The Government of Alberta has announced changes to drivers license testing requirements, April 2, 2023. (Photo: Filtv | Dreamstime.com)

By Erika Rolling/LethbridgeNewsNOW

Provincial

Alberta’s GDL Program changes over the weekend

Apr 3, 2023 | 12:18 PM

Half a million Albertans who are still driving with their Graduated Drivers License will be happy to know they may be eligible to obtain their full Class 5 or 6 without taking an advanced road test.

On Saturday, the Government of Alberta said eligible drivers currently in the GDL program, who can show an urgent need to exit the program – such as needing a full license for a job, can go to a registry office to confirm their eligibility. If it is determined the person is eligible, they will exchange the driver’s GDL license for a non-GDL license for free.

Criteria for exiting the program includes:

• Being 18 years of age or older
• Having completed your 24 month probationary period
• If you have taken a Class 5 or 6 driver training program from a driver training school licensed by Transportation and Economic Corridors, you may be eligible to reduce the 24 month probation period by up to six months, to only 18 months
• Have no suspensions or demerits for the past 12 months

The Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors, Devin Dreeshen said eligible drivers will save $154 by not having to take the advanced road test.

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“There are close to half a million drivers who will benefit from this,” said Dreeshen.

“These changes will help GDL drivers exit the program and apply for other classes of driver’s licences whether it’s for a semi-truck, gravel truck or bus.”

SEE MORE: MLA Toews overjoyed with GDL program being scrapped

Drivers who have incurred demerits or suspensions for unsafe driving behaviours will have their probationary period extended for an additional year, .

All restrictions of a GDL license will remain in effect until a driver has received a letter from the province, indicating that they have exited the GDL program.

On June 25, 2023, the government will introduce technology that will automatically exit eligible Albertans who have demonstrated safe driving behaviours from GDL to non-GDL status.

According to the province, there are approximately 700,000 Albertans who are in the GDL program, and around 500,000 of them may be eligible to exit the program under the new rules.