How to get a motorcycle licence in Alberta
How to get a Class 6 motorcycle licence in Alberta: who can apply, the knowledge test at a registry agent, learning with a supervisor, the road test, graduated licensing and what you pay. Every fact links to alberta.ca or the official Rider's Guide.
By the Canada Exam Prep Editorial Team ·
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- Checked October 17, 2026
In Alberta the motorcycle licence is its own class, Class 6, separate from the Class 5 car licence. New drivers and experienced car drivers pass the same two tests: a knowledge test at a registry agent office and a road test on their own motorcycle. What differs is what comes after: riders who start from a learner's licence enter the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program before they can hold a full motorcycle licence.
This guide covers eligibility, the knowledge test, learning with a supervisor, the road test, the GDL stage and fees, with each fact linked to the Government of Alberta page or the official Rider's Guide it comes from. Registry agents set some prices themselves, so ask your local registry office for exact fees.
Step by step
Check that you are eligible
You must be at least 16 and have had at minimum a Class 7 learner's licence for a year. A full Class 5 holder still takes the Class 6 knowledge and road tests. If you have neither a Class 5 nor a Class 7, you first complete the Class 7 requirements.
Source: alberta.ca — Get a Class 6 motorcycle driver's licenceStudy the Rider's Guide and the Driver's Guide
The Class 6 knowledge test has 30 questions on safe riding, rules of the road, traffic signs and signals, and licensing. The questions are based on both the Rider's Guide and the Driver's Guide, so study both.
Source: Rider's Guide (Alberta, Spring 2023), chapter 1: Licensing and LearningPass the knowledge test at a registry agent
The test has 30 multiple-choice questions and you need 25 correct to pass. You can take it once per day and pay each time. An oral version, read aloud in English, is available for Class 6; translated tests are for Class 7 only.
Source: alberta.ca — Driver's knowledge testLearn with a supervisor
Until you pass the road test, you ride only with a supervisor who holds a full, non-GDL Class 6 licence and supervises you at all times, on your motorcycle, on another motorcycle or following in a vehicle. Class 7 learners may not ride at night, must have zero alcohol and drugs, and need fewer than eight demerit points.
Source: Rider's Guide (Alberta, Spring 2023), chapter 1: Licensing and LearningBook the road test
Book through a registry agent or online through the Alberta Road Test Scheduler. You bring your own motorcycle, and your cell phone must have ear buds for examiner communication.
Source: alberta.ca — Get a Class 6 motorcycle driver's licencePass the road test
The test is about 60 minutes in traffic, starting and ending at the registry agent office. It includes an equipment and motorcycle check, rules of the road, signalling, turns, judgement at intersections, balance, road position and speed control, with the examiner following in another vehicle and three routine pull-over stops.
Source: Rider's Guide (Alberta, Spring 2023), chapter 1: Licensing and LearningKnow how the road test is scored
Errors earn points, and you fail with more than 75 points on a Class 5 or 6 road test. Endangering a pedestrian or another driver, driving unsafely or breaking traffic laws is an automatic fail.
Source: alberta.ca — Driver's road testBuy your Class 6 licence card
Once you pass both tests you can buy the Class 6 licence card. You get a temporary licence valid for 30 days or until the card arrives, which should be within 21 business days.
Source: alberta.ca — Get a Class 6 motorcycle driver's licenceFinish the GDL stage
To hold a full, non-GDL Class 6 you must be at least 18, complete 24 months of probationary driving and be suspension- and demerit-free for the last 12 months. A licensed driver training program can cut the probationary period by up to 6 months.
Source: alberta.ca — Get a Class 6 motorcycle driver's licence
Who can get it
- At least 16 years old, with at minimum a Class 7 learner's licence held for a year. Source: alberta.ca — Get a Class 6 motorcycle driver's licence
- A full Class 5 driver's licence does not exempt you: you still take the Class 6 knowledge test and road test. Source: alberta.ca — Get a Class 6 motorcycle driver's licence
- Without a Class 5 or Class 7, you complete all the Class 7 requirements, pass the Class 6 knowledge and road tests and are placed in the GDL program before a full Class 6. Source: alberta.ca — Get a Class 6 motorcycle driver's licence
- A Class 7 learner's licence requires being 14 or older, parental or guardian consent under 18, a knowledge test and a vision test. Source: alberta.ca — Steps to getting your licence
What it costs
| Item | Amount | Official source |
|---|---|---|
| Motorcycle knowledge test, each attempt | Not confirmed by an official source; check with the provider | Source: alberta.ca — Driver's knowledge test |
| Motorcycle road test | Not confirmed by an official source; check with the provider | Source: alberta.ca — Driver's road test |
| Re-classing your licence after the road test | Not confirmed by an official source; check with the provider | Source: Rider's Guide (Alberta, Spring 2023), chapter 1: Licensing and Learning |
| Motorcycle driver training program (optional) | Not confirmed by an official source; check with the provider | Source: alberta.ca — Get a Class 6 motorcycle driver's licence |
Fees change. Check the amount on the official page or with the provider before you pay.
Where to take the test
Take the knowledge test at an Alberta registry agent office, bringing your existing licence. Book the road test through a registry agent or online through the Alberta Road Test Scheduler. Source: alberta.ca — Get a Class 6 motorcycle driver's licence
What to bring or have ready
- For the knowledge test: your existing driver's licence (Class 7 or Class 5). Source: alberta.ca — Get a Class 6 motorcycle driver's licence
- For the road test: your own motorcycle, with valid insurance and valid registration. The examiner checks it first and will not test on a motorcycle that is not mechanically safe. Source: Rider's Guide (Alberta, Spring 2023), chapter 1: Licensing and Learning
- A cell phone with ear buds, used for examiner communication during the road test. Source: alberta.ca — Get a Class 6 motorcycle driver's licence
After you pass
Passing the road test does not change your licence automatically: you go to a registry and pay to re-class it. If you held a Class 7, you now hold a Class 6-GDL licence; if you passed the Class 5 road test first, you hold a combination Class 5 6 GDL licence. Source: Rider's Guide (Alberta, Spring 2023), chapter 1: Licensing and Learning
Validity and renewal
As a GDL rider you are probationary for at least two years, are suspended at eight or more demerit points, must have zero alcohol and drugs when riding and cannot supervise a learning rider. Exiting GDL requires age 18 and the last twelve consecutive months suspension-free. Source: Rider's Guide (Alberta, Spring 2023), chapter 1: Licensing and Learning
Common mistakes
- Riding alone after passing the knowledge test. Until you pass the Class 6 road test, a supervisor with a full, non-GDL Class 6 must supervise you at all times. Source: Rider's Guide (Alberta, Spring 2023), chapter 1: Licensing and Learning
- Assuming a full Class 5 lets you skip the motorcycle knowledge test. Class 5 holders still take both Class 6 tests. Source: alberta.ca — Get a Class 6 motorcycle driver's licence
- Bringing a motorcycle without valid insurance and registration, or one that is not mechanically safe: the examiner will not do the test. Source: Rider's Guide (Alberta, Spring 2023), chapter 1: Licensing and Learning
- Forgetting ear buds for your cell phone, which the examiner uses to communicate with you. Source: alberta.ca — Get a Class 6 motorcycle driver's licence
- Testing on a three-wheeled motorcycle without realising your Class 6 will be restricted to three-wheelers. Source: alberta.ca — Get a Class 6 motorcycle driver's licence
- Planning two knowledge test attempts on the same day: the test can be taken once per day. Source: alberta.ca — Driver's knowledge test
Prepare for the test
Free practice written from the official material: full practice tests, a study guide, a printable sheet and a timed mock exam.
- Alberta Class 6 practice tests311 original practice questions with explanations
- Alberta Class 6 practice test (printable PDF)100 Alberta Class 6 motorcycle practice questions with an answer key citing the Rider's Guide or Driver's Guide page. Print it or save it as a PDF. Free.
- Alberta Class 6 study guideFree Alberta Class 6 study guide: 365 key points from the Rider's Guide: Motorcycles, mopeds, and power-assisted bicycles in plain words, organised by topic, each topic linked to its practice questions.
- Alberta Class 6 Mock Exam 1 – 30 QuestionsUntimed practice · answers explained
- Alberta Class 6 exam simulator30 new random questions every time, full screen, no hints
We last checked the official pages on October 17, 2026. Rules and fees can change; the official source always wins.
FAQ
How to get a motorcycle licence in Alberta: common questions
How much does a motorcycle licence cost in Alberta?
There is no single provincial price. Class 5 and 6 road tests are delivered by registry agents, which set their own road test fees and must publish them online. The knowledge test is paid for each attempt, and re-classing your licence after the road test also has a fee.
How many questions are on the Alberta Class 6 knowledge test?
Thirty multiple-choice questions, and you need 25 correct to pass. You can take it once per day.
How old do you have to be to get a motorcycle licence in Alberta?
At least 16, with at minimum a Class 7 learner's licence for a year. To leave the GDL program and hold a full Class 6 you must be at least 18.
Can I ride alone after passing the knowledge test?
No. You need a supervisor who holds a full, non-GDL Class 6 licence until you pass the road test. The supervisor can ride on your motorcycle, ride another motorcycle or follow in a vehicle.
How long does it take to get a full Class 6 in Alberta?
After the road test you serve 24 months of probationary driving, with the last 12 months suspension- and demerit-free, and you must be at least 18. A licensed driver training program can shorten the probation by up to 6 months.
How is the motorcycle road test scored?
You collect points for errors and fail with more than 75 points on a Class 5 or 6 road test, or at once for endangering others, unsafe driving or breaking traffic laws.
Where can I practise for the motorcycle knowledge test?
Use our free Alberta motorcycle practice tests, the mock exam, the printable practice test and the study guide, written from the Rider's Guide and the Driver's Guide. Each question cites the guide page it comes from.
Keep practising
- Alberta Class 6 practice test (printable PDF)100 Alberta Class 6 motorcycle practice questions with an answer key citing the Rider's Guide or Driver's Guide page. Print it or save it as a PDF. Free.
- Alberta Class 6 study guide
- Alberta Class 6 Mock Exam 1 – 30 QuestionsUntimed practice · answers explained
- Alberta Class 6 Mock Exam 2 – 30 QuestionsUntimed practice · answers explained
- Alberta Class 6 Practice Test 130 questions with explanations
- Alberta Class 6 Practice Test 230 questions with explanations
- Alberta Class 6 Practice Test 330 questions with explanations
Practice by topic
- Road signsSign shapes and colours, regulatory, permissive and prohibitive signs, warning signs, school and playground zones, and construction signs.
- Traffic lights and signalsSolid, flashing and arrow lights, turns on a red light, pedestrian signals, lane reversal signals and flashing yellow beacons.
- Pavement markingsYellow and white lines, passing zones, two-way left-turn lanes, diamonds, painted islands, bicycle lanes, crosswalks and stop lines.
- Class 6 licensing and GDLLearning to ride, supervisors, Class 7 learner riding conditions, the knowledge and road tests, Class 6-GDL conditions, exiting GDL, mopeds and power bicycles.
- Helmets and protective gearApproved helmet standards, helmet types and fit, eye and face protection, jackets, pants, boots, gloves and hearing protection.
- Rider fitness and distractionsHypothermia, overheating and dehydration, alcohol, drugs and medication, fatigue, cell phones and other distractions.
- Controls and pre-ride inspectionChoosing a motorcycle that fits, learning the controls, the pre-trip inspection checklist and seasonal storage.
- Riding position, gears and parkingRiding position, starting, signalling, the clutch and friction zone, shifting gears, starting on a hill and parking.
- Braking, traction and stopping distanceTires and traction, using the front and rear brakes, threshold braking, and perception, reaction and braking distance.
- Turns, curves and skidsTurning at low speed, push-steering (counter-steering) through curves, and avoiding and recovering from skids.
- Lane position, space and being seenBlind spots, the space cushion, following distance, choosing a lane and lane position, and changing lanes.
- Intersections and passingLane position at intersections, a stalled motorcycle, passing emergency vehicles, when not to pass, passing on a two-lane highway and being passed.
- Night, weather and road surfacesRiding at night and in fog, wind and temperature extremes, hydroplaning, gravel, ice, metal gratings and railway tracks.
- Riding emergenciesEmergency braking, swerving around and riding over obstacles, a stuck throttle, wobble, tire blowouts, airborne objects and animals.
- Passengers, cargo and three-wheelersCarrying a passenger legally and safely, loading cargo, towing a trailer, three-wheeled motorcycles and sidecars.
- Group ridingGroup size, the staggered formation and following times, the lead rider's position, passing and changing lanes as a group, and single file.
- Sharing the roadPedestrians, cyclists, large trucks, school buses, snowplows, railway crossings and LRT, from Alberta's Driver's Guide.
- Demerits, impaired riding and penaltiesDemerit point limits for GDL and full licence holders, common demerit values, impaired driving limits and Alberta's Immediate Roadside Sanctions.