How Long Does it Take to Become a Fully Licensed Driver?
It takes a minimum of 3 to 4 years to complete both stages of graduated licensing.
In Alberta, to move from a Stage 1 to Stage 2 licence, you must be 16 years of age or older and pass the basic Class 5 road test. To graduate as a fully licensed (Class 5) driver you must be suspension free for the last 12 months of the 2-year probationary stage and pass an advanced road test.
Why Are There So Many Steps to Get Licensed?
Novice drivers cause many traffic-related deaths and injuries. In response to accident statistics and successful licensing systems used in other countries, Canada’s provincial and territorial governments introduced new driver standards in the mid-2000s.
Graduated licensing is based on research that clearly demonstrates the safety value of this approach over more conventional ones. Most programs include a multi-stage system with mandatory learner and intermediate stages that take place over set time periods before graduation to a full licence.
What Happens To My Insurance If My Licence Is Suspended?
You must report your licence suspension to your insurer immediately.
If you break traffic laws and accumulate 8 demerit points with a Stage 1 or Stage 2 licence, your driver’s licence will be suspended. If you are convicted of a moving offence or other driving related issues, demerit points will be automatically added to your driving record.
IBC and Best Practices for Graduated Licensing in Canada
IBC has a history of advocating for improved road safety across the country. In 2005, with IBC’s support, the Traffic Injury Research Foundation (TIRF), an independent charitable road safety institute, created a report about best practices for graduated licensing in Canada.
IBC circulated a draft of this report to all relevant contacts in driver licensing agencies, or their equivalent, in all jurisdictions across Canada.