This is how a few of our trucking Twitter tweeps (say that five times fast) responded when asked what they like about hauling goods around the province. Many people love trucks and have the drive to explore B.C.’s diverse landscapes while helping the economy move. Do you? If so, here’s how to get started.
Step 1: Be sure you qualify
You fit the bill if you have a Class 5 or 6 driver’s licence, which are the full privilege licences that allow you to drive a standard passenger vehicle or motorcycle. You also must be at least 19 years of age.
Step 2: Hit the books
Knowledge is horsepower. Before getting behind the wheel, you’ll need to fill your head with all kinds of trucking know-how, from heavy vehicle braking to identifying signs, signals and road markings. ICBC publishes Driving Commercial Vehicles, a study guide for current and aspiring professional drivers. Give it a solid read (or two) and have a friend quiz you on the content.
Step 3: Put what you’ve learned to the written test
Drop by your local driver licensing office to spill the knowledge you’ve learned on paper by taking the commercial vehicle knowledge test. No need for an appointment, but you’ll need to arrive an hour before the office closes.
Hopefully you studied hard because you must answer 28 of the 35 multiple choice questions correctly to receive your Learner’s licence. You can also take your air brake knowledge test during the same visit; that way, you pay only one fee and can practise with air brake equipped vehicles. Before writing the air brake knowledge test, you must pass an air brake course or prove that you already have adequate air brake experience.
Step 4: Get behind the wheel and practise, practise, practise
Now that you have your Learner’s licence, you can start building firsthand experience behind the wheel. There is no provincial standard for truck driving training prior to taking the commercial road test, but you will be better prepared for success after taking a truck driving school program. There are many schools in B.C., varying in terms of course length and hours in classroom, in-cab and on the road. Some schools offer mentorship programs, so best to do your research to choose which school is right for you.
Step 5: Put what you’ve learned to the road test
You’ve booked your commercial driver road test at your local driver licensing office and filled out all the paperwork. Now it’s go time. The road test actually includes two tests: the pre-trip inspection test, including air brakes, and the on-road test. During the pre-trip inspection test, you will show how to inspect the vehicle and complete a written report. During the road test, you will demonstrate all the trucking skills you’ve learned – everything from starting/stopping, shifting gears, turning, backing up, parking, merging on highways and coupling/uncoupling a tractor unit from a trailer.
Now that you’ve earned your Class 1 commercial driver’s licence, you’re ready to roll. But you’ve got some decisions to make. For instance, do you want to be a long-haul driver (typically travelling outside a 160 km radius of home terminal) or short-haul driver (travelling inside 160 km radius)? You likely already made some valuable contacts from your truck school days, particularly if you completed a mentorship program.
The road is wide open… is it your time to take the first step?
Hi! I’m holder an AZ Ontario licence commercial license! Can i drive and live and using in BC Vancouver? Thanks
Hello there, Sultan
Thanks for your message. Here’s a link to more information on what is required to operate a commercial vehicle in BC: https://www.icbc.com/driver-licensing/types-licences/Pages/Get-your-commercial-driver-licence.aspx
Hi there. Is there any way for someone that’s colour blind to get help with class 1 tests.
Hi Laurie – great question. Unfortunately, that is more of an ICBC question. Here’s a link to their website: https://www.icbc.com/about-icbc/contact-us/Pages/default.aspx
Hello
Currently I have a N license in BC and I am 28 years old. The reason for that is because I have had to re do my 2 year N period multiple times because I have speeding tickets and driving without license. I will now finally be getting my class 5 in May 2022.
How long is the process from may 2022 going to be to get my full class 1 license?
Keep in mind my dad is also a dump truck driver so I have lots of knowledge but I just need a license to operate the truck
Hi there Andy – thanks for connecting with us here. This sounds like a question for ICBC, as they are responsible for licensing, etc. Here’s their contact info:https://www.icbc.com/driver-licensing/Pages/default.aspx
Hi
I have a class 1 drive license for Turkey. How can I switch to bc drivers license?
Tnx
Hi there Fab – please connect with the folks at ICBC to get a better idea of what you need to do to qualify for BC drivers license. Here’s the link: https://www.icbc.com/driver-licensing/Pages/Default.aspx
Dear Sir/Madam.
My Name is Samer Zinl, Im from Jordan Meddle East, and would like to be a truck driver in BC, i have class 5 driving license issued from Jordan which i can drive less than 20 ton trucks and buses up to 23 passengers.
kindly advice if i can apply for any kind of training in BC to have truck driving license.
this license could help me to find a job offer in BC.
best regards.
Samer Zinl
Hello Samer – thanks for your message. The Insurance Corporation of BC (ICBC) is responsible for licensing commercial truck drivers. We encourage you to visit their website and ask the contacts there for more information: https://www.icbc.com/driver-licensing/types-licences/Pages/Get-your-commercial-driver-licence.aspx
Hope this is helpful.
I got my class A driver license in Qc manual transmission however I can’t get a job, what would I need to do in BC in order to get a job besides transferring my current driver’s license for BC?
Thanks.
Hi there Radou – thanks for your question.
We encourage you to visit the ICBC site and review their content on licensing – specifically for commercial vehicles and out of province transfers. Here’s a link: https://www.icbc.com/driver-licensing/Pages/default.aspx
We hope this is helpful.
Thank you very much! God Bless you!
You are most welcome, Radou. Safe travels.
I am on international visitor visa and my wife is studying in vancouver. Recently, I got my driver’s license exchanged and now I have class 5 driving license. Can I join truck driving school now and get my truck driving license??
Hello Danish – thanks for connecting with us here. Your best bet is to contact ICBC regarding licensing for commercial truck driving. Here’s a link to that: https://www.icbc.com/driver-licensing/types-licences/Pages/Get-your-commercial-driver-licence.aspx
We hope this is helpful. Good luck!
Can you go straight to work with your class 1 after passing the road test, or do you have to get your medical done before you can apply for jobs?
Hi Kailah – thanks for your question. Unfortunately, we can say – and recommend you follow up directly with ICBC or the employer to confirm.
Hi i havebeen holding my class 5 for 1.5yrs and in july i can complete two yrs of eligibility period for commercila license,but i was in at fault accident in april,am i still eligible to get commercial license ,
Good morning Gurveeder – that’s a great question. ICBC will be able to give you more information on that. Please contact them directly with your concerns. Here’s their contact info: https://www.icbc.com/about-icbc/contact-us/Pages/default.aspx
Thanks!
Hi, Im currently holding class 5 getting 2 yrs this end of 2020,Im planning to take my class 1 after,is there any company that willing to sponsor the driving school here in BC (Victoria)?Thank you.
Hi there,
I am sorry, we aren’t able to provide you with this sort of information. We encourage you to connect with the BC Trucking Association for more information.
Hi there, I current have License N Class 7 and i plan on slowly to get Class 1 license and become a trucker one day. How long does it take to qualify for Class 1 license once you get your Class 5 License?
Hi Jaikirat,
Thanks for your question about drivers licences for commercial vehicles. Please contact ICBC with your question, as they handle driver’s licensing. See: https://www.icbc.com/about-icbc/contact-us/Pages/default.aspx
Hi there,
I’ve passed Class 1 knowledge tests and are ready to go to the driving school to learn and practice. I was told that I may be qualified for a federal grant to help pay the high tuition at the driving school. Do you know the name of the financial assistant program?
Thanks,
Good morning Jason,
Here’s a link to a news release outlining some funding options for drivers. https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2018SDPR0046-001140
Hope that this is helpful!
Hi
I’d like to know if a visitor/tourist can get a class 1 license in BC or in any other province in Canada?
Thanks
Hi Sran – great question. ICBC is the best contact for that topic, but we’ve included a link here for more information on this topic at their website. https://www.icbc.com/driver-licensing/types-licences/Pages/Get-your-commercial-driver-licence.aspx
Hi kindly mentor me.this is my dream to be heavy trucking driver.i have class 5 since 2014 I think I am qualified to take exam for this thanks
Hi Michael,
We do not offer commercial trucking mentorship programs at the ministry. I suggest looking into truck driving schools to help prepare for your Class 1. Good luck!
Hi! I like to be a heavy hauler driver. When I got here in Canada last 2008that’s the job that I would like to do. Two things that stop me to pursue it is that I am a woman and I am only 5 feet tall. Would that be a problem? Please encourage me 😊
Hi there Gee,
Here’s a link to more information on what you need to qualify for a commercial drivers licence: https://www.icbc.com/driver-licensing/types-licences/Pages/Get-your-commercial-driver-licence.aspx
HI guys.
Am a new immigrant to Canada from Africa and was a truck driver class 1 for 20 years in my Country.In BC i was told to start afresh from class 5 then to Class 1 ,ICBC .Is there any organizations that can help me funding to achieve my goal or any Transport Companies willing to employe me and offer me help to get a Class 1 licence and will work for the Company .
Hi Muno,
Unfortunately, we don’t keep a record of companies which will pay to train and work. We suggest you reach out to local companies and ask them directly. Good luck!
Hi,
Do u know what to do to get a bus drivers license?
Thank u
Hi Juliet. ICBC has information about bus licences here: https://www.icbc.com/driver-licensing/types-licences/Pages/Licence-classes-and-types.aspx
I would get my class 3 with air, but there is no way to fund it, or get funding. Its almost useless to even try, unless your a woman or a perceived individual with a high victimhood status.
Hello there –
There is a government sponsored program in place to assist new drivers looking for training.
Here’s a link: https://www.tru.ca/trades/continuing-studies/professional-driver-training/heavy_equipment_operator.html
Hi, i moved to the nwt for eight years, i left bc with a class 3 drivers license with air endorsemnet, while there i drove dump trucks etc, and upgraded to a class 2 license, which in the nwt covers all vehicles in classes 5, 4 and 3. so no class 2,3 required. upon returning to bc, i was only given a class 2, which in bc only allows me to drive buses and class 5 vehicles. is there a way to get my class 3 back without taking the learners test, road test etc? This seems unfair as i never “gave up my class 3” as it were, and this affects my livelihood as a commercial driver?
Hi Luke,
Thanks for connecting with us here. Unfortunately, this is a question for ICBC. Here is their contact information. Hope this helps!
http://www.icbc.com/about-icbc/contact-us/Pages/default.aspx
Hello
I am an international worker waiting LMIA outside of Canada, and will do work as a long-haul truck driver. I have almost 3-year truck driving experience in my country but I dont have class 1 license yet. when I arrive there, I think I could try the test to get class 1 license.
Is there a rule that I have to obtain the license in two months after entry of Canada? The employer said that my visa may be canceled otherwise.
Thanks.
Hi Sohi,
Thanks for connecting with us here. You should connect directly with ICBC regarding your current license and how to make sure you can obtain the correct version of that license in BC upon your arrival. Here is their contact information: http://www.icbc.com/driver-licensing/types-licences/Pages/Get-your-commercial-driver-licence.aspx
http://www.icbc.com/about-icbc/contact-us/Pages/default.aspx
We hope that this helps!
Can one eye vision person get class 1 license or not?
Please let me know Asap
Hi Amaan on, I looked at the ICBC website, and it does not say anything about whether having only one eye that works, would stop you from obtaining a Class 1 licence. (see further below). I suggest you phone ICBC and ask them: toll free in B.C., Canada and the U.S.
1-800-663-3051 or Lower Mainland 604-661-2800.
You can also email them your question by filling out this form: https://onlinebusiness.icbc.com/eforms/dotcom/jsp/feedback_customer_relations.jsp
From: http://www.icbc.com/driver-licensing/types-licences/Pages/Get-your-commercial-driver-licence.aspx :
Physical disabilities
If you’re an amputee or have another physical disability that may affect your driving ability, you might need a prosthetic device or specific vehicle modification to help you qualify
Medical conditions
Some medical conditions may prevent you from getting a commercial licence. These include, but are not limited to:
Certain types of epilepsy
Certain psychiatric conditions
Certain neurological conditions
Certain heart conditions
Certain diabetic conditions
Certain sleep disorders
The existence of a medical condition does not necessarily mean you will be ineligible to obtain a commercial licence. It is important that you disclose your conditions during your application process so that an individual determination can be made early in the process. To facilitate this, additional information about any relevant condition that you have may then be provided by your doctor when completing a Drivers Medical Examination Report.
Hi
I am moving to BC from india. Here in india i have license to drive car, motorcycle and tractor.
My questions are
To be a trucker what i have to do ? Which test i will have to take ?
Can i apply directlly for class one test or i will have to clear class 5 test at first .
Or tell me contact no. To make my doubts clear thakns
Hello Harman,
To confirm that your driving experience matches BC requirements, please contact the Insurance Corporation of BC (ICBC). They will be able to tell you exactly what to do. Here is a link to their website with more information on how to prove your driving experience. http://www.icbc.com/driver-licensing/moving-bc/Pages/Proving-your-driving-experience.aspx
Hope that this helps!
Hi
I got a class 1 license and I gave back my class 5 license to ICBC.I did this good or may has anybody 2 license at the time?
Hello,
Just to clarify – are you asking if you can have two licenses at the same time? We suggest you connect directly with ICBC. Here is their contact info: http://www.icbc.com/about-icbc/contact-us/Pages/default.aspx
Hope that this helps!
Hi
I have class 4 license and now want to apply for class 1.Actually i have submitted my verification paper from back country. I want to know that how much time ICBC will take to approve my papers?
It is more than two weeks i have submitted the documnts,,,its very hard to wait so long for a approval.please let me know about the exact time.
Thanks.
Hello Harman,
This is a question best asked to ICBC directly. Here is their contact info: http://www.icbc.com/about-icbc/contact-us/Pages/default.aspx
Hey Guys, I Just got my Class 1 license and i went through a school. now I’m looking for a job and it seems hard to get one without exp. What should I do?
Hi Franz,
We suggest connecting with the school you went to for opportunities as well as the BC Trucking Association to start. Hope that this helps!
ICBC is a farce.
I went for my class 4 road test, have driven taxi, tow truck and moving trucks from coast to coast, no accidents in 30 years.
Yesterday i got an examiner that appeared to be around 20-25 years old maximum.
EVERY single time i did my shoulder check SHE did the check herself and at the end told my i had missed most of my shoulder checks…wow!
I did a complete circle of the engine, and being a back yard mechanic (rebuilt many cars and trucks) i told her then engine and all hoses were fine and also i checked the dipsticks and steering / brake fluid.
I told her the tires were brand new and also did a inspection on them.
I have grown accustomed to what i call a ‘featherstop’ or in other words what they consider a rolling stop. The vehicle in my driving comes to a complete stop cant move cause the brake is applied fully yet you don’t feel it because of ‘no jerking’ This is practiced since as a cab driver we would deal with many seniors that need a soft ride.
I checked all the interior gauges and told her all was fine.
During the whole trip i made sure not to go over 50-54 in a 50 zone, hard sometimes when coasting when you are on a main drag steep hill and tonnes of traffic behind you.
She failed me because of the no shoulder checks, no tire checks, no explanation of the vehicle examining i did. Plus other things.
Good scam ICBC has to rake in 40 bucks a crack.
Hi Glen,
Sorry to hear your frustration. We suggest you contact ICBC directly: http://www.icbc.com/about-icbc/contact-us/Pages/Raising-your-complaints.aspx
Hope that this helps. Thanks for connecting with us here.
There is currently a program running for women that are wanting to get into the trucking industry. (Get your class 1) If you quality the YWCA will pay for it. Call the YWCA in Vancouver on Hornby St. for more information. The classes are starting now and maybe later. They will be sending you to a truck driving school. Good luck.
For Class 3 licence – at what GVW of vehicle do you need to bump up to Class 3
Good question Dave,
We have sent your question to the CVSE – stay tuned!
Having driven single axle 7ton moving van in just about every Canadian jurisdiction and most. west US states, I had multiple run ins with local authorities questioning me on this. Due to license reciprocity, I can state this: BC has NO GVW restrictions on your class 5 license. As long as you are single rear axle, you can operate any GVW vehicle. As soon as you go tandem/tridem rears, you need class 3. I ran a moving van single rear with a non air brake trailer (under 4600kg) on a class 5., which would have needed either class 1/A or at least a D license in several other jurisdictions.
Hi, I’m thinking of entering into the trucking industry.
Does it matter what age to start.Are there trucking companies that hire and train you? I can’t afford the course.
Hi Amy,
We are glad to hear you are considering a career as a professional driver.
Here is a link for EI funded programs for you: http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/ei/information/training.shtml
And here is a link to the BC Jobs Plan: http://engage.gov.bc.ca/bcjobsplan/files/2014/09/skills_training_plan.pdf
Hope that this helps!
Hi . I am doing my class 1 and already pass the knowledge test and pretrip knowledge test at once but I stuck in road test this time would be my third time .I am having some difficulty down shifting and sometimes missing gear don’t know on which speed which gear is needed .any tip you can suggest me . thank you Tony
Hi Tony,
Have you thought about lessons? They may be able to help you with that with a hands on approach.
Hi , I definitely need more practice . I am gonna keep practicing until i get ready for the road test . wish me a luck . and thank you for your quick response . tony
Do you need ilet test to renew your class 1 license
Thanks for the question. To confirm, do you mean an IELT (international English language test)?
Hi, I know that in BC and some other places, women are getting their trades payed for by the government if they choose to do that. Is there any sort of thing like that for women who are looking to get their commercial driver’s license and drive truck?
Hi Teagan,
You might want to look into the Jobs Based Training Program, connect with the BCTA or check out BCITA (http://www.itabc.ca/women-trades/programs and https://www2.viu.ca/pdt/courses/esa.asp). Hope these help!
Hi I was wonderig if there is a way to get funding to help with the costs of the course
Hi Dylan,
We encourage you to connect with the BC Trucking Association to see if they are aware of any programs supporting the development of new drivers. Hope that this helps.
I was wondering if my truck license from ontario (AZ)
Would be valid (fully transferable) in BC.
Or would I need to re- do some training?
Thank you.
Hi Dimitri,
ICBC has a webpage about exactly this topic: http://www.icbc.com/driver-licensing/moving-bc/Pages/Moving-from-within-Canada.aspx
Hope it helps!
My question.
Can a B.C resident obtain a class one with air brakes in Alberta?
Hi Effie. According to Service Alberta, you must be a resident of Alberta to be qualified to attain any driver’s licence:
https://www.servicealberta.ca/Drivers_Licence.cfm#Basic_Qualifications
I need your help with air brake knowledge test online thank
Hi Tran,
If you have a specific question around BC regulations, we can certainly help. But if you’re asking us to help you with a test, I don’t know if your teacher or our parents would approve.
Hi,
Can anyone tell me what is a good school to go to for truck class 1 licence. I am new to the field so im not sure what school is best. I live in bc. Also is there a way to get funding for the program for whichever school I go to from the government or from a private partner that I can get a loan from.
Hi Manny,
We can’t recommend one school over the other, but you could connect with ICBC for more information or search for schools that are highly recommended online. You could also connect with the BC Trucking Association for more information on programs and/or funding which support the development of new drivers. Hope that this helps!
oh yeah… moving back to bc … need funding in BC
any funding for class one if your on EI and if not why not I ask the government ? I find you can get funding if your not on ei… who the hell can afford it on ei ?
Hi Dale,
Hope Alberta is treating you well these days. Here is a link for EI funded programs for you: http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/ei/information/training.shtml And here is a link to the BC Jobs Plan: http://engage.gov.bc.ca/bcjobsplan/files/2014/09/skills_training_plan.pdf
Hope that this helps!
Hello,
I have a question hopefully you have answers to. If you’re a Permanent Residence and a trucker crossing US border, what document should you have?
How is your residence calculated for applying for Canadian citizenship if almost half the time you are not physically in Canada and going back and force US?
Thank you
Hi James,
Canada Border Services Agency is your best bet for answers on this topic. Here is their contact info: http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/menu-eng.html
Thanks!
Hi,
I need info about class1 liencence.
Actually I hAve already class 7 and class 5 liencence..so when can I get class1 liencence…I meaneed how long time
Hi Mandip,
You will find more information about what you need to do to qualify for your class 1 license here: http://www.icbc.com/driver-licensing/types-licences/Pages/Get-your-commercial-driver-licence.aspx
How difficult is it to find a truck driving job when you have the license. I have heard it is very difficult and there are many people for each vacancy.
Hi Jim,
You might want to connect with the BC Trucking Association. They’d be more knowledgeable about the current hiring climate for prospective truckers.
To get a job as a trucker with NO exp is not easy. If I was to hire you, you would go through a training program all over again. What you learn in school and what is required of ICBC to get a class 1 is pretty much 10% of what is required to to the real job. We do flat bed long haul with some oversize loads and in school you learn very little to NOTHING in regard to loading. US reg and even Canadian regulation what you can and can’t do on the road. Nothing about duty hours, log books B/L chaining up, if you truck start sliding at 140000 LBS your course of action is totally dif then a car. Every new candidate I have tested have not learned anything about all the legal requirements. This is of course not your fault but ICBC that set a very low standard in order to get a class 1.
BC’s testing requirements represent current best practices in Canada, with the knowledge and road test assessing some of the necessary industry vocational skills concerning logbooks, pre-trip inspection reports, load securement and fuel efficiency. However, there are limitations in what can be reasonably assessed during the ICBC road test. While it is not possible for ICBC to assess all of the vocational skills and industry qualifications Class 1 drivers need, ICBC does strive to ensure that drivers meet basic driving skills and road safety ability.
We agree that classroom knowledge and the ICBC road test are a foundation of a professional Class 1 driver’s skill development and we recognize the value of on-the-job training and experience to understand and apply industry regulations, appropriate load securement in various trailering scenarios and Class 1 vehicle handling in emergency situations. These are all important components to becoming a competent professional driver and are best accomplished with a combination of schooling and industry training and experience, in addition to the ICBC road test.
ICBC – In the statement above you quote BC’s testing requirements represent current best practices in Canada. I am currently looking into testing requirements throughout Canada. Could you please send me the link or links where I can get data and information you have on BC’s being the current best practices in testing requirements. Any data on BC’s testing requirements being the best practice in Canada would be greatly appreciated. Thank You Randy.
Hi Randy,
Thanks for connecting with us. We have shared your comment forward with ICBC. Stay tuned.
Its no secret that icbc makes millions off accidents, basic training for a 25 ton + vehicle license is absurd. I know that a push for an apprenticeship program (during licensing) from the industry end is in the works. However, I also heard that ICBC is considering a 28hr class 1 program. Crazy! They have class 1 examiners out there without a class 1 licence telling drivers to speed up and slam it in gear etc to keep up with flow. (with a loaded trailer lol) There are driving schools with instructors who have little experience. (non industry people who just have a licence and think they are fit to train) The problem is that we have a company (ICBC) setting min standards, but it is them who stand to gain off the accidents that are caused by these standards. A smart novice would research driving school credentials and after completion, seek more training on a wide variety of trucks in the industry. Nobody is going to learn on 1 truck. There is a dozen different trucks in the logging business alone. Another viewpoint is that after you pass your road test with a semi trailer you are now fully qualified to get in a Truck with a loaded 53′ lowbed. Good luck in the first corner. There is no defending the low standards in both the experience level in the trainers and examiners, but in the programs themselves.
Hi Sam,
Thanks for connecting with us here. We have shared your concerns forward on your behalf.
you pissed ICBC off hahaha
Um Duhh… it’s not hard to piss off ICBC.