Can a Class 7 Learner’s Licence Holder Ride a Motorcycle in Alberta?

You may already be aware of the class 7 learners restrictions and rules when it comes to driving regular passenger vehicles.

Especially the rule about needing a properly licensed supervisor in the front passenger seat.

What about motorcycles? How does that work?

A class 7 learners license holder can ride a motorcycle in Alberta. However, there are restrictions and parameters.

In general the rules are largely the same as with passenger vehicles:

Must be 18 years of age or older.
Must hold a valid Class 6 non-Graduated Driver’s Licence (non-GDL).
Can be either:
- Seated on the same bike as the learner,
- Following the learner on another motorcycle, or
- Following the learner in another motor vehicle.

Must be at least 16 years old.
Must already hold a valid Class 7 learner’s licence.
Cannot ride at night:
- Defined as one hour after sunset or 12:00 midnight, whichever is earlier, until one hour before sunrise or 5 A.M., whichever is later.
Must maintain a zero alcohol level while riding.
Subject to suspension at 8 demerit points, as opposed to 15 for fully licensed drivers.

In Summary

In Alberta, holders of a Class 7 learner’s licence can learn to ride a motorcycle, provided they are at least 16 years old and are supervised by an instructor who is at least 18 and holds a valid Class 6 non-GDL licence.
Restrictions for Class 7 learners include a prohibition on riding at night and a requirement to maintain a zero alcohol level while riding.
Class 7 learners are also subject to suspension at eight demerit points, which is lower than the 15 demerit points for fully licensed drivers.