New residents of Alberta must obtain an Alberta drivers’ license within 90 days of establishing residency in Alberta. All exchanged licenses must be surrendered to a registry with proof of 2 or more years of driving experience (if you want to be issued a full Class 5 license), proof of Alberta residency, and proof of legal entitlement to be in Canada. 

Canadian drivers must present their valid out-of-province license, proof of Alberta residency, and proof of legal entitlement. Medical documentation is required for those with a existing medical condition that effects the safe operation of a motor vehicle,  and for commercial classes 1, 2, and 4. Proof of date first licensed for commercial classes 1 and 2 are required to prove that the Mandatory Entry Level Program (MELT) does not have to be taken. For more information on commercial licenses, please visit https://www.alberta.ca/upgrade-commercial-licence.aspx

Drivers holding a license from one of the following have a reciprocal agreement with Alberta and may exchange their license for the license class stated below only. No testing required except a vision screening:

•  Australia (Class 5 & 6)
• Austria (Class 5)
• Belgium (Class 5)
• France (Class 5)
• Germany (Class 5)
• Isle of Man (Class 5 & 6)
• Japan (Class 5)
• Netherlands (Class 5)
• Republic of Korea (Class 5)
• Switzerland (Class 5 & 6)
• Taiwan (Class 5)
• United Kingdom (Northern Ireland – Class 5 & 6)
• United Kingdom (England, Scotland & Wales – Class 5)
• United States (Class 5, 6 & 7)

Drivers from out of country with a license that is not in the Reciprocal Licensing agreement list, must provide the identification above, as well as complete a knowledge test and submit their valid license and translation (if applicable) for verification. If/when the license is verified, which could take from 6-8 weeks, you will be advised if you are eligible for a road test. Below is a link to the Reciprocal Licensing Countries and GDL Exemption Program, starting on page 30. 

https://www.alberta.ca/exchange-non-alberta-licences.aspx#toc-2

Students are not required to change their out-of-province license if living and attending school full time in Alberta if they intent to return to their home province/territory.

Working in Alberta but have residency in another province? You may continue to use your out-of-province license.

Visitors to Alberta may use their valid home province/country license as long as you do not take up residency in Alberta. International Driving Permits (IDP can be used to drive in Alberta for up to 12 months).