Getting Around Claresholm

Owning a Vehicle

You can get around Claresholm easily by bicycle or walking, but owning your own vehicle has its advantages. The ability to go where you want, when you want, is very convenient. Often our winter weather can be extreme, so a vehicle purchase is something to consider and potentially budget for.

Claresholm Registries

Services provided by the registry office:

Driver’s Licence
Road Testing
Vehicle Registration/Plate
Vital Statistics (including birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates-Alberta only, legal name change)
Land Titles
Personal Property Services
Commissioner for Oaths

Vehicle Insurance and Registration

Vehicles on a public roadway in Alberta must have valid insurance and Vehicle Registration (licence plate). You will need to obtain vehicle insurance before registering a vehicle. Insurance rates vary by the type of vehicle and your driving history.

Within Claresholm there are several businesses that will offer auto insurance quotes; shop around and get other recommendations. “Insurance brokers” are different and will gather information from insurance companies to find the best value for your needs.

If you own multiple vehicles, each one will require insurance, registration, and a license plate specific to each. If you purchase a different vehicle you may transfer the license plate from your old one. Any registries office can transfer your vehicle registration information.

Registering a Vehicle

For more information from the Government of Alberta on registering a vehicle please visit this site.

Wearing a Seat Belt and Child Safety Seats

It is a legal requirement that all passengers must always wear seat belts, including infants and children.

For a guide to choosing a child safety seat, please see the following:

Licensing and Driving Requirements in Alberta

If you are living in Alberta permanently, you must exchange your current driver’s licence for an Alberta driver’s licence, within 90 days of moving to the province. You will need proof that you live in Alberta, that you are a resident of Canada, and you will have to hand in your existing licence.

In Alberta it takes a minimum of 3 years to get a full, non-*GDL Class 5 Driver’s Licence. Stage 1. Learner (Class 7 Licence) To get a learner’s driver’s licence you must: be 14 years of age or older. *GDL is a Graduated Driving License.

Alberta driver’s licences vary from Class 1 to 7 and are specific to the type of vehicle you will be able to operate. Obtaining a specific licence class may have restrictions and may require a knowledge test, driving test, air brake endorsement, or medical exam (where applicable). The following are the driver’s licence classes in Alberta:

Class 7 – Can drive any vehicle that a Class 5 driver can drive, but only under supervision of a driver over the age of 18 who holds a Class 5 non-GDL license.
Class 6 – Can drive a motorcycle or moped; all other vehicles under Class 5 as a learner.
Class 5 GDL – Class 5 licence with restrictions.
Class 5 – Can drive a two-axle single motor vehicle.
Classes 4, 3, 2 & 1 – These classes are specific to professional driver’s licence such as bus, taxi, ambulance, tractor trailer.

You must live in Alberta permanently to get a driver’s licence; however, you may be able to continue using a driver’s licence from your home province or country. If your licence is not in English, it is recommended that you carry an International Driver’s Permit from your home jurisdiction.

In some cases, you may be able to exchange a valid driver’s licence under the reciprocal licence exchange agreement without taking a knowledge or road test.

Once you have obtained an Alberta driving licence you must have your licence as proof of your ability. Copies of your car insurance and registration must be kept in the vehicle. If you are stopped by the RCMP, Sheriff or have a traffic accident you will need to produce these documents. It is illegal if you do not have them.

Traffic Safety

Traffic safety laws (speeding, collisions, impaired driving) are enforced by local law enforcement and violations are punishable by fines or prison sentences. If a member of law enforcement is following your vehicle with the lights and/or sirens on, you must pull over to the side of the road safely. If you are traveling on a roadway and emergency vehicles (police, ambulance, fire, tow trucks) are on scene with their emergency lights activated you must slow your speed to 60 km/hr.

Traffic Laws

Transportation Services

Claresholm does not have a public transportation system, although it has a taxi service.

Claresholm & District Transportation Society

A not-for-profit society that provides affordable and accessible transportation for seniors and those with disabilities to and from any medical appointment in Calgary or Lethbridge.

Red Arrow

Red Arrow is a bus service within Alberta. For more information and prices please visit their website.

Welcoming Claresholm

Additional Information

Relocation Guides