Driving School Edmonton — Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Arrow Driving School, our courses, pricing, and how to book.
Arrow Driving School has been answering the same questions from Edmonton families since 2012. We put the most common ones here so you have everything you need before you book. If your question is not here — call us at (780) 721-8282 or contact us. We are available 7 days a week, 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
Courses and Training
Arrow offers a full range of Alberta Transportation-approved driving courses including the Standard Course (Class 5 and Class 7), More Road Time, Alberta Licence Upgrade packages for existing Class 7 holders, the Defensive Driving Course (DDC), Brush-Up lessons, Knowledge Test Prep, and Car Rental for Road Test. All courses are available across Edmonton, Beaumont, Leduc, Sherwood Park, St. Albert, and Spruce Grove.
A Class 7 licence is Alberta's learner's licence — the first stage of the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system. It allows you to drive with a licensed adult supervisor in the vehicle. A Class 5 licence is your full driving licence — no supervision required. Arrow teaches both. If you are starting from scratch, you begin with Class 7 training. If you already hold a Class 7 and want to upgrade to Class 5, our Licence Upgrade packages are the fastest route.
The Standard Course is Arrow's most popular offering. It includes 15 classroom theory hours covering Alberta road rules, traffic signs, and safe driving theory — available in classroom or online format — plus 10 in-car driving lessons with a certified instructor in a dual-control vehicle. Free pick-up from your home address is included. Edmonton pricing starts at $495 + GST for classroom, $545 + GST for online theory.
More Road Time is the Standard Course with extra classroom hours — 14 instead of 10 — giving students more preparation time before their in-car lessons and road test. It is ideal for students who want maximum confidence before their road test. Pricing starts at $680 + GST (classroom) and $735 + GST (online theory) in Edmonton.
Yes. Arrow offers an online theory option for all Standard and More Road Time courses. Online theory allows you to complete your classroom hours from home at your own pace — on your phone, tablet, or computer — before attending your in-car lessons. The online theory option is $50 more than classroom delivery.
The DDC is a short Alberta-approved course that removes up to 3 demerit points from your driving record, makes you eligible for an insurance discount, and can support ticket dismissal in some cases. Arrow's DDC costs $170 + GST. You receive a same-day certificate at any Alberta Registry on passing the assessment. Available at all Arrow locations.
Most students complete the Standard Course over 4 to 6 weeks depending on their schedule and availability. The full process — from first lesson to road test — typically takes 6 to 10 weeks for Class 7, and a further 2 to 4 weeks for Class 5. Arrow's 95% first-try pass rate means most students do not need to repeat their road test.
Alberta GDL System
Alberta's Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system is a two-stage licensing process designed to help new drivers build experience safely before earning full driving privileges. Stage 1 is the Class 7 learner's licence — you must drive with a fully licensed supervisor in the vehicle at all times. Stage 2 is the Class 5 GDL — you can drive independently but still face restrictions on blood alcohol and demerit points. After a minimum of two years at Stage 2 with a clean record, you can upgrade to a full Class 5 non-GDL licence. Arrow Driving School guides Edmonton students through every stage.
With a Class 7 learner's licence in Alberta you must: (1) have a fully licensed driver (Class 5 non-GDL or higher) in the front passenger seat at all times; (2) maintain a zero blood alcohol concentration — not 0.08, but absolute zero; (3) not use any handheld device while driving. You must hold your Class 7 for a minimum of one year before you are eligible to take the Class 5 GDL road test.
You must hold your Alberta Class 7 learner's licence for a minimum of one year before you are eligible to attempt the Class 5 GDL road test. There is no exemption to this waiting period. Arrow recommends using that year for as much supervised practice as possible — particularly in varied conditions like winter driving, highway driving, and Edmonton rush hour.
Class 5 GDL is the second stage of Alberta's licensing system. You earn it by passing your Class 5 road test. Unlike a full Class 5 licence, Class 5 GDL still carries restrictions: you must maintain zero blood alcohol concentration, and your demerit point threshold before suspension is lower — 8 demerits versus 15 for full-licence holders. You must hold Class 5 GDL for a minimum of two years before upgrading to a full Class 5 non-GDL licence.
GDL drivers face stricter demerit thresholds than full-licence holders. Class 7 and Class 5 GDL drivers receive a warning letter at 8 demerit points and face licence suspension at 12 demerit points. Full Class 5 non-GDL licence holders receive a warning at 15 demerits and face suspension at 18. Common offences that carry demerits include speeding (2–6 demerits depending on severity), running a red light (3 demerits), and careless driving (6 demerits).
Yes — Alberta's Class 7 rules impose no restrictions on time of day or road type. You can drive at night and on highways provided your licensed supervisor is in the front passenger seat. Arrow's instructors actively recommend practising night driving and highway driving during your Class 7 year — these conditions will be part of your daily driving once you hold a full licence.
Arrow guides Edmonton students from zero to full Class 5. Our Standard Course covers both Class 7 and Class 5 training — theory aligned to Alberta's GDL requirements plus in-car lessons on Edmonton's real roads. We have a 95% first-try road test pass rate and free pick-up from your door. Most students complete their Class 7 road test within 6 to 10 weeks of starting.
Pricing
Arrow's Standard Course starts at $495 + GST (classroom) or $545 + GST (online theory) in Edmonton. Courses in Beaumont start at the same price. Courses in Leduc, Sherwood Park, St. Albert, and Spruce Grove start at $600 + GST. Brush-Up lessons are $50 per hour + GST. The Defensive Driving Course is $170 + GST. All prices include free pick-up. See the full pricing table at /courses/#pricing.
No. The price listed is the price you pay — plus GST. Free pick-up and drop-off is included on every course. There are no fuel surcharges, administration fees, or hidden extras.
Contact us directly at (780) 721-8282 to discuss payment options. Our team will find the best arrangement for your situation.
Pick-Up and Locations
Yes. Free pick-up from your home address is included on every course at every Arrow location — Edmonton, Beaumont, Leduc, Sherwood Park, St. Albert, and Spruce Grove. You do not need to travel to us. We come to you.
Arrow Driving School serves Edmonton and surrounding communities including Beaumont, Leduc, Sherwood Park, St. Albert, and Spruce Grove. If you are unsure whether we cover your area, call us at (780) 721-8282 and we will confirm.
Yes. We serve all Edmonton neighbourhoods — north, south, east, and west — including Mill Woods, Terwillegar, Sherwood, Summerside, Capilano, Castle Downs, Clareview, and many more. Free pick-up is included from all Edmonton addresses.
Instructors
Yes. Every Arrow instructor holds a valid Alberta Transportation certification. Our instructors are background-checked, trained, and regularly assessed to ensure they meet Arrow's standard of teaching.
Yes. Arrow has certified female driving instructors available at all locations. If you prefer a female instructor, simply request one when you book and we will match you accordingly.
Yes. We try to match you with the same instructor for continuity wherever possible. Mention your preference when booking.
Road Test and Pass Rate
Arrow Driving School has a 95% first-try road test pass rate — based on students who complete their full course with Arrow and follow their instructor's preparation guidance.
Yes. Arrow's instructors know the Alberta road test format, the examiner's expectations, and the specific routes used at test centres in and around Edmonton. Preparation for the road test is built into every course.
If you fail your road test after completing an Arrow course, speak to your instructor immediately. We will identify what went wrong and work with you on the specific areas you need to improve — through Brush-Up lessons or additional in-car practice — before your next attempt.
Booking
Book online at /booking/ or call us at (780) 721-8282. Our team is available 7 days a week from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM. We confirm your first lesson within the hour.
We recommend booking at least one week in advance — especially in peak season when spots fill up fast. That said, we often have short-notice availability. Call us and we will do our best to accommodate your schedule.
Yes. Contact us at least 24 hours before your scheduled lesson to cancel or reschedule without a fee. Late cancellations and no-shows may be subject to a cancellation charge.
Free Study Resources
Official Alberta government guides to help you prepare for your knowledge test and road test.
Still Have a Question?
Our team is available 7 days a week from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Call us, send a message, or book online — we will get back to you same day.