this is to generate more income as they will charge for the new photo).
Jun 19th 2009, 3:06 pm
#5
Forum Regular
Joined: Feb 2009
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Posts: 57
Re: alberta driving
In Alberta, you are not required to do testing to get your class 5 licence. There is a reciprocal agreement with certain countries, and the UK is one of them. That being said, if you have any other class of licence, you will be required to do the testing for that class (ie: motorcycle, large truck).
To switch your licence over, you will require your UK licence, passport, proof of immigration status (work visa, pr card), proof of address. The proof of address is something that everyone seems to have a hard time with. It must be something sent to your address with your name on it, within the last 90 days.
When you take all of that to the registry, they will keep your licence and give you an Alberta one. They will take your photo (no smiling in the pictures anymore) and give you a temproary licence to drive with. The photo licence comes in the mail in approx 2 weeks.
For the post above mine, the government allows you to keep your photo for 4 years or unless there is something wrong with the picture. There is never an extra charge to take your photo, providing you are doing a service for that licence at the time. For example, if you just hate the expression on your face and want another... $22.45. However, if you hate your expression and have moved addresses, it is still $22.45 but you have the choice to take a new photo with that service.
To switch your licence over, you will require your UK licence, passport, proof of immigration status (work visa, pr card), proof of address. The proof of address is something that everyone seems to have a hard time with. It must be something sent to your address with your name on it, within the last 90 days.
When you take all of that to the registry, they will keep your licence and give you an Alberta one. They will take your photo (no smiling in the pictures anymore) and give you a temproary licence to drive with. The photo licence comes in the mail in approx 2 weeks.
For the post above mine, the government allows you to keep your photo for 4 years or unless there is something wrong with the picture. There is never an extra charge to take your photo, providing you are doing a service for that licence at the time. For example, if you just hate the expression on your face and want another... $22.45. However, if you hate your expression and have moved addresses, it is still $22.45 but you have the choice to take a new photo with that service.
Jun 19th 2009, 3:06 pm
#6
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 15,883
Re: alberta driving
All the links you need are here (exchanging non-Canadian licence is on the right):
http://www.servicealberta.gov.ab.ca/...orVehicles.cfm
http://www.servicealberta.gov.ab.ca/...orVehicles.cfm
Online version: http://www.transportation.alberta.ca/733.htm
Or PDF version: http://www.transportation.alberta.ca...ndbook2009.pdf
Jun 19th 2009, 3:11 pm
#7
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Feb 2007
Location: Okotoks, Alberta
Posts: 1,639
Re: alberta driving
Hi,
Lots of sensible advice from Butch there. Just echoing everyone's responses that you can swap your UK licence for an Alberta one without difficulty/test. We help folk with this stuff all the time (eg: Alberta Health, Driving Licence, SIN, airport-pick ups, etc) so PM us if you would like any assistance.
In any event, hope your last weeks in the UK are not too hectic and that you settle quickly into your new life over here.
Kind regards,
Eamonn & Janet.
Lots of sensible advice from Butch there. Just echoing everyone's responses that you can swap your UK licence for an Alberta one without difficulty/test. We help folk with this stuff all the time (eg: Alberta Health, Driving Licence, SIN, airport-pick ups, etc) so PM us if you would like any assistance.
In any event, hope your last weeks in the UK are not too hectic and that you settle quickly into your new life over here.
Kind regards,
Eamonn & Janet.
Jun 19th 2009, 3:16 pm
#8
Banned
Joined: Dec 2005
Location: In Limbo
Posts: 15,706
Re: alberta driving
In Alberta, you are not required to do testing to get your class 5 licence. There is a reciprocal agreement with certain countries, and the UK is one of them. That being said, if you have any other class of licence, you will be required to do the testing for that class (ie: motorcycle, large truck).
To switch your licence over, you will require your UK licence, passport, proof of immigration status (work visa, pr card), proof of address. The proof of address is something that everyone seems to have a hard time with. It must be something sent to your address with your name on it, within the last 90 days.
When you take all of that to the registry, they will keep your licence and give you an Alberta one. They will take your photo (no smiling in the pictures anymore) and give you a temproary licence to drive with. The photo licence comes in the mail in approx 2 weeks.
For the post above mine, the government allows you to keep your photo for 4 years or unless there is something wrong with the picture. There is never an extra charge to take your photo, providing you are doing a service for that licence at the time. For example, if you just hate the expression on your face and want another... $22.45. However, if you hate your expression and have moved addresses, it is still $22.45 but you have the choice to take a new photo with that service.
To switch your licence over, you will require your UK licence, passport, proof of immigration status (work visa, pr card), proof of address. The proof of address is something that everyone seems to have a hard time with. It must be something sent to your address with your name on it, within the last 90 days.
When you take all of that to the registry, they will keep your licence and give you an Alberta one. They will take your photo (no smiling in the pictures anymore) and give you a temproary licence to drive with. The photo licence comes in the mail in approx 2 weeks.
For the post above mine, the government allows you to keep your photo for 4 years or unless there is something wrong with the picture. There is never an extra charge to take your photo, providing you are doing a service for that licence at the time. For example, if you just hate the expression on your face and want another... $22.45. However, if you hate your expression and have moved addresses, it is still $22.45 but you have the choice to take a new photo with that service.
PS I think you will find it is 5years that your licence is valid for
Jun 19th 2009, 3:19 pm
#9
Just Joined
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 23
Re: alberta driving
What about a Republic of Ireland driving licence, do the same rules apply.
Also can I drive over there for a certain lenght of time on my Irish licence, I went to the touble of getting an International driving licence, is it any use.....Finally is it expensive to get car insurance in Alberta for a 29 year old male...thanks guys
Also can I drive over there for a certain lenght of time on my Irish licence, I went to the touble of getting an International driving licence, is it any use.....Finally is it expensive to get car insurance in Alberta for a 29 year old male...thanks guys
Jun 19th 2009, 3:20 pm
#10
Forum Regular
Joined: Feb 2009
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Posts: 57
Re: alberta driving
It is not about personal experience, it is about the process that the government has set out for all offices to follow. If you would like me to post the government guidelines, I would be happy to do so.
Jun 19th 2009, 3:23 pm
#11
Forum Regular
Joined: Feb 2009
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Posts: 57
Re: alberta driving
What about a Republic of Ireland driving licence, do the same rules apply.
Also can I drive over there for a certain lenght of time on my Irish licence, I went to the touble of getting an International driving licence, is it any use.....Finally is it expensive to get car insurance in Alberta for a 29 year old male...thanks guys
Also can I drive over there for a certain lenght of time on my Irish licence, I went to the touble of getting an International driving licence, is it any use.....Finally is it expensive to get car insurance in Alberta for a 29 year old male...thanks guys
If your licence is from the DVLNI, you are not part of the reciprocal agreement. You will have to take the exams to obtain your licence. The books that are posted above are what you will have to study to get the licence.
Upon arrival, you are able to drive with your foreign licence for 90 days.
Jun 19th 2009, 3:24 pm
#12
Banned
Joined: Dec 2005
Location: In Limbo
Posts: 15,706
Re: alberta driving
It is not a dispute. I am sorry you feel that way. The licence is valid for 5 years, correct. However, they make it so that you have to take a new photo after 4, so that when you expire at 5, it is mandatory.
It is not about personal experience, it is about the process that the government has set out for all offices to follow. If you would like me to post the government guidelines, I would be happy to do so.
It is not about personal experience, it is about the process that the government has set out for all offices to follow. If you would like me to post the government guidelines, I would be happy to do so.
b) guidelines yes, practice (as we all know) does not always follow guidelines, when I moved my partner was told that they would need a new photo AND was charged for the privilige end of story.
Jun 19th 2009, 3:27 pm
#13
Forum Regular
Joined: Feb 2009
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Posts: 57
Re: alberta driving
1. They are smiling
2. The photo was more than 4 years past
3. If it was a brand spanking new licence and they have never ever had a licence in Alberta before.
If they did charge them more than the stated fees, they cannot. I would be calling the government rite line (310-0000) and filing a complaint. I truly despise offices that do things like that. Motor vehicle services are to be charged the exact same at every office. They are "capped" fees which means, the office cannot charge more than what the government has set for a standard.
What do you mean by your first question? If you have a photo taken today and come back in 4 years because you have moved, the government computer system does not allow the clerk to use the existing photo. You must have a new one taken.
Jun 19th 2009, 3:36 pm
#14
Forum Regular
Joined: Nov 2008
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Posts: 299
Re: alberta driving
Nope you don't need to do a test woohoo (sorry to all those in BC!)
Just take your UK license with you to an Alberta registry office (either someone on here will tell you which one for Calgary or you can look it up in the Canada Yellow Pages), and i'm sure some form of id (passport / work permit / maybe something with your addy on if you have it)
They will take away your UK license, give you an eye test, take a photo and give you a provisional paper license there and then - your card one will come through in about 10 days.
This will be the same place that you go to when you register a new car too once a year (oh and get your license plates from too - they keep em alll in a drawer there!)
Just take your UK license with you to an Alberta registry office (either someone on here will tell you which one for Calgary or you can look it up in the Canada Yellow Pages), and i'm sure some form of id (passport / work permit / maybe something with your addy on if you have it)
They will take away your UK license, give you an eye test, take a photo and give you a provisional paper license there and then - your card one will come through in about 10 days.
This will be the same place that you go to when you register a new car too once a year
(oh and get your license plates from too - they keep em alll in a drawer there!)Gav
)