Getting Licensed

Graduated Driver’s Licence (GDL)

New drivers must go through the GDL program to get the support, skills, and experience they need to earn a full Class 5 licence.

If you have held a Class 7 learner’s licence for at least 1 year, are 16 years of age and older and have passed a Class 5 basic road test, you may join the GDL program.

While driving with a Class 5-GDL licence, the following rules apply:

  • each passenger must wear a seatbelt
  • a GDL licence will be suspended at 8 demerit points
  • blood alcohol level of the driver must be 0 percent
  • class 1, 2, 3, or 4 licence upgrades are not allowed
  • a GDL driver cannot be the accompanying driver to a learner

To upgrade from a GDL licence to a full Class 5 licence, you must:

  • be 18 years of age and older
  • pass an advanced road test
  • hold a probationary driver’s licence – Class 5-GDL – for at least 2 years
  • have no suspensions in your last year before applying for a full driver’s licence (a suspension will increase the time you must remain in the GDL program)
  • pass a Class 5 or Class 6 Advanced Road Test.