How to get a motorcycle licence in Alberta

Buying a motorcycle can offer a new sense of freedom as a motorist. Whether you're looking to join a motorcycle riding group or explore new motorcycle routes around Alberta, where the road takes you is endless! Before heading out on your next adventure, you'll need to ensure your motorcycle licence is valid and up-to-date. To learn all about licensing motorcycles in the province, stick around.

Alberta motorcycle licences

In Alberta, there are three distinct licence classes. To ride a motorcycle, Albertans must earn a class 6 licence. To achieve a class 6 licence, you'll first need to get a class 7 learner's licence. To obtain a Class 7 learner's licence, you must be at least 14 years old, have parental or guardian permission, pass a vision test, and pass a written knowledge test.

You'll need to hold a Class 7 licence card for a minimum of 12 months before you can take a road test and enter the Class 5 graduated driver licensing program. With the GDL program, you must be at least 16 years old and be subject to several driving restrictions.

Now, if you already have a Class 7 or Class 5 GDL program licence card, you can go ahead and take a Class 6 knowledge test, which will provide you with a learner's motorcycle licence. If you don't already have a Class 5 or 7 driver's licence, you'll need to obtain your learner's permit and enter the graduated driver licensing program before proceeding.

Step-by-step to getting your motorcycle licence

Alberta's graduated driver's licence program can be a bit confusing. So, for the sake of explaining how to get your motorcycle licence, let's say you already have a Class 5 or Class 7 driver's licence. With either of these two licences, here's what you'll need to do to get your Class 6 licence:

1. Take a knowledge test

Before taking your Class 6 road test, you'll first need to pass a knowledge test. To take a motorcycle knowledge test, you'll need to be at least 16 years old and have parental or guardian permission if you're under the age of 18 before writing the test. During the knowledge exam, you'll be questioned on various topics, including:

• Motorcycle riding safety standards & group motorcycle safety standards.
• Traffic control signs and signals.
• Licensing information.
• Traffic rules and regulations.

This test consists of 30 multiple-choice questions. To pass, you need to get a minimum of 25 questions right. To book your knowledge test, bring your existing driver's licence with you to the Alberta registry office and inform a registry agent that you would like to write the knowledge test.

2. Practice riding

After successfully passing your motorcycle licence information test, you'll be given a temporary licence card that's similar to a learner's permit for your Class 6 GDL. During this time, you'll learn to drive a motorcycle. We recommend taking a motorcycle safety course before booking your road test. Safe driving practices are key to passing your motorcycle road test the first time around.

3. Book your road test online or in person

Now that you've taken a motorcycle safety course and maintained a clean driving record throughout the year, you can go ahead and book your Class 6 road test online or with a registry agent. Note that you'll need to pay a road test fee of around $150 with your application.

4. Take your road test using your own motorcycle

During your Class 6 road test, you will need to bring your own motorcycle and a cell phone equipped with earbuds to ensure seamless communication with the examiner during the test. It's important to note that if you take your Class 6 motorcycle road test on a three-wheeled motorcycle, you will be restricted and only able to operate a three-wheeled motorcycle once you've passed.

Ultimately, this road test is in place to ensure that you understand and can implement road-safe driving practices while operating your motorcycle. You can anticipate the road test to take anywhere between 30 and 45 minutes.

5. Purchase a Class 6 licence card

Congrats! You've successfully passed your Class 6 motorcycle knowledge and road test! You can now go to a registry agent and purchase your new driver's licence. During this time, you'll be issued a temporary licence card. Your Class 6 licence will be mailed to you within 30 days. Should your card not arrive within 21 days, report your missing licence to the registry to receive a replacement

6. Upgrade to a full Class 6 licence card

Once the probationary period of 24 months has been served, motorcycle drivers over the age of 18 with no unpaid tickets, a clean record, and no traffic violations can get their full class 6 licence. Note that as of 2023, an advanced road test is no longer needed to upgrade to a full class 6 licence.

What can I not do when taking my Class 6 motorcycle road test?

Motorcycle riders must adhere to strict rules when taking their motorcycle licence road test. To ensure you pass your road test easily, avoid doing the following:

• Eating and drinking.
• Using your cell phone.
• Smoking or vaping.
• Bring a passenger with you to the test.

Can I cancel my road test and reschedule for a later date?

Yes, you can cancel your road test and reschedule for a later date two full business days before your scheduled appointment (excluding Sundays and statutory holidays). Note that you may need to pay a $20 cancellation fee unless your appointment is rescheduled by your examiner.

What happens if I don't pass my written test?

If you don't pass your written test, you'll be able to rewrite it the next day; there is no minimum waiting period. To ensure you pass the test the first time around, study for at least one week before your scheduled appointment. There are numerous available resources online through the Alberta registry, including a handbook that outlines what you can expect in terms of questions.

What is the graduated driver's licence program?

The graduated licensing program provides drivers with probationary driver's licences. With these licences, drivers must adhere to restrictions when operating a motor vehicle or motorcycle. Once motorists have spent two years in the program and followed all the requirements, they'll either get a full class 5 or class 6 licence.

Do I need to bring my vehicle registration to my Class 6 knowledge or road test?

While you won't need to bring your vehicle registration to your Class 6 knowledge exam, you will need to bring it to your road test. To be eligible for your test, you must use your own motorcycle. Your motorcycle must be in good working condition, otherwise you will not be eligible to take your test that day.

Along with your motorcycle, you will need to have a valid licence plate, a copy of your current driver's licence, your vehicle identification number (VIN), and a copy of your vehicle registration in Alberta. Your registration can be in a physical or digital format. However, you will not be able to use a photo of the registration.

Don't forget to purchase your motorcycle insurance!

Driving without insurance in Alberta is illegal, whether you're sharing the road with motorcycles or riding one yourself. To ensure motorcycle drivers are safe while on the road, here's a closer look at the car insurance you'll need to purchase:

Third-party liability

All motorists, regardless of province or territory, are obliged to carry third-party liability car insurance. If you are involved in a car crash that causes bodily injury or property damage to a third party, liability insurance will pay for repairs, replacements, medical costs, funeral expenses, and legal costs. In Alberta, motorists are required to purchase a minimum of $200,000 in coverage. However, most opt for higher coverage limits for added peace of mind and protection.

Accident benefits

Accident benefits coverage will cover you if you are involved in a collision that injures you, passengers on your motorcycle, or pedestrians, no matter who is at fault. If you need to file a claim, accident benefits car insurance will pay for your medical bills, treatments, lost income, and other expenditures. The minimum requirement for accident benefits in Alberta is also $200,000.

Direct compensation-property damage (DCPD)

If you are involved in a motorcycle crash and your motorcycle becomes damaged, direct compensation for property damage applies, enabling you to reach an agreement with your own insurance company rather than the other drivers. The goal of this coverage is to guarantee that consumers are swiftly compensated for their financial losses.

Optional coverage

Beyond mandatory motorcycle insurance in Alberta, there are also multiple auto insurance policies that are optional for riders. The purpose of these optional policies is to provide more peace of mind to riders against hazards they may face on and off the road:

Comprehensive coverage

Comprehensive coverage will cover the cost of repairs or replacements required for your motorcycle if it is damaged in a non-collision incident. Theft, vandalism, fire damage, bad weather, and falling objects are some of the most common risks covered by comprehensive car insurance.

Collision coverage

Collision car coverage covers you if your motorcycle is damaged in an at-fault accident. If you need to file a claim, your collision insurance will pay for repairs or replacements up to the amount specified in your policy. When claiming damages under collision coverage, you must pay a deductible to your insurance provider before it can cover the rest of your expenses.

Uninsured motorist

Uninsured automobile insurance is another optional insurance policy for Alberta motorists. If you are involved in an accident with an at-fault driver who is either uninsured or underinsured, this car insurance will ensure that you are adequately compensated for your damages. This insurance will also cover you if you are struck by a hit-and-run driver.

Accident forgiveness

One final type of optional car insurance coverage popular among Alberta motorcyclists is accident forgiveness. Accident forgiveness is additional coverage that can be added to your car insurance policy as an endorsement, to protect your driving record and to help prevent your insurance premium from increasing if you have an at-fault accident claim. Note: coverage varies by province.

When purchasing insurance, you'll need to decide between year-round and seasonal motorcycle insurance. While most insurance companies don't offer seasonal coverage, you may be able to cancel your policy or pause it. While this may save you some money, you do run the risk of having to pay out-of-pocket for damages that occur to your motorcycle when you are not covered, which can get expensive. Alternatively, year-round motorcycle insurance allows you to drive your motorcycle whenever you want--even in the winter when a sunny day comes along!

How BrokerLink can help

At BrokerLink, we help Canadians purchase affordable insurance coverage. With access to numerous policies from some of Canada's top providers, our team of brokers can help compare motorcycle insurance costs, qualify for discounts, and give you clarity on any motorcycle insurance myths you may have or the benefits of motorcycle riding!

BrokerLink also offers a free resource hub, where you can learn all there is to know about insurance! And, if you’re looking for a competitive insurance quote from the comfort of your own home, don’t hesitate to use our free online quote tool!

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