When I did this myself some years ago, they had to take my license and send it in to the AB government before I could be approved to take the road test early instead of waiting a year. I took the written test at the same time but you could also leave it until later. You don't need an approval to take the written exam. Everybody can do it. I was told that I would be notified when I would be cleared to take the road test but in the end, nobody notified me. I had to contact the registry again once I got tired of waiting, to find out that I was approved. Then I went and took the road test.actonis said:
You should study the drivers handbook before you try the written exam. You can download it here as a PDF: http://www.transportation.alberta.ca/Content/docType45/Production/basichanbookmay08.pdf or get it as a book at any registry in AB.
A learners license would not allow you to drive alone. You would have to wait until after you pass the road test.
The written test costs around $20 to take and if you fail, you can take it again in a couple of days as many times as you need until you pass. However, to save money, you should study the manual so you can pass on the first try.
Here is the price listing of one registry: http://www.shawnessyregistry.com/pricing/ You want to look for Knowledge Test, Road test Class 5 and Operators license.