A representative of the Office of Traffic Safety, a division of Alberta Transportation, told us that if you have a valid Class 5 probationary license, you can drive in other provinces and the United States under the same conditions set out in the Alberta Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program.
According to Service Alberta a Class GDL in Alberta Canada permits an operator to drive:
- A 2 axle single motor vehicle, excluding a motorcycle.
- A 2 axle motor vehicle towing a trailer with one or more axles, if the trailer is not equipped with airbrakes.
- A recreational vehicle or any combination of a recreational vehicle and a trailer, if the trailer has not more than 2 axles and is not equipped with airbrakes
- A moped
- A Class 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 type vehicles, for learning only.
No holder of a Class 5 operator’s license shall operate a motor vehicle:
- That has a seating capacity of more than 15, while that vehicle is transporting any person in addition to the operator
- To transport for hire
In Alberta the GDL sequence for licensing is a learner’s license (Class 7), probationary license (Class 5 GDL license) and then the full Class 5 license. With the second stage, the probationary stage you must be 16 and have passed a road test. Conditions for driving during with a Class 5 GDL include:
- Must spend a minimum of two years as a probationary driver to be eligible to move to the next stage
- May not have more passengers than the number of seat belts in the vehicle
- Will have your operator’s license suspended at 8 demerits
- Zero alcohol tolerance
- May not re-class to a commercial operator’s license
- May not serve as an accompanying driver to a learner
To make sure the States within the US that you plan to visit allow you to drive with your Class 5 GDL from Alberta, Canada you will need to contact their Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The DMV should tell you if their laws permit you to drive in their state with your probationary license and if so with what restrictions.
You will also want to make sure your Canadian auto insurance will cover you if you operate a vehicle inside of the United States with your Class 5 GDL.
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