How to Prepare for the Alberta Road Test (Class 5)

1) Before You Book: Make Sure You’re Eligible

Most new drivers take the road test to move from a Class 7 learner’s licence to a Class 5 probationary licence. In Alberta, that typically means: you’re at least 16, you’ve held your Class 7 for at least 12 months, and you have parental/guardian consent if you’re under 18.

2) Booking the Road Test (What Most People Miss)

Passenger vehicle road tests (Class 5 and 6) are booked through registry agents. Fees can vary by registry, and you’ll need your Motor Vehicle Identification (MVID) to book. Also: any outstanding fines owed to the Government of Alberta must be paid before you can book.

Tip: book early, then plan practice sessions that match your test date (instead of random driving).

3) How the Road Test Is Marked (Points + Automatic Fails)

Alberta uses a points system. On a Class 5 road test, you fail if you collect more than 75 points. Points are typically added for missing a skill (for example, not checking mirrors/blind spots), breaking a road rule, or doing a manoeuvre poorly (for example, signalling too early/late or driving too aggressively/hesitantly).

You can also fail automatically if you drive unsafely, break traffic laws, or endanger someone.

4) Your Vehicle Must Pass a Pre-Trip Inspection (Don’t Lose Your Test Before It Starts)

Examiners can refuse a vehicle that doesn’t meet safety requirements. Alberta lists common refusal reasons. Before test day, do this quick pre-trip check:

• Brake lights: confirm both rear brake lights and the centre high-mounted brake light work.
• Windshield visibility: make sure the driver’s view is clear and not significantly damaged/obstructed.
• Front window tint: added film/coating on the driver or front passenger window can disqualify the vehicle.
• Valid registration + insurance: bring valid proof (insurance card) and ensure the VIN matches the registration.
• Basic operational check: signals, horn, wipers, mirrors, seatbelts, and enough fuel for the test.

5) What You’ll Be Asked to Demonstrate (High-Yield Skills)

A Class 5 road test for new drivers commonly includes everyday driving tasks and standard manoeuvres. Build your practice around these:

• Vehicle controls: identify and operate basic controls (for example, wipers, hazard lights).
• Turns: right and left turns done legally and safely.
• Lane changes: proper signals, mirror checks, and blind-spot checks.
• Intersections: handling controlled and uncontrolled intersections correctly.
• School/playground zones: knowing when they apply and driving at the correct speed.
• Parking: parallel parking and hill parking (up or down).

6) A Simple Practice Plan That Works (2 Weeks)

If your test is coming up soon, use this plan. Each session should be 45–90 minutes with a licensed supervising driver.

Sessions 1–2: Foundations

• Smooth starts/stops, speed control, lane position, scanning intersections.
• Mirror routine: check mirrors often, and always before braking or changing position.

Sessions 3–4: Intersections + Right-of-Way

• Stop signs: complete stop, correct right-of-way, safe gap selection.
• Left turns: safe timing and clear decision-making (avoid “rushing” a gap).

Sessions 5–6: Lane Changes + Merging

• Signal early, mirror check, shoulder check, move smoothly, cancel signal.
• Practice in light traffic first, then moderate traffic.

Sessions 7–8: Parking Mastery

• Parallel park until it’s repeatable (same steps every time).
• Hill park (up/down), including wheel direction and securing the vehicle.

Sessions 9–10: Full Mock Tests

• Drive a realistic route: residential + busier roads + intersections + parking.
• After each mock, write down the top 3 errors and fix them next session.

7) Common Mistakes That Cost Points (And How to Fix Them)

• Rolling stops: stop fully behind the stop line/crosswalk; pause long enough to verify it’s safe.
• Missing blind-spot checks: shoulder check for lane changes and when pulling away from the curb.
• Speed errors: match posted speed, and adjust for conditions without driving “uncertainly slow.”
• Poor scanning: keep your eyes moving—especially at intersections and crosswalks.
• Late/early signals: signal with enough time to communicate, but not so early that it confuses others.

8) Test Day Checklist

• Bring: your licence, and if you only have a temporary (non-photo) licence, bring acceptable photo ID.
• Arrive early: give yourself time to settle, adjust mirrors/seat, and do a calm pre-trip check.
• Drive like practice: smooth, legal, predictable, and always scanning.
• If you don’t understand an instruction: ask for clarification before acting.

9) After the Test

If you pass, you’ll be given paperwork indicating you passed and you’ll complete the next licensing steps at a registry agent. If you don’t pass, keep your checklist/results and bring them to your next test—your best improvement plan is to practice exactly what cost you points.

Note: Alberta also changed driver licensing rules. As of April 1, 2023, drivers are no longer required to take the advanced road test to exit the GDL program.