Transportation

Transportation is vital for professional immigrants because it enables them to access essential services, integrate into their new communities, find employment, and improve their overall quality of life in Canada. It plays a significant role in their successful adaptation and integration into a new culture and society. This page shares information on subsidized transit passes, getting your driver’s licence, and registering and insuring your vehicle.

Transit Passes

In most Alberta cities, low-income residents can access discounted monthly transit passes for buses and trains. For Calgarians, prices range from $5.60-$56.00 per month, depending on your income. Click here to apply for Calgary. Edmonton’s prices range from $35.00 to $50.00, depending on your income. Click here to apply for Edmonton.

Driver’s Licences

Exchanging Your Driver’s Licence

If you have a driver’s licence from one of the following countries, you can get your Alberta licence without taking a knowledge or road test:

  • Australia (Class 5 and 6)

  • Austria (Class 5)

  • Belgium (Class 5)

  • France (Class 5)

  • Germany (Class 5)

  • Isle of Man (Class 5 and 6)

  • Japan (Class 5)

  • Netherlands (Class 5)

  • Republic of Ireland (Class 5 and 6)

  • Republic of Korea (Class 5)

  • Switzerland (Class 5 and 6)

  • Taiwan (Class 5)

  • Ukraine (Class B or BE) (Only from April 18, 2023-April 18, 2024)

  • United Kingdom (Northern Ireland – Class 5 and 6)

  • United Kingdom (England, Scotland and Wales – Class 5)

  • United States (Class 5, 6, or 7)

Just visit a registry and surrender all your licences. Provide proof of 2 or more years of driving experience, proof of residence in Alberta, and proof of legal status in Canada.

If you do not have a licence from one of these countries, you must pass a knowledge test, surrender a valid driver’s licence and pass a road test.

Step 1: Visit a registry office and take a Class 7 knowledge test

  • Study the Driver’s Guide to operation, safety, and licensing: cars and light trucks

  • Take practice tests to prepare.

  • Go to a registry agent and take a knowledge test. You will need to pay a fee to take the test. You can take the test once a day. You will need to bring an acceptable ID. A registry agent will test your vision to see if your vision is good enough to drive. If you successfully pass the knowledge and vision tests, you can purchase a Class 7 learner’s licence card.

  • Bring all your other licences for surrendering, proof of residence in Alberta, and proof of legal status in Canada.

  • The registry agent will then check to see if you can apply for the GDL Exemption Program and will give you an application to complete. The GDL Exemption program allows you to take the road test immediately rather than waiting one year, as other Class 7 drivers must.

  • Visit a registry office after 10 business days from the date you applied. The registry agent will confirm if your GDL Exemption Program application has been accepted, and if eligible, book a road test to obtain a Class 5 licence.

  • If you are not eligible for the GDL exemption program, you must continue to meet the requirements of the Class 7 licence until you are eligible to get a Class 5 licence.

Step 2: Take a Road Test

  • Click here to see the fees and requirements for a road test.

  • There are various driving schools in your city that allow you to practice with an instructor on the road. This is a paid service.

Getting a Driver’s Licence for the First Time

If you do not have a licence from your home country, follow these steps to obtain a driver’s licence in Alberta:

Step 1: Visit a registry office and take a Class 7 knowledge test

  • Study the Driver’s Guide to operation, safety, and licensing: cars and light trucks

  • Take practice tests to prepare.

  • Go to a registry agent and take a knowledge test. You will need to pay a fee to take the test. You can take the test once a day. You will need to bring an acceptable ID. A registry agent will test your vision to see if your vision is good enough to drive. If you successfully pass the knowledge and vision tests, you can purchase a Class 7 learner’s licence card.

  • A Class 7 learner’s licence allows you to drive a Class 5 or 6 vehicle with someone over 18 with a full Class 5 driver’s licence or higher. They must sit in the front passenger seat.

Step 2: Take a Road Test

  • Click here to see the fees and requirements for a road test.

  • There are various driving schools in your city that allow you to practice with an instructor on the road. This is a paid service.

Registering Your Vehicle

  • Motor vehicles and trailers travelling on Alberta roadways must be registered.

  • A Vehicle Registration Certificate has the name of the registered owner, a description of the vehicle, the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), licence plate type, licence plate number

  • To register a vehicle, you must go to a registry agent with the following:

    • Proof of ownership documents, 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 person(s) requesting the registration.

    • Acceptable identification.

    • an out-of-province, salvage or commercial inspection (if applicable)

  • Failure to renew your registration yearly results in fines. Click here for information on how to renew your registration.

Insuring Your Vehicle

  • All motor vehicles must be insured with a public liability insurance policy as outlined in the Alberta Insurance Act. It is illegal to operate an uninsured motor vehicle. Your insurance company issues a financial responsibility card (pink card), which must be presented when registering a vehicle and when requested by a police officer.

  • There are various car insurance companies to choose from. Insurance prices vary depending on the company and the car.

  • Bundling car and home insurance can result in discounts. Ask your provider about this.