Alberta farmers and their family members now have the option to apply for a farm-restricted class one driver’s licence.
It would allow them to drive almost any form of motor vehicle to and from the farm.
These licenses with be issued with condition code “P” meaning the driver must comply with farmer restrictions.
Applicants must successfully complete a knowledge and road test, vision screening and submission of a driver’s medical assessment. However, they will not be required to complete pre-licensing training.
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Drivers must meet all other requirements of a class one driver’s licence, including the air brake (Q) endorsement.
Farm commodity groups have been pushing the provincial government for less-costly class one licensing procedures for producers and their employees for some time.
According to the Alberta Motor Association, a class one licence allows holders to drive almost any type of vehicle other than a motorcycle, which requires a class six licence.
The holder of a farm-restricted class one driver’s licence may operate class one vehicles only within Alberta and while engaged in necessary transportation (including return trips, picking up materials, etc.) for the delivery of animals, farm products, grains or farm produce to:
- the farmer’s farm, if those commodities are to be used by the farmer in the operation of the farm;
- a market, if the commodities being transported were either grown or raised by the farmer on the farmer’s farm, and;
- transporting material or equipment owned and used by the farmer in the operation or maintenance of their farm.
These restrictions apply for those eligible for the licence as a family member. Additionally, the family member may operate the vehicle or combination of class one vehicles on behalf of the eligible farmer(s) listed in the application, but only as a family member.
Further information, including how to apply, is available at alberta.ca.
