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About the Class 7 test

About the Class 7 knowledge test

Who can take the Alberta Class 7 knowledge test, where, what to bring, what it costs, and the rules that come with the learner’s licence — summarised from alberta.ca and the Driver’s Guide, with a link to every source.

This is a summary of official pages, not the official pages themselves. Rules and fees change — confirm on alberta.ca or with a registry agent before you go.

Who can apply for a Class 7

  • You must be at least 14 years old.
  • If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must consent: they come with you to the registry office, show proof of guardianship and sign a consent form.
  • You must pass a knowledge test and a vision test. Pass both and you can buy your Class 7 learner’s licence.
  • A licence is only issued to Alberta residents: people lawfully in Canada who make their home in Alberta. Applicants from outside Canada or the United States must show immigration documents.
  • Every new driver goes through Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL), whatever their age. Class 7 is stage one.
  • Moving to Alberta from another province? You may drive on your old licence for the first 90 days, then you must exchange it. Holding more than one licence is illegal.

Official source: Alberta.ca – Steps to getting your licence ↗ · Driver's Guide – chapter 1, Licensing Information ↗ · Alberta.ca – Get a Class 7 learner's licence ↗

What to study

  • The questions are taken from the Driver’s Guide: cars and light trucks. You are asked about safe driving practices, driving laws and road signs.
  • The guide is a free download from alberta.ca. An official French translation exists.
  • Community groups have translated the guide into other languages, but those versions are not Government of Alberta publications and the government does not vouch for their accuracy.
  • The guide explains the law but has no legal authority itself; the rules are in the Traffic Safety Act and its regulations.
  • A driver education course from a licensed driving school is recommended, not mandatory.

Official source: Driver's Guide – chapter 1, Licensing Information ↗ · Alberta.ca – Get a Class 7 learner's licence ↗ · Alberta.ca – Driver guides ↗ · introduction ↗ · Alberta.ca – Class 5 driver's licence ↗

The knowledge test

  • The test has 30 multiple-choice questions. You need 25 out of 30 to pass.
  • You can take it once per day, and you pay each time you take it.
  • Take it at an Alberta registry agent office, on a computer. Phone ahead to check the office is open and offers the test.
  • No page in the corpus states the fee in dollars; the maximum charges are in the Registry Agent Product Catalogue. Check the current fee with a registry agent.
  • When you pass, take the knowledge test permit you bought for the test to a registry agent so your licence record is updated.

Official source: Alberta.ca – Driver's knowledge test ↗ · Driver's Guide – chapter 1, Licensing Information ↗ · Alberta.ca – Driver's road test ↗ · Alberta.ca – Class 5 driver's licence ↗

Languages and accessibility

  • The Class 7 test is offered in 25 languages, including Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), French, Punjabi, Arabic, Spanish and Tagalog.
  • Audio-assistant devices can read the questions and answer choices aloud. If you need only a little help with English, you may use a paper English conversion dictionary.
  • Support options for reading difficulty, hearing loss or a learning or medical condition include audio tests, oral tests and translated tests. Oral tests are done in English; a professional sign language interpreter is allowed.
  • Some registry offices charge a fee for disposable headphones for the audio test.
  • To bring a translator, you must first attempt the test at least 3 times using the options above, then apply by email. If your language is not on the computer system, you can bring a translator with a valid Translation Identification Number (TIN) to your first test.

Official source: Alberta.ca – Driver's knowledge test ↗

What to bring, the vision test and your licence card

  • Bring acceptable ID. The accepted documents are listed on the alberta.ca ID requirements page; check it before you go.
  • The registry agent tests your vision. Bring your glasses or contact lenses if you wear them. If you do not meet the standard, you are referred to an optometrist or ophthalmologist for a Vision Referral form.
  • Pass both tests and you buy your Class 7 card. You get a temporary licence valid for 30 days or until the card arrives in the mail, which should be within 21 business days.
  • If the card has not come after 21 days, call the number on the back of the temporary licence. Report a missing card to a registry agent within 60 days of applying, or you may be charged for a replacement.
  • When the card arrives, destroy the temporary licence. Carry your licence, insurance and registration every time you drive; a peace officer can ask for them.

Official source: Alberta.ca – Get a Class 7 learner's licence ↗ · Alberta.ca – Class 5 driver's licence ↗ · Driver's Guide – chapter 1, Licensing Information ↗

Rules you must follow with a Class 7

  • Drive only with someone over 18 who holds a full Class 5 licence or higher, seated in the front passenger seat. A Class 5-GDL driver cannot supervise you.
  • Do not drive between midnight and 5 a.m.
  • Keep a zero alcohol and drug level whenever you drive.
  • Never carry more passengers than there are seat belts.
  • Your licence is suspended at 8 demerit points, not the 15 that applies to fully licensed drivers.
  • Breaking the learner conditions costs 2 demerit points each: driving between midnight and 5 a.m., carrying more passengers than seat belts, or driving with a supervisor who is not fully qualified. A Class 7 also lets you ride a moped on your own.

Official source: Alberta.ca – Get a Class 7 learner's licence ↗ · Alberta.ca – Class 5 driver's licence ↗ · Driver's Guide – chapter 1, Licensing Information ↗ · policy-demerit-driving-suspension ↗ · Driver's Guide – chapter 9, Driving within the Law ↗

From Class 7 to a full Class 5

  • It takes a minimum of 3 years to reach a full Class 5. Since April 1, 2023, there is no advanced road test to leave GDL.
  • Hold your Class 7 for at least 12 months (longer if your licence is suspended), be at least 16, and pass the Class 5 road test to become a Class 5-GDL probationary driver.
  • The probationary stage lasts 24 months. It can be shortened by up to 6 months if you complete a Class 5 or Class 6 driver training program at a licensed driver training school.
  • As a Class 5-GDL driver you still need zero alcohol and drugs, no more passengers than seat belts, and you are suspended at 8 demerit points. You cannot upgrade to Class 1, 2, 3 or 4, and you cannot supervise a learner.
  • To get the full Class 5 you must be at least 18, have completed the 24 months of probation, and have been suspension- and demerit-free for the last 12 months.
  • Leaving GDL raises your demerit allowance, removes the zero alcohol and drug condition, and lets you supervise a learner or re-class to a commercial licence.

Official source: Alberta.ca – Steps to getting your licence ↗ · Driver's Guide – chapter 1, Licensing Information ↗ · Alberta.ca – Class 5 driver's licence ↗

Booking the Class 5 road test, later

  • Road tests are booked; the knowledge test is not. Book through a registry agent or online through the Alberta Road Test Scheduler. Class 5 tests are given by licensed driver examiners working through registry agents.
  • You need your Motor Vehicle Identification (MVID) number, the 9-digit number near the barcode on your licence, and all outstanding fines owed to the Government of Alberta must be paid first.
  • Registry agents set their own fees for Class 5 and 6 road tests and must publish them online. Check the fee with your local office.
  • The Class 5 road test takes about 45 minutes. You fail with more than 75 error points, or automatically if you endanger someone, drive unsafely or break a traffic law.
  • Your vehicle must be roadworthy: valid plate and insurance, working lights, horn, brakes and wipers, good tires and enough fuel. No passengers or pets are allowed on the test.
  • When you pass, take the road test permit to a registry agent to update your licence. The permit itself is not a driver’s licence.

Official source: Alberta.ca – Class 5 driver's licence ↗ · Alberta.ca – Driver's road test ↗ · Driver's Guide – chapter 1, Licensing Information ↗