Many people reading this can remember a time when you could pass your learners exam, then get a full license shortly after.
Things have changed. These days, there is a 3 stage process to get your license. Stage 1 is your learners, stage 2 is a probationary class 5(GDL) and stage 3 is your full class 5 license.
This entire process is known as GDL (Graduated Drivers License) program.
This question in specifically in regards to stage 2. The probationary class 5 license.
What are the restrictions for the probationary class 5 GDL?
The learners class 7 (stage 1) has a lot of restrictions. The GDL class 5 (GDL) also has restrictions, but not as many. They actually refer to these as conditions, not restrictions.
- Zero Blood Alcohol Level (same as class 7).
- Have No More Passengers than Seatbelt (same as class 7)
- Suspended for 8 or More Demerits (same as class 7)
- You are not able to re-class your licence to a commercial driver’s licence (classes 1, 2, 3 or 4).
- You cannot serve as an accompanying driver to a learner.
The conditions are very similar to the class 7 learners conditions. The main differences between a GDL Class 5 vs Class 7 Learners:
- A learner must be accompanied (in the front passenger seat) by an 18+ fully licensed person. A Class 5 GDL driver may drive alone.
- A learner can not drive between midnight and 5AM. A GDL Class 5 can.
- A GDL Class 5 can not be the adult that drives with the learner. You must be fully licensed (stage 3) to do this.
- You must hold a GDL class 5 license for at least 2 years before moving to the next stage. The class 7 learner must be in stage 1 for only 1 year before attempting to stage 2.
In Summary
- There are restrictions (conditions) on a class 7 learner license. When you move to a GDL class 5, these conditions are mostly the same, with a couple conditions dropping off.
- The most significant difference between a GDL and a Learner, is that a GDL can drive alone and after midnight, but still can’t ”supervise” a learner.
- Many people choose to remain a class 5 GDL long term or forever. This is fine if you plan to drive safe (less demerits), keep your blood alcohol at zero when driving, and never plan to train a new driver.
