Starting February 1, 2023, drivers in Alberta no longer need to take an additional road test to obtain a Class 4 licence. The aim of this change is to reduce costs and red tape for Albertans while maintaining safety. Here’s what you need to know.
Class 4 License Changes
Until recently, drivers were required to schedule a second road test to obtain a Class 4 driver’s licence. This step is no longer required. Instead, drivers must pass a medical and vision test, plus an enhanced knowledge test that includes elements on passenger management, safety, and vulnerable populations.
What’s a Class 4 Licence?
A Class 4 licence allows you to operate several professional and commercial vehicles, including taxis, ride-share vehicles, limousines, small buses and ambulances. To be eligible to upgrade to a Class 4 commercial licence, you must be a least 18 years old and have a full Class 5 driver’s licence.
How to Upgrade to a Class 4 Licence
If you’re interested in upgrading to a Class 4 licence to become a taxi, ride-share or Uber driver, follow these steps.
Take a knowledge test. You must arrange with a registry agent to take a driver's knowledge test. The test involves 30 multiple-choice questions, and you must score a minimum of 25 to pass. There’s a $17 fee to take the test. You may take the test as many times as required to pass but only once per day.
Pass a vision test. A registry agent will test your vision to see if it’s good enough to drive. If you have corrective glasses or contact lenses, bring them with you for your vision assessment. To obtain a Class 4 licence, your vision must be 20/40 with both eyes open. The worse eye must not be less than 20/200. You must also have a visual field of 120 continuous degrees horizontally meridian and 15 degrees above and below fixation. For Class 4 emergency vehicles, your vision must be 20/30 open and examined together. You must also have a visual field of 150 continuous degrees horizontally meridian and 20 continuous degrees above and below fixation. Moreover, you must submit a completed Driver's Medical Report Form. This will be required every five years to age 40, every four years to age 45, every two years from 45 to 65, then annually thereafter.
Purchase a licence card. If you successfully pass the knowledge and vision tests and are medically approved, you can upgrade to a commercial class driver’s licence. The fee to re-class your licence is $28.
If you’re interested in upgrading to a Class 4 licence, Registry @ South Trail Crossing Ltd. in Calgary can help. We handle licence renewals, replacements, upgrades and more. You can also book your road test at our Calgary office.
Driver’s Licence Renewal in Calgary
At Registry @ South Trail Crossing Ltd., we offer a variety of driver licensing services on behalf of the government. The proactive and well-trained personnel at our registry office in Calgary can help you with everything from licence registration to translation. Contact us today for more information.