Alberta Class 6 vs Class 7 Permit: Holding Both & GDL Rules

A valid Class 6 motorcycle licence grants you the same privileges as a Class 7 learner's licence for cars.

You can practice driving a car under supervision without a separate physical Class 7 card.

Requirements for Adding a Car License with a Motorcycle License

Your Class 6 licence acts as your learner's permit for Class 5 vehicles.

• You must follow all learner rules.
• Supervision by a fully licensed (non-GDL) Class 5 driver.
• Zero alcohol tolerance (0.00% BAC).
• No passengers if you are under 18 and your supervisor is not a parent/guardian.
• ? You do not need to apply for a separate car permit after motorcycle license.

Testing Requirements and Exemptions

To drive a Class 5 vehicle independently, you must meet the Class 5 licensing requirements. See the Alberta road test and licence guide for the road-test process and current requirements.

Can you have both a regular Class 7 learner's licence and motorcycle permit at the same time?

A single Class 7 learner's licence allows you to learn both car and motorcycle driving. You cannot hold two learner licences at once..

These are separate streams in Alberta's Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system.

Check the Alberta learner's permit guide for current rules and fees.

All Alberta permit requirements are covered in the Alberta permit guide.

Do you need both permits?

• Not if you already have a Class 6 licence.
• ? But new drivers can apply for both to learn car and motorcycle skills simultaneously.

License vs Permit Rules and Restrictions

Does time holding a Class 6 licence count toward Class 5 learner requirements?

Class 6 is not a replacement for the required Class 7 learner history used for Class 5-GDL eligibility. Alberta requires a person getting Class 6 without an existing Class 5 to have at least a year of Class 7 first, so that earlier Class 7 period is the relevant learner stage.

Does a Class 6 holder have to take the Class 7 knowledge test to drive a car?

No separate Class 7 card is needed just to practise in a Class 5 vehicle. Alberta states that a Class 6 licence also allows you to drive Class 5 vehicles as a learner. You still need the required supervisor and must qualify for the Class 5 road test before driving independently. See Alberta's Class 6 rules.

Can you practise driving a car with only a Class 6 licence? Yes. A Class 6 holder may drive Class 5 vehicles as a learner, so supervised car practice is allowed under the learner rules.

Example: Class 6 Holder Learning to Drive a Car

A 17-year-old in Red Deer applies for a Class 7 and a Class 6 motorcycle permit in one registry visit. They pay one set of learner fees and schedule both knowledge tests for the same day, aligning their practice periods.

• ? Application Steps for Concurrent Permits Visit an Alberta registry agent with proof of identity and Alberta residency.
• ? Complete the standard Driver's Licence Application form for Class 7.
• ? Indicate you are also applying for a Class 6 motorcycle permit.
• ? Pass the vision test and the Class 7 knowledge test.

One Cochrane applicant's parent had an expired Alberta driver's licence from a recent trip. The registry clerk caught it immediately. They rebooked and the parent renewed their licence before the second visit.

Upgrading and Fees

For Class 5 road-test booking, vehicle requirements and current charges, use the road test and licence guide and the dedicated fees guide rather than duplicating those details here.