Class 1 Program
Since April 1, 2025, there have been some regulatory updates concerning the Class 1 Program. For your reference, the details of these changes, as well as a program overview, have been provided below.
The program is structured in three stages:
Step 1: Entry Program - $250:
This initial phase includes 40 hours of online training. We will provide assistance in establishing student portals https://driver.training.alberta.ca/ website, and payments are made directly on their website.
Upon completion, a course completion certificate will be issued online, qualifying participants to undertake the Class 1 knowledge test
Step 2: Core Learning Program - $6800:(Including Air Brake) $6550:(Excluding Air Brake)
This core phase comprises a total of 68 hours, including 8 hours of Air Brake, 4 hours of classroom instruction, 13 hours of yard work, and 43 hours of in-cab training. Payments are made directly to our school.
Successful completion of this phase qualifies participants for a road test, administered by Alberta Driver Examination. Passing this test will grant a Class 1 license with a provincial restriction.
Step 3: Competence Program - $2500:
This final phase is required to obtain a Class 1 license without restrictions and involves 17-25 hours of in-cab training. Payments are made directly to our school.
Upon completion, participants will undergo a road test administered by a certified training provider, leading to the issuance of a Class 1 license without restrictions.
Refresher Training:
Additional driver training is available at $120/hour for automatic and $120/hour for manual.
Driver's Test Requirement:
A student must successfully complete the Provincial Class 1 Driver's Exam before they are permitted to take the final road test. This exam may be taken at any Alberta Registry Agent and is available at a cost *$18.00.
Optional Courses (additional fees):
- Dangerous Goods – $120
- Load Securement – $120
- Log Books – Hours of Service – $120
- Road Management – $120
- Fatigue Management – $120
Driver's Medical Exam
Driver's Medical Exam is Required
Written/Knowledge Test
To take your Class 1 or 3 written/knowledge test, you need to study road signs and parking distances in the Basic License Handbook.
You also need to study the Professional Driver's Handbook.
For a Class 1 knowledge test, you must study the Class 1 and Class 2 sections as you will be able to drive a bus with 10 or more passengers. You also need to study the section regarding trailers.
For Class 3, please study the Class 3 section only. You do not have to study trailers or buses, but everything else should be studied.
You can access this information online at https://www.transportation.alberta.ca/531.htm. This test can be taken at any Alberta registry office and is valid for one year from the date on the permit. The cost is approximately $18.00.
If you want to attain an Alberta class 1, class 2, class 3, or class 4 Commercial Operator's Licence, it is required that you first pass the Alberta commercial driver’s licence knowledge test; therefore, it is important to prepare. To upgrade an operator’s licence, you will need to pass a commercial knowledge test, please see www.drivingtest.ca for practice exams and please be sure to click on the Commercial Test and the Alberta link.