25.04°C Vancouver

Sep 27, 2022 2:19 PM - THE CANADIAN PRESS

Alberta to change licensing program for new drivers in spring

Share On

A graduated driver's licence program in Alberta that has been in effect for the past 19 years is getting an overhaul.

Since 2003 new drivers in the province have faced a number of rules including zero tolerance for drugs and alcohol behind the wheel as well as a prohibition on unsafe driving.

Once they made it through the two-year probationary period they were then asked to spend 150 dollars to take a second, more advanced driving test to get a full licence.

The probationary period will continue but beginning next spring anyone who gets past the two-year period won't be required to take a second road test.

Alberta Transportation Minister Prasad Panda says it's a way of cutting red tape and saving drivers the extra cost.

Since the program began, drivers who made it past their probation and didn't take a second test have been allowed to continue driving with their graduated licences, and many do.

Panda says there are currently 700-thousand Albertans driving with graduated licences and some of them aren't that young anymore.

Latest news

project-erase-over-2-100-charges-laid-by-peel-police-for-high-risk-driving
CanadaJul 22, 2025

Project ERASE: over 2,100 charges laid by peel police for high-risk Driving

Peel Regional Police have arrested more than 130 individuals for provincial and criminal offences related to street racing and other high-risk driving behaviours, as part of Project ERASE (Eliminating Racing Activities on Streets Everywhere). Between May and June 2025, officers collaborating on this Joint Forces Operation targeted hotspot locations across the GTA, leading to the investigation of 684 vehicles and the seizure of nearly 100. More than 2,100 charges were laid, including 86 for stunt driving and 125 for unnecessary noise. Examples of offences include: On May 17, while conducting pr
AlbertaJul 22, 2025

Two Canadian soldiers stabbed during brawl in Alberta, RCMP investigating

Two Canadian soldiers posted to a base in eastern Alberta are expected to recover after a stabbing. RCMP say officers were called Friday to a disturbance at a home in Wainwright, west of the Alberta-Saskatchewan boundary. They say a 23-year-old man has been charged with two counts of assault with a weapon, as well as possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose. Armed Forces spokeswoman Lt.-Col. Lena Angell says three junior military members were involved in a brawl. She says the two injured were treated in hospital in Wainwright and one of them was later sent to Edmonton for mor
BCJul 22, 2025

Warrants issued for Nanaimo woman

Warrants have been issued for the arrest of 36-year Amie Kloss. Kloss recently failed to appear in Nanaimo Provincial Court for a scheduled court appearance. Therefore, warrants were issued for her arrest. Kloss is before the courts from an incident stemming from March of 2025 where it is alleged, she was involved in a motor vehicle incident, fled from attending officers and allegedly drove a vehicle in a dangerous manner. Her whereabouts are currently unknown. Kloss is also wanted on unrelated warrants from Ladysmith and Oceanside RCMP. Amie Kloss is Caucasian woman, 5 foot three inches t
quebec-woman-who-joined-isis-pleads-guilty-to-supporting-terror-group
CanadaJul 22, 2025

Quebec woman who joined ISIS pleads guilty to supporting terror group

A Quebec woman who travelled to Syria to join Islamic State and marry one of its fighters has pleaded guilty to one count of participating in the activities of a terrorist group. The Crown and lawyers for Oumaima Chouay made joint submissions for the sentence that was delivered on Monday in Quebec court — one day in custody in addition to 110 days spent in pretrial detention, and three years of probation. The Public Prosecution Service of Canada says experts who examined Chouay over the past 30 months concluded that her risk of recidivism and her dangerousness to society are very low. Chouay
federal-government-considers-raising-deposit-insurance-limit-to-150-000
CanadaJul 22, 2025

Federal government considers raising deposit insurance limit to $150,000

The federal government is looking for feedback on changes to Canada's deposit insurance framework that could see the coverage limit raised to $150,000. Right now, the Canada Deposit Insurance Corp. will guarantee Canadians' deposits up to $100,000 in the event of a bank failure as long as they're held with a member institution. All large Canadian banks and many other financial institutions are a part of the CDIC framework, which covers most deposits and guaranteed investment certificates but not mutual funds, stocks, bonds or cryptocurrencies. Finance Canada is asking Canadians and other stake

Related News