Top Mistakes to Avoid When Reinstating a Suspended Alberta Driver’s Licence March 20th, 2025 • 7 min read Many Albertans assume that their licence will automatically be reinstated when their suspension is over. However, this is rarely the case. If your licence has been suspended, either due to an accumulation of demerit points or a criminal offence, it’s important to know what to do when reinstating a suspended Alberta Driver’s Licence. Here are some of the most common errors that can cause unnecessary delays: Common Errors When Reinstating a Suspended Alberta Driver’s Licence Misunderstanding Suspension Type Not all suspensions are the same. The process for reinstating a suspended Alberta driver’s licence depends on the type of suspension, which could be: Demerit Point Suspension: The result of exceeding your allowable demerit points. Demerits are assigned for traffic violations and remain on your record for 2 years. Administrative Suspension: Covers cases including, but not limited to: Medical suspensions Motor Vehicle Accident Claims suspensions Alberta Justice Administrative Suspensions due to Maintenance Enforcement Criminal Code Suspension: If you are in violation of a serious offence such as DUI or dangerous driving, you’ll require more stringent conditions for reinstatement, including the potential requirement for installation of an ignition interlock device. Failing to check the specific requirements can lead to delays when reinstating a suspended Alberta driver’s licence. Missing Documents To reinstate your licence, you may need: Valid Identification (required) Proof of completed courses (if applicable) Proof of ignition interlock installation (if required) Missing documents can lead to additional visits to the registry office. Unpaid Fees Unpaid traffic tickets, reinstatement fees, or other outstanding fines must be cleared before your licence can be reinstated. Many drivers overlook this step, assuming their licence will automatically be returned after the suspension period ends. Skipping Required Courses Before you can reinstate your Alberta driver’s licence, you may be required to complete a course depending on your suspension type. These courses can include: Impaired Driving Program: Impact and/or Planning Ahead for alcohol and drug-related offences. Failing to complete these courses before applying for reinstatement will delay your progress. Incomplete Road or Knowledge Test In some cases, reinstating your Alberta driver’s licence can require completing a knowledge and/or road test, particularly for long-term suspensions. If you fail to check these requirements in advance, you may face a longer wait without your licence. Not Getting the Facts Each case can be unique. A registry agent can provide up-to-date, personalized information.Failing to check with a registry agent before starting the process can lead to unnecessary delays. Waiting Until the Last Minute Some requirements for your Alberta driver’s licence reinstatement take time, particularly if you require courses or the installation of an ignition interlock device. Waiting until the last minute to check and address these requirements will further delay your reinstatement. Ensure a Smooth Reinstatement Avoid unnecessary delays and get your Alberta driver’s licence reinstated by following these steps: Check your suspension details by visiting our office and confirming your reinstatement requirements. Pay any outstanding fines and penalties before you apply for reinstatement. Complete any required courses in advance so you can get on the road as soon as possible. Take your knowledge test and/or book your road test as soon as you can to avoid long wait times. Ensure you have all of the necessary documents completed and on hand. Visit our office with valid Identification for guidance on the process and to avoid mistakes and delays. How Registrations Are Us Can Help Prevent Delays Navigating the reinstatement process alone can be confusing, especially if you’re unsure of the specific requirements for your Alberta driver’s licence suspension. Visit our office to: Check your driving record and confirm outstanding fines or requirements. Help you book your road test if necessary. Provide information on mandatory courses and where to complete them. Ensure all necessary documents are submitted correctly. Process your reinstatement efficiently. By working with our registry office, you can avoid costly mistakes and reinstate your licence as quickly as possible. Don’t Get Caught With A Suspended Alberta Driver’s Licence: Contact Registrations Are Us Reinstating a suspended Alberta driver’s licence requires careful attention to detail. Avoid common mistakes to regain your driving privileges without unnecessary delays. For the fastest and most efficient reinstatement process, visit Registrations Are Us in Edmonton to ensure you’ve completed all the necessary steps. Taking the right approach will save you time, stress, and frustration on your journey back to the road. Avoid delays when reinstating your Alberta driver’s licence. Contact Registrations Are Us.
