Drivers license requirements in Alberta
Studies report that over 80% of the Canadian population owns or leases a vehicle. This means that it’s likely an even higher percentage actually drive a vehicle. So it’s important to make sure you are all up to date on the regulations to keep safe on the roads. Part of those rules are the ones set for vision requirements. We will dive deeper into the requirements for Alberta specifically, but if you’re reading this from another province, make sure to check your provincial government website for this information.
The first thing to identify is that there are 7 classes available to drivers in Alberta. Class 1 is the most advanced and is for any vehicle. Class 2 is a professional tier for driving a bus. Class 3 is for vehicles with 3 axle or more; generally trucks. Class 4 is a professional tier for taxis, ambulances, and small buses. Class 5 is the standard one that most people have, and is for cars, light trucks and motor-homes. Class 6 is for motorcycles and mopeds. Last, but not least, the class 7 is learners for cars and motorcycles.
Renewal processes are generally quite simple. You bring a completed renewal form and a current drivers license. However, it can get more complicated if you have a class 1, 2, 4, or if you are over 75 years of age as you might be required to submit a medical form. If you fail their vision screening test, then you may be asked to see an Optometrist and confirm whether glasses are necessary for driving. A form to complete should be provided by the registry for the eye Doctor. An assortment of tests will be required, but often the basic ones are vision without glasses, vision corrected with lenses, a peripheral vision test (visual field), and colour vision.
Each class has it’s own requirements for vision and visual field standards. See the following for details:
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
There are 2 other components that need to be addressed in regards to the requirements. This is colour vision and scotomas (partial vision loss in an area that should have a normal visual field). Colour vision deficiencies will not necessarily stop you from getting a license, however you must be able to tell the difference between traffic light colours and identify signs. Mild colour deficiencies will not likely cause you troubles with this. Scotomas are not as clear cut. These require further testing and consideration from an eye Doctor as to whether driving is safe. A hemianopsia is the main one that may cause an issue in this scenario, particularly if it is a complete homononymous hemianopsia. This scotoma occurs when an individual can only see one side (right or left) of the visual field in each eye. As you can imagine, this is a very dangerous scenario to have when driving as the vision is extremely limited.
Always remember, the law is there to keep you and others safe on the road. Nobody wants to lose a license and they can be extremely difficult realities to face. However, there are always other options that your Doctor can help you explore. Keep safe and get your regular eye exams folks!
