Interested in getting your Class 4 license in Alberta? We break down the costs, steps and requirements to get your Class 4 License in Alberta. With Uber arriving in Alberta, a lot of drivers are now interested in the licensing process as it is now a requirement to drive for Uber in Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer and Lethbridge.
If you are interested in driving for a living or even just part-time, your standard driver’s license just won’t do. Don’t worry, we are here to walk you through the steps to get you on the road so you can start making money.
5 Easy Steps to Getting Your Class 4 License in Alberta
Forms, Resources and Contact Information
What is an Alberta Class 4 License?
A Class 4 License in Alberta is a step above your standard passenger vehicle driver’s license, which is known as a Class 5. A Class 4 license in Alberta allows you to drive any Class 5 vehicle, in addition to:
- an Uber or TappCar (vehicle-for-hire for a Transportation Network Company)
- an ambulance
- a taxi
- a bus that can seat up to 24 passengers
- a class 1, 2, 3 or 6 vehicle for learner purposes only
In July 2016, the province began allowing rideshare companies to operate as long as the drivers get a Class 4 Alberta license. In order to drive for companies like Uber or TappCarr in Alberta, you will need a Class 4 license. These are known as vehicles-for-hire under Transportation Network Companies.
Ever thought of stepping up your driving game to the big leagues? We have guides on how to get a Class 1 or Class 3 license in Alberta to get you started on a career in professional driving.
Step 1: Alberta Class 4 License Requirements
First thing is to make sure you can meet some basic criteria. The minimum requirements to get a Class 4 license in Alberta are:
- you must be at least 18 years old
- not be a probationary driver (in the Graduated Licensing System)
- have at least a Class 5 license
Step 2: Class 4 License Knowledge Test in Alberta
You will need to take a knowledge test to get your Class 4 License in Alberta. This is similar to the test you would have taken to get your Class 5 license but covers some different content, particularly around transporting passengers.
The cost for the Class 4 license knowledge test in Alberta is $17 plus GST. To take your test, you must attend a Registry Agent office location. Your vision will also be checked at this time as well but if you are already licensed this shouldn’t be a problem because you would have done it for your Class 5 license already.
The test is all multiple choice. There are a total of 30 questions and you must get at least 25 of them correct to pass. You can retake the test as many times as you want if you fail but only once per day.
In order to study for the test, you need to review the Alberta Commercial Driver’s Guide. The areas you may be tested on are Chapters 1-3, 7-8, 10-11. Pay close attention to Chapter 7 which is just for Class 4 vehicles. Because you can also drive an ambulance, small bus or taxi with a Class 4 license you must be familiar with all the information in this chapter, even if you are just getting your Class 4 license for Uber.
You should also review the Alberta Driver’s Guide to Operation, Safety and Licensing for Cars and Light Trucks, which is the same guide book that you would have reviewed when getting your Class 5. Just ensure you brush up on the traffic laws as you will be tested on a lot of this material again.
Alberta Commercial Driving Practice Tests
Alberta Class 4 Practice Tests
- Alberta Class 4 Practice Test 1
- Alberta Class 4 Practice Test 2
- Alberta Class 4 Practice Test 3
- Alberta Class 4 Practice Test 4
- Alberta Class 4 Practice Test 5
Alberta Road Signs Test
Step 3: Medical Requirements for an Alberta Class 4 License
Now that you have passed your knowledge test it is time to make sure you are in good enough health to get your Class 4 license in Alberta. This is to ensure you won’t pose a danger to yourself, your passengers or anyone else on the road while operating a vehicle in a commercial capacity.
Schedule your appointment with any doctor to get a medical examination and have them fill out the form, which you can download here.
Unfortunately, the cost is not covered under your provincial insurance coverage so you will pay out of pocket at the time of the examination. It will likely cost you between $60 – $100.
If you are found to be in good enough health to obtain a Class 4 license in Alberta, then you are ready to move on to the road testing portion of the licensing process.
Step 4: Class 4 License Road Test in Alberta
The road test for your Class 4 license in Alberta is pretty close to the Class 5 test, just more strict so you need to make sure your driving skills are sharp and you know the rules of the road. You don’t need a bus or ambulance to do the test; your standard passenger car will work just fine.
To schedule a road test, contact a Registry Agent near you. The price will be around $150 but be sure to shop around because each Agent sets their own price.
If you are a good driver and know the rules of the road, this will not be difficult for you. You won’t have to do things like practice picking up passengers or anything like that.
Have a look at this Guide to Preparing for Your Class 4 Alberta Road Test to get familiar with some of the things you will be tested on.
Step 5: Upgrading your License
If you passed everything, you now need to upgrade your license. The cost is around $21.00 plus GST but if you want to extend the expiration date the costs are as follows:
| 1 Year | $21 |
| 2 Years | $37 |
| 3 Years | $53 |
| 4 Years | $69 |
| 5 Years | $84 |
Upon successful completion of the road test and payment of the fee, you will be issued a temporary Class 4 license. You will receive your actual card in the mail within 7-10 business days.
If you don’t receive your card within 3 weeks, call the number on the back of your temporary license and report it missing. If you don’t report it missing within 60 days, you will be charged for a replacement.
Class 4 License Costs in Alberta
The total cost to get your Class 4 license in Alberta is approximately $263.00. This is comprised of $17 for a knowledge test, $75 for a medical examination, $150 for a road test and $21 to upgrade your license.
As the cost for the tests are administered by Registry Agents, they charge their own fees as well as the government fee. Have a look at this booklet that outlines the maximum they are allowed to charge you so you can get a fair price. They are capped at how much they can charge you for the knowledge test and license but not the road test.
Class 4 License Costs in Alberta
*Approximate
$263
Knowledge Test – $17
Medical Examination – $75
Road Test – $150
Upgrading License – $21
Class 4 License Uber Alberta
Many of you are here because Uber has arrived in Alberta and you are interested insigning up to drive. You must have a Class 4 license to drive for Uber in Alberta. This is the same license taxi drivers have to get as well. As you can see, the process is pretty straight forward but Uber also has some additional requirements to start driving for them in Alberta.
Additional requirements to get started driving for Uber in Alberta are:
- Driver Abstract
- Background Check
- Car Inspection
- Commercial license plates
The total cost to start driving with Uber in Alberta is approximately $450 after getting your Class 4 license, completing the required checks, obtaining your plate and getting an inspection report.
Uber is currently available in Calgary, Edmonton, Lethbridge and Red Deer. You can also drive for TappCar too, which is Uber’s competitor in Alberta. Find out the requirements to drive for Uber in Alberta as well as the pay rates on our rideshare guides page. We have city specific guides for each company.
Thinking driving passengers might not be your thing? You can also deliver good with companies like UberEats or Foodora. Check out guides page for couriers to find out the rates and requirements in your city.
Forms and Resources
Alberta Commercial Driver’s Guide
Guide to Preparing for Your Class 4 Alberta Road Test
Alberta Driver’s Guide to Operation, Safety and Licensing for Cars and Light Trucks]
Registry Agent Product Catalogue
Contact Information
The following contacts will be of assistance to you if you need help getting your Class 4 license in Alberta:
Alberta Motor Vehicles
Phone Number for Edmonton and area: 780-427-7013
Phone Number for other areas in Alberta: 310-0000, then 780-427-7013 (toll-free)
Hours of Operation: 8:15 am – 4:30 pm, Mon – Fri. Closed statutory holidays.
E-mail: mv@gov.ab.ca
Service Alberta
Phone Number: 780-427-7013, toll free dial 310-0000 first in Alberta
Hours of Operation: 8:15 am – 4:30 pm (Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Find A Registry Agent
Registry agents offer registration, information and licensing services on behalf of government.
Visit this link to find a Registry Agent near you.
Driver Program Administrator
If you want to take some Class 4 training, you can contact a driver program administrator for more information on how to find a qualified instructor or school near you.
Phone Numbers: Edmonton at 780–427–8901 or Calgary at 403–297–6679
