Alberta Driving Forms & Requirements
It's important to have a strong visual system in order to safely operate a motor vehicle. Depending on the type of drivers license you hold, you may have to meet a higher visual standard than those with a regular Class 5 license. If you have problems with the basic testing at the registry office, you may be referred to an optometrist for further testing.
The basic eye test at the registry office only checks
to see if you meet the minimum standard.
It's important for all adults to regularly have their eyes and vision checked by an optometrist to ensure that they are seeing as well as possible.
We recommend that parents bring their teenagers in for an eye exam prior to applying for their learner’s license or driver’s license to ensure that their vision is adequate for driving the family car.
To learn more about driving requirements, please visit the Government of Alberta Website at Alberta.ca
Alberta Drivers Licence Requirements
Class 1 - Professional - Any vehicle
Vision: 20/30 both eyes open, worse eye not less than 20/100
Visual Field: 150 continuous degrees horizontally and 20 degrees above and below fixation vertically*
Class 2 - Professional - Bus
Vision: 20/30 both eyes open, worse eye not less than 20/100
Visual Field: 150 continuous degrees horizontally and 20 degrees above and below fixation vertically*
Class 3 - 3-axle plus
Vision: 20/30 both eyes open, worse eye not less than 20/100
Visual Field: 150 continuous degrees horizontally and 20 degrees above and below fixation vertically*
Class 4 - Professional - Ambulance/Emergency
Vision: 20/30 both eyes open, worse eye not less than 20/100
Visual Field: 150 continuous degrees horizontally and 20 degrees above and below fixation vertically*
Class 4 - Professional - Taxi
Vision: 20/40 both eyes open, worse eye not less than 20/200
Visual Field: 120 continuous degrees horizontally and 15 degrees above and below fixation vertically*
Class 5 - 2-axle - Cars, Light Trucks, Motor Homes or Mopeds - Standard Licence
Vision: 20/50 both eyes open, worse eye not less than 20/200
Visual Field: 120 continuous degrees horizontally and 15 degrees above and below fixation vertically*
Class 5 - Professional
Vision: 20/40 both eyes open, worse eye not less than 20/200
Visual Field: 120 continuous degrees horizontally and 15 degrees above and below fixation vertically*
Class 6 - Motorcycle & Moped
20/50 both eyes open, worse eye not less than 20/200
Visual Field: 120 continuous degrees horizontally and 15 degrees above and below fixation vertically*
Class 7 - Learners - 2-axel & Motorcycle & Moped
Vision: 20/50 both eyes open, worse eye not less than 20/200
Visual Field: 120 continuous degrees horizontally and 15 degrees above and below fixation vertically*
Colour Vision Deficiency & Driving
Colour vision deficiency has not been shown to cause problems with driving, however, all drivers must show that they can differentiate between the different street light colours.
Double Vision (Diplopia) & Driving
Uncorrectable double vision (diplopia) is contraindicated in all drivers license classes in Alberta. For new onset double vision (diplopia), temporary eye patching may be permitted for up to 3 months in both Class 5 and 6 licenses.
*Visual Field Defects
Central or Peripheral Scotomas (field loss) - If detected, further testing must be ordered by your optometrist and an additional assessment by an ophthalmologist is required.
Hemianopsia & Quadranopsia - If a complete homonymous hemianopsia is detected, that individual is automatically disqualified from holding any driver’s license level. Partial hemianopsia or quadranopsia are based on individual circumstances and may be eligable to hold a drivers license. Further testing will be required.
