There is a lot of talk these days about the need for truckers, but some individuals may not be aware of what it requires to become one. Luckily, we have summarized the information you will need to be licensed in Alberta and BC. A Class 1 license allows individuals to drive semi-trucks, tractor-trailers and road tractors, however, if you’re already a truck driver there are additional courses to upgrade your skills.
In truck driving, there are generally two categories; long-haul and short-haul. A big differentiator between the two are that long-haul truck drivers are not home every night, whereas short-haul truck drivers are. Like most industries, there is training required to be licensed, and there are many options of theory and in-vehicle training schools.
To get started you need:
- Class 5 Driver’s License
- Be at least 18 years old
- Driver’s Abstract:
- Dated no more than one month prior to the issue of the Driver’s Certificate
- No driving-related criminal code convictions in the past 36 months
- No more than 2 moving Violations in the prior 12 months and no more than 3 moving violations in the prior 36 months.
It’s important to note that there are several fees that may not be included in the course costs. These can include:
- Road Test Fee
- Licensing Fee
- Medical Form Processing Fee
- Air Brake Knowledge Test
- Medical Examination
Currently, unemployed Albertans have an opportunity to begin careers as a commercial truck driver through the new Driving Back to Work Grant Program. This grant is to help fill the shortage of drivers and strengthen Alberta’s supply chains.
Once an individual is a licensed truck driver, there are further training courses they can take in their field, such as:
- Chaining up
- Air Brake Certification
- Load Securement
- Logbook Hours of Service
Below are some training schools to check out:>
ALBERTA
Edmonton Truck Training
https://edmontontrucktraining.com/
“Our classes are taught by dedicated and experienced educators. Using proven teaching strategies, they make sure that every student finds a path to success. Our instructors have a comprehensive understanding of traffic rules, safe driving principles, and problem-solving abilities. Lessons are communicated in a clear, concise, and understandable manner to ensure students understand what they are being taught.”
Courses Offered:
- Alberta Air Brake Program
- Driver Evaluation or Assessments
- In Vehicle Hourly Refresher
- Mandatory Entry-Level Training (MELT)
*Financing Available
Alberta Truck Training
https://albertatrucktraining.ca/
“ATT & DEI has a wide range of training programs to suit your needs, from the complete beginner or the experienced driver wishing to refresh their skills and the business driver looking for a defensive driver training course, to commercial drivers wishing to drive trucks. We hope to demonstrate our commitment to safety, protecting the environment and giving our students to acquire a focused training.”
Courses Offered:
- Air Brake Certification
- Airbrake Refresher
- Load Securement
- Logbook Hours of Service
- Mandatory Entry-Level Training (MELT) with Air Brake Program
- Road Management (Pre-Trip Inspection)
*Financing Available
Maple Truck Training
https://www.mapletrucktraining.com/
“Maple Truck Training has been teaching Class 1 and 3 truck driver training in Edmonton for 18 years. We are one of Edmonton’s premier truck driving schools. Our instructors are exceptional in providing a student with the type of exposure and training they need to pass any class of license. Safe and secure driving is the core fundamentals of our training courses.”
Courses Offered:
- Class 1 Mandatory Entry-Level Training (MELT)
- Refresher Training
- Air Brake Course
- Load Securement
- Log Books – Hours of Service
- Road Management
- Fatigue Management
Pro-Driving School
“At Pro-Driving School, the focus is on you and your skills, so you have the best chance of getting and doing a great job. We value our students and their safety and provide excellent truck driver training.”
Courses Offered:
- Air Brake
- Mandatory Entry-Level Training (MELT)
- Class 1 Experience and Equivalency Mandatory Entry-Level Training
- Class 1 Brush Up (short brush up, medium brush up, long brush up)
*Financing Available
CCA Truck Driver Training
https://www.ccatruckdrivertraining.com/
“We have been providing the transportation industry with employable Class 1 and Class 3 Drivers since 1981. Some of the best careers can be found in the transportation industry. Local, long haul, oilfield services and more. Our training prepares you for the challenges of whatever you want to pursue.”
Courses Offered:
- Mandatory Entry-Level Training (MELT)
- Class 1 Experience and Equivalency Mandatory Entry-Level Training
- Longer Combination Vehicles (LCV)
- Air Brakes with “Q” Endorsement
- Professional Driver Improvement Courses (PDIC)
- Driver Evaluations
- Chain-Up
- Class 1 Skills Upgrading
Derek Brown’s Academy of Driving
https://www.bestcalgarydrivingschool.com/truck-driving-school/
“We have provided drivers’ training since 1970, Derek Brown’s Academy of Driving has grown from a 1 car driver training school to a true driving academy with an entire fleet of 15 cars and 6 trucks. We are proudly local, through-and-through. Over the past 46 years we have taught generations of Calgarians to safely and skillfully navigate Calgary’s roads and highways. We take the utmost pride in training responsible drivers who not only follow the rules of the road, but also understand them.”
Courses Offered:
- Mandatory Entry-Level Training (MELT)
- Class 1 MELT Brush Up
- Air Brake
- Cargo Securement
- Logbook
- Longer Combination Vehicles
- Professional Driver Improvement Courses (PDIC)
- Defensive Driving and Demerit Reduction
- Super B
Gateway Safety
“Gateway Safety Services Ltd. offers professional Class 1, 2, and 3 truck driver training in our Lethbridge and Taber facilities, which are Alberta Transportation-approved for both testing and training. Our Alberta Transportation-approved instructors have over 65 years of combined driving experience to provide safe, reliable instruction to prepare you for obtaining your truck driving license.”
Courses Offered:
- Air Brakes with “Q” Endorsement
- Mandatory Entry-Level Training (MELT)
- National Safety Code (NSC) Training
- Professional Driver Improvement Courses (PDIC)
- Class 1 Training By-the-Hour
BRITISH COLUMBIA
Valley Driving School
https://www.valleydrivingschool.com/
Locations: Abbotsford, Coquitlum, Surrey, Langley, Chilliwack
“There’s no job like trucking! This exciting world is a huge part of our global economy, and Valley Driving School can help you make your contribution. Our professional and experienced Instructors have the skills to help you feel comfortable and confident while they guide you toward a rewarding trucking career.
As a professional driver you will be exposed to various traffic conditions daily. Valley Driving School takes great pride in helping our students develop and maintain professional driving techniques. The skills you develop with us will allow you to handle driving situations in a safe and confident manner. For over the past 65 years we’ve built a solid reputation for quality training and have helped thousands of satisfied graduates.”
Courses Offered:
- Air Brakes
- Mandatory Entry-Level Training (MELT)
- Class 1 Individual Lessons
- Employment Skills Courses – Practical: Load Securement, Pre-Trips, Chaning-Up
- Employment Skills Courses – Theory: Hours of Service, Rules and Regulations, Backing, Fuel Efficient Driving
The Complete School of Truck Transportation
“Founded in 2000, CSTT Driver Training is the leading driving school in Victoria, BC, providing driving lessons for classes 1 through 4 and air brake endorsement courses. As well, we offer free online practice driving tests for all license classes.
All CSTT’s instructors are ICBC licensed, possess extensive teaching knowledge, and decades of combined experience in the driving industry. All lessons are delivered one-on-one.”
Courses Offered:
- Mandatory Entry-Level Training (MELT)
- Air Brakes
Burnaby Pro Driving School
“Burnaby Pro Driving school was started in 1985 by Paul Hans and remains a local family owned and operated business to this day.”
“Some of Burnaby Pro’s long-time employees who aren’t still with us have gone on to open their own schools. Paul and his family’s hard work has resulted in an excellent reputation in the driver training industry, and thousands of happy, safe driving customers.”
Courses Offered:
- Class 1 Mandatory Entry-Level Training (MELT)
- Air Brakes
- Novice Driver Course
Columbia Driver Training Centre
“Columbia Driver Training Centre is a full-service driving school. The founder Peter Faminofff brings 35 years of instructor experience and the company continues the reputation the owner has set in the industry of the most respected driver training instructors in BC. CDTC has been training clients for over 30 years. We specialize in providing and customized training for all types of cliental. Evaluation and training of drivers for fleets (CP Rail Maintenace Division. Molson Brewers Distribution Centre, Landtran Logistics, City of New West Snow Plow training, RCMP Training for the Command Centre). We are the only school in BC that has back up and resource for clients that English is not their primary language to help them pass the ICBC Knowledge and road tests. CDTC prepares young drivers, truck drivers and people with disabilities to learn to drive with confidence and professionalism.”
Courses Offered:
- Class 1 Extended Career Training
- Class 1 Long Haul Training
- Driving Commercial Vehicles Theory Course
- Defensive Driver Training
- Air Brakes
- Driving Simulators
Okanagan Valley Driving School
https://okdriving.ca/truck-training/
Locations: Kelowna and Vernon
“Okanagan Valley Driving School is an established, Kelowna-based driving school that’s committed to your success as a driver. Our experienced, friendly, knowledgeable trainers have decades of experience training drivers.
Okanagan Valley Driving School is committed to superior driver training programs with the latest industry education. Our main focus is providing students from the Okanagan with professional driving skills and continued equipment safety training.”
Courses Offered:
- Class 1 Mandatory Entry-Level Training (MELT)
- Air Brake Theory
- Truck/Trailer Backing Up Training
- Chain Up Training
