What Is A Driving Record In Alberta?
A driving record in Alberta, also known as a driver's abstract, is a detailed report of an individual's driving history. It contains information about a driver's license status, traffic violations, convictions, demerit points, and suspensions.
Alberta Transportation maintains driving records that can be accessed by the driver or authorized third parties, such as insurance companies or employers. These records are used to assess a driver's risk level and determine eligibility for certain privileges, such as insurance rates or employment opportunities.
What Is A Clean Driving Record In Alberta?
A clean driving record in Alberta refers to a driver's abstract showing no traffic violations, convictions, or demerit points within a specified period. The exact definition of a "clean" record may vary depending on the context.
For example, some insurance companies may consider a driving record clean if it has no at-fault accidents or significant convictions within the past 3-5 years. Employers hiring for positions that require driving may have their criteria for a clean record.
Maintaining a clean driving record often results in benefits such as lower insurance premiums, better employment prospects, and a reduced risk of license suspension.
What Does Driving Record In Alberta Include?
An Alberta driving record includes a comprehensive summary of a driver's history, including:
• Personal information (name, address, date of birth)
• Driver's license number and class
• Issue date and expiration date of the license
• Current demerit points
• Convictions for traffic violations within the past 3-10 years
• Suspensions or disqualifications
• Reinstatement conditions (if applicable)
The specific information included may vary depending on the type of driving record requested. For example, a 3-year driver's abstract will only show convictions and demerit points from the past three years, while a 10-year abstract will provide a more extensive history.
What Are The Types Of Driving Records In Alberta?
Alberta offers several types of driving records, each providing a different level of detail and history. The main types are:
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3-Year Driver's Abstract: Lists convictions, demerit points, and suspensions from the past three years. Commonly used by insurance companies.
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5-Year Driver's Abstract: Shows convictions, demerit points, and suspensions from the past five years.
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10-Year Driver's Abstract: Provides convictions, demerit points, and suspensions from the past ten years. Employers often request this for jobs that involve driving.
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Commercial Driver's Abstract: This abstract is specific to commercial vehicle operators and includes information about the operator's license, convictions, and CVSA inspections.
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Driver's License History: A complete record of a driver's licensing history, including all licenses held, endorsements, and any periods of suspension or disqualification.
How To Check Your Driving Record In Alberta?
To check your driving record in Alberta, you can request a driver's abstract online, by mail, or in person at a registry agent's office. Here are the steps:
Online:
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Visit MyAlberta eServices
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Login or create an account
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Under "Vehicle services", click "Request a driver's abstract."
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Follow the prompts to select the type of abstract and payment
In Person:
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Visit any Alberta registry agent office
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Present a valid ID and payment
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Request the desired type of driver's abstract
Can You Access Your Driving Record For Free In Alberta?
No, there is a fee to access your driving record in Alberta. A standard driver record for a 3, 5, or 10-year period costs $23.10.
The Government of Alberta sets these fees, which are subject to change. They cover the cost of generating and providing the driving record.
Some employers or organisations may cover the cost of obtaining a driver's abstract if it is required for employment or insurance purposes. However, individual drivers are generally responsible for paying the fee when requesting their records.
How Long Do Demerit Points Stay On Your Record In Alberta?
In Alberta, demerit points remain on a driver's record for two years from the date of the conviction. After two years, they are automatically removed.
However, it's important to note that while the demerit points are removed, the conviction itself remains on your driving record for a more extended period:
• Minor convictions (e.g., speeding) remain on your record for three years
• Major convictions (e.g., impaired driving) remain for 5-10 years
So, even if the demerit points no longer count against you, insurance companies and employers can still see the convictions on your driver's abstract for the specified periods.
What Factors Affect My Driving Record In Alberta?
Several factors can impact your driving record in Alberta:
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Traffic Violations: Any tickets or convictions for traffic offences, such as speeding, running a red light, or distracted driving, will appear on your driving record.
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Demerit Points: Each traffic violation is assigned several demerit points. Accumulating too many points can lead to license suspension.
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Collisions: At-fault accidents will be recorded on your driving record.
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Impaired Driving: Convictions for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs have a significant impact on your driving record and can result in license suspension and criminal charges.
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Driver Training: Completing approved training courses can help maintain a clean driving record, which may be noted in your abstract.
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Time: The length of time convictions and demerit points stay on your record depends on the severity of the offense, ranging from 3 to 10 years.
Maintaining a clean driving record requires consistently following traffic laws, practicing safe driving habits, and avoiding risky behaviors behind the wheel.
How To Clear My Driving Record In Alberta?
In Alberta, there is no way to clear your driving record of past convictions or violations completely. However, there are steps you can take to improve your record over time:
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Wait for convictions to expire: Minor convictions remain on your record for three years, while significant convictions can stay for 5-10 years. After this time, they will no longer appear on your driver's abstract.
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Avoid further violations: Focus on following traffic laws and practicing safe driving to avoid accumulating new convictions or demerit points.
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Take a defensive driving course: Completing an approved defensive driving course can demonstrate your commitment to safe driving and may be looked upon favorably by insurance companies and employers.
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Apply for a pardon: In cases of criminal driving offenses, such as impaired driving, you may be eligible to apply for a pardon (now known as a record suspension) after a certain period has passed since the completion of your sentence.
It's important to remember that while convictions and demerit points will eventually come off your driving record, they may have long-lasting impacts on your insurance rates and employment opportunities. Maintaining a clean record going forward is the best way to improve your standing over time.
How Do I Get My Driving Record In Alberta?
To obtain your driving record in Alberta, you can request a driver's abstract through one of the following methods:
Online:
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Go to MyAlberta eServices
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Sign in or create an account
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Under "Vehicle Services", select "Request a driver's abstract"
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Follow the prompts to choose the type of abstract and make a payment
In Person:
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Visit any Alberta registry agent office
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Provide valid identification and payment
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Request the specific type of driver's abstract you need
Who's Eligible For A Driving Record In Alberta?
Any individual holding or holding an Alberta driver's license is eligible to request their driving record. This includes:
• Current Alberta drivers
• Former Alberta drivers who have moved out of the province
• Deceased individuals (requested by an authorized representative)
Employers, insurance companies, and other organizations may also be eligible to obtain a driver's abstract with the individual's written consent. This is common in situations where driving is a requirement of employment or when determining insurance rates.
To be eligible to request someone else's driving record, you must have a legitimate reason and provide proof of consent, such as a signed release form or a contract stating the requirement. The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act regulates who can access personal information and for what purposes.
Who Can Access Your Driving Record In Alberta?
The Traffic Safety Act and the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act regulate access to driving records in Alberta. The following parties may be able to access your driving record:
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Yourself: You can request your driver's abstract anytime.
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Employers: With your written consent, employers can obtain your driving record if driving is a condition of employment.
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Insurance Companies: When you apply for or renew auto insurance, the insurer will typically request your driving record to assess risk and determine rates.
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Law Enforcement: Police and other law enforcement agencies can access driving records for traffic violations, investigations, and court proceedings.
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Government Agencies: Certain government bodies, such as the Alberta Transportation Safety Board, can access driving records for licensing and administrative purposes.
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Lawyers: In cases of accidents or legal proceedings, lawyers may be granted access to driving records with a court order or the individual's consent.
It's important to note that your consent is generally required for anyone other than yourself or authorized government agencies to access your driving record. If you need more clarification about providing consent, you can ask for more information about how your record will be used and who will have access to it.
Do Alberta Cross-Check Driving Records?
Yes, Alberta participates in several programs to cross-check driving records with other provinces and territories in Canada:
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National Driver Register (NDR): This program allows provinces and territories to exchange information about license suspensions, revocations, and prohibitions. When an individual applies for a license in Alberta, their name is checked against the NDR to ensure they are not prohibited from driving in another jurisdiction.
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Canadian Driver License Agreement (CDLA): This agreement promotes uniformity and reciprocity of driver licensing across Canada. It allows provinces to share information about convictions, demerit points, and license status.
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Driver License Compact (DLC): Alberta also agrees to exchange driver's license information with most U.S. states. Convictions and suspensions in participating states will be recorded on an Alberta driving record and vice versa.
These cross-checking programs help ensure drivers cannot escape the consequences of traffic violations or license suspensions by moving to another province or country. They also support road safety by identifying high-risk drivers and keeping suspended or prohibited drivers off the road.
What Are The Problems With Bad Driving Records In Alberta?
Having a bad driving record in Alberta can lead to several problems:
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Higher Insurance Rates: Insurance companies use driving records to assess risk. A history of collisions, violations, and demerit points can result in significantly higher premiums or difficulty obtaining coverage.
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Employment Challenges: For jobs that require driving, such as commercial trucking or delivery services, a poor driving record can disqualify candidates or lead to termination of employment.
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License Suspension: Accumulating too many demerit points or certain serious offenses can result in license suspension, affecting one's ability to drive legally.
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Legal Consequences: Serious traffic violations can lead to fines, jail time, and a criminal record, in addition to demerit points and license suspensions.
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Financial Costs: The financial impact of a bad driving record can be substantial, from increased insurance to legal fees and alternative transportation costs during a suspension.
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Personal Repercussions: Loss of driving privileges can affect one's ability to get to work, school, or necessary appointments, leading to personal and professional difficulties.
Maintaining a clean driving record through safe and responsible driving practices is essential to avoid these negative consequences.
How Does A Bad Driving Record Impact Auto Insurance In Alberta?
A bad driving record can have a significant impact on auto insurance in Alberta:
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Higher Premiums: Insurance companies view drivers with a history of collisions, violations, and demerit points as higher risk. This often translates into higher insurance premiums, as the insurer anticipates a greater likelihood of future claims.
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Difficulty Obtaining Coverage: In some cases, an abysmal driving record may make finding an insurer willing to provide coverage challenging. The driver may need to seek out high-risk insurance providers, which typically have even higher premiums.
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Mandatory High-Risk Coverage: Drivers with severe offenses like impaired driving may be required to obtain coverage through the Alberta Automobile Insurance Plan, a high-risk pool with significantly higher rates.
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Longer Premium Impacts: Convictions and at-fault collisions can affect insurance premiums for several years. Even as convictions expire from a driving record, insurers may still consider them in their risk assessment for some time.
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Surcharges and Penalties: Some insurers apply additional surcharges or penalties for specific convictions or demerit points, further increasing the cost of insurance.
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Loss of Discounts: Many insurance companies offer discounts for safe driving or claims-free history. A bad driving record can disqualify drivers from these discounts, increasing overall premiums.
Alberta drivers must understand how their driving habits and record can impact their insurance costs over time. Maintaining a clean record is one of the most effective ways to keep premiums manageable.
Driver's Abstract Vs. Driver's Record
In Alberta, "driver's abstract" and "driver's record" are often used interchangeably, as they both refer to a document that outlines an individual's driving history. However, there can be some distinctions between the two terms:
Driver's Abstract:
• An official document issued by Alberta Transportation
• Provides a snapshot of a driver's record over a specific period (3, 5, or 10 years)
• Includes convictions, demerit points, and suspensions within the specified timeframe
• Can be requested by the driver or authorized third parties
• Often used for insurance, employment, or legal purposes
Driver's Record:
• A more comprehensive term that can refer to the entirety of an individual's driving history
• May include information beyond what is provided in a standard driver's abstract
• Could encompass lifetime convictions, license history, driver training, and medical conditions affecting driving ability
• Typically only accessible to the driver and authorized government agencies
In most cases, when an employer or insurer requests a "driver's record", they are actually seeking a specific driver's abstract (3, 5, or 10-year). The abstract provides the relevant information to assess risk and make decisions.
If you are unsure which document is being requested, it's best to clarify with the requesting party to ensure you provide the appropriate information.
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