Class 1 Commercial Truck Driver Training

• 18 years of age 
• Current Class 5 driver's license, no GDL restrictions 
• Physically fit - driver's medical completed by a physician 

You must:

• be at least 18 years of age 
• hold any class of Alberta non-probationary driver’s license (Graduated Driver’s Licensing Program drivers are not eligible for a Class 1 driver’s license) 
• have an approved Alberta driver’s medical examination report completed by a physician and approved by a registry agent or Alberta Transportation’s Driver Fitness and Monitoring before taking the Core Learning Program (this will ensure you are medically eligible for a Class 1 license prior to investing in training)
• have successfully completed the Core Learning Program 
• have successfully completed the Air Brake Program (Q Endorsement), if applicable 
• have passed the road test. 

**To confirm you are medically eligible to apply for a Class 1 license, it is recommended you complete a medical assessment through a physician before participating in the Class 1 Learning Pathway. Medical forms are available from an Alberta registry agent or an Alberta physician. Medical forms can only be approved by a registry agent or by Alberta Transportation’s Driver Fitness and Monitoring. 

The Entry Program provides aspiring Class 1 drivers with a comprehensive introduction to a career in commercial driving, emphasizing the development of essential foundational knowledge and professional attitudes for long-term success. This 40-hour program is designed for flexibility, offering a self-paced, online learning experience that incorporates interactive activities, engaging videos, and thorough assessments.

Class: 40 hours
In-yard: 0 hours
In-cab: 0 hours
Total: 40 hours

The Entry Program is self-led online learning program through a Learning Management System (LMS) administered by Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors (TEC).

The program is structured into eight modules, each featuring knowledge-based lessons. After completing each module, learners will take an online quiz with 10 or more questions, and the program concludes with a final assessment consisting of 30 questions. A score of 80% is required to pass all quizzes and the final assessment.

Upon successful completion, participants will receive a course completion certificate and will be eligible to advance to the Core Learning program. Additionally, they will gain the ability to attempt the Class 1 knowledge test.

Once a driver completes the Entry Program, their results are valid for up to twelve months, by the end of which they must have completed the Core Learning program and passed the Class 1 knowledge and road test.

Outcome:

• Course completion certificate
• Advance to Core Learning Program
• Ability to attempt Class 1 Knowledge test

To register for the Entry Program and gain access to the modules, please see Class 1 Learning Pathway on the Government of Alberta website.

Northern Lakes College offers Entry Program Support for participants enrolled in the Entry Program. You can choose to come to the Slave Lake Campus to meet with the driving instructor for further clarification, guidance, or assistance with any aspects of the Entry Program you may need additional support with. Alternatively, you can connect online via video call or phone at a specified time for the same level of support.

Admission Requirements: Currently enrolled in the Entry Program

Cost: $500

The Core Learning program provides new drivers with essential practical skills for operating a commercial vehicle in Alberta. This intensive 60-hour course, offered by licensed driver training schools, combines classroom instruction with in-yard and in-cab training.

Class: 4 hours
In-yard: 13 hours
In-cab: 43 hours
TOTAL: 60 hours

Upon completion of the Core Learning program, learners are eligible to take the Class 1 road test. Successful candidates will receive their Class 1 operator’s licence with provincial restriction. They can either start their careers as Class 1 commercial drivers in Alberta or continue with the Competence Building program to obtain a license without provincial restrictions.

The Core Learning program's final assessment includes the Class 1 road test (and the knowledge test from the Government of Alberta, if not yet passed). Administered by a certified examiner from the Government of Alberta, the road test grants a Class 1 operator’s license with a provincial restriction. Learners must present a course completion certificate before taking the road test.

Knowledge test (Government of Alberta): The knowledge test is a 30-question multiple-choice exam that can be taken before, during, or after the Core Learning program. Failing twice in a row results in a 7-day waiting period, during which learners can review Entry Program lessons or seek additional training.

Road test: Competencies in a commercial vehicle are assessed under the existing Driver Examination Checklist. Three consecutive failures will require the driver to take additional training in the deficient areas identified by the driver examiner.

Outcome:

• Class 1 operator’s licence with provincial restriction
• Option to begin working within Alberta or advance to the Competence Building program

Admission Requirements: Successful completion of the Entry Program

Cost: $6800

Important Fee Information: 

1. Students are required to pay additional fees when acquiring a road test permit fee (additional fee for Government examiner)
2. Students are required to pay additional fees for all Knowledge tests (Class 1 and Air Brake Q Endorsement)
3. Additional fee: NLC Truck usage for road test $275 per attempt
4. Additional Services: a fee of $275/two additional instructional driving hours, if required.

The Air Brakes Q Endorsement course includes a classroom session and then practical training. Class 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 drivers must complete an approved air brake course to get a Q Endorsement on their driver’s license to operate a vehicle equipped with air brakes. 

Note: This course is not the complete Class 1 Learning Pathway. However, proof of successful completion of Air Brakes Q Endorsement course and Class 1 Learning Pathway Training are required when booking your road test.

Admission Requirements

• 18 years of age 
• Current Class 5 (or higher) driver's license

Cost: $275

Important Fee Information: Students are required to pay additional fees for all Knowledge tests (Class 1 and Air Brake Q Endorsement).

You must complete the Competence Building Program.

The Competence Building program offers tailored training based on each driver's road test results, providing focused instruction to improve specific skill areas.

Class: 0 hours
In-yard: 3 hours
In-cab: 14-22 hours
Total: 17-25 hours

After completing the Core Learning program and obtaining a Class 1 license with a provincial restriction, drivers can enter the Competence Building program. Completing it grants a course certificate and removes the restriction. Those who start working with a restricted license can pursue this program later, ensuring access to an unrestricted Class 1 license and enhanced qualifications.

The Competence Building program consists of content from five out of the eight modules of the Class 1 driver learning pathway.

The Competence Building program includes 10-question written and verbal tests for Modules 1, 2, 5, and 7. For Module 4, passing requires instructor certification of competence in all Driver Examination Checklist areas.

Outcome:

• Removal of the provincial restriction on Class 1 operator’s licence

Admission Requirements: Class 1 operator’s licence (with provincial restriction) or Class 1 operator’s licence (with Farm restriction with at least 12 months of experience).

Cost: $2500