Driver and Operator Training
Driver Training Operator Training
Start your journey in the transportation industry with professional driver training programs designed to get you on the road to success! Keyano College offers Class 1 Learning Pathway, Class 3, and Air Brakes “Q” Endorsement designed to train and certify individuals in the most up-to-date and accredited information.
| Air Brakes "Q" Endorsement (CEAIRQ 100) | ||||||||||||||||
| 12 hours, $395 + GST
Class 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 drivers must complete an approved air brake course to get a Q endorsement on their driver’s licence to operate a vehicle equipped with air brakes. To get a Class 1 driver’s licence, you must first complete the air brake endorsement. Air brakes work by initiating air pressure at an engine-driven compressor and transmitting the pressure through hoses, reservoirs and control valves to the vehicle’s foundation brakes.
Step 1: Complete classroom training You must participate in a classroom training session delivered by a licensed driver training school. The classroom session is a minimum of 6.5 hours. Students will be provided a copy of the Air Brake Manual: A Guide for Students as a reference and study guide.
Step 2: Complete practical training Once the classroom training is complete, you must participate in the practical training session. The session includes a 15-minute instructor demonstration followed by each student practising the air brake pre-trip inspection twice.
Step 3: Pass practical assessment The practical assessment is conducted in a one-on-one setting using the Air Brake Practical Test form and must be completed within the 15-minute time limit. Only one practical re-assessment is allowed before additional training is required. The re-assessment must be conducted on a different day. The licensed driver training school and the student will determine additional training requirements. Once you pass the practical assessment, you will be issued a Notice of Air Brake Program Completion form.
Step 4: Pass knowledge test Bring the Notice of Air Brake Program Completion forms to any Alberta registry agent to take the driver knowledge test. A government fee and a service charge will apply. If you pass the knowledge test, the registry agent will add the Q endorsement to your driver’s licence after payment of the License Transfer Fee.
Requirement:
PPE: Steel-toe boots, Hard hat, Reflective vest, Safety glasses.
Important Notes:
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The “Q” endorsement will only be applied to a valid Alberta Driver’s
licence.
For more information about the Air Brake Program, please visit Air Brake Program | Alberta.ca
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| Class 3 Driver Training | ||||||||||||||||
| 30 hours, $3,199 + GST
A Class 3 licence in Alberta is a professional operator's licence that allows you to operate certain commercial vehicles, plus any motor vehicle a Class 5 licence allows.
With a Class 3 licence in Alberta, you can drive:
You cannot drive a vehicle that:
Requirements:
PPE: Steel-toe boots, Hard hat, Reflective vest, Safety glasses.
Note:
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| Class 1 Driver Training | ||||||||||||||||
| Alberta is leading the way in Class 1 driver training and licensing with the new Class 1 Learning Pathway for commercial truck drivers. Effective April 1, 2025, the Class 1 Learning Pathway replaced the Class 1 program. The new pathway offers a flexible approach to support new drivers in their ongoing career development. If you are a new driver seeking a Class 1 Operator’s licence, you need to complete the Entry Program and Core. Learning Program to obtain a provincial restricted driver’s licence. Note: If you already started MELT training, you have until October 1, 2025, to complete it.
Tier 1: Entry Program
Tier 2: Core Learning Program
Tier 3: Competence Building Program
Course Breakdown:
Requirements:
PPE:
Important Notes:
Course Fees Breakdown:
• Learning Pathway Online
Entry Program:
$250
*Please note that Keyano is currently not offering any learner support for this portion of the program. *Learners are required to complete the online training before beginning the in-truck/in-yard practical portion.
For more information about the Class 1 Learning pathway, please visit Class 1 Learning Pathway | Alberta.ca
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Driver Training FAQs
What is the difference between Class 3 and Class 1 Driver Training?
A Class 1 licence let you drive your standard big rig, a truck with a large trailer attached to it, air brakes and all. You can also drive almost any other type of vehicle including buses.
A Class 3 is for single vehicles with 3 axles, like a dump truck or large fixed box truck without a trailer. These can sometimes be referred to as tandem trucks. They typically have one axle in the front and two in the rear. This means you could drive the cab of a transport truck which is sometimes referred to as bobtailing.
If the truck itself is equipped with air brakes, you will need a Q endorsement on your Class 3 licence. You can pull a trailer provided it doesn’t require air brakes by law. This where you would need your Class 1 licence.
Do I need to have experience before enrolling in these programs?
No prior experience is required for most programs, though certain requirements must be met. For example, a valid Class 5 licence is required before taking the Class 3 or Class 1 programs.
Is there any financial assistance for these courses?
The Industry Advancement Grant provides funding to organizations for initiatives that enhance Class 1 and 3 driver recruitment, training and retention in Alberta’s commercial transportation industry. It supports project-based efforts to attract new talent, increase industry awareness, and create sustainable partnerships.
The Employment Pathway Grant provides funding to employers in the commercial transportation industry to invest in their workforce and secure training for new drivers.
This program aims to enhance workforce participation, improve retention, and support professional development for Class 1 drivers. Eligible employers can apply for funding to be reimbursed for costs associated with hiring and training Class 1 drivers.
Operator Training
We offer training programs for those looking to become haul truck operators, or Heavy Equipment Operators.
Haul Truck Operator Heavy Equipment Operator
Haul Truck Operator
Our four-week Haul Truck Operator course provides you with the essential skills needed to safely operate a haul truck according to manufacturers' recommendations and industry standards.
The course is made up of theory, computer based training and practical simulations. By successfully completing the course, you will be prepared for entry level haul truck operator positions in the region.
Heavy Equipment Operator
We offer an 8-week Heavy Equipment Operator course is designed for students seeking entry level positions in the heavy equipment operator field. Students are provided with training required in the basic and safe operation of heavy equipment. Student’s complete computer-based training modules in combination with simulators for practical application; this enables students to safely train in a controlled environment and receive complete, consistent, and objective feedback on their performance.
In addition, there will be equal time for hands on in-field training on the equipment within the program. Students will have the opportunity to focus their skills on various pieces of equipment including wheeled loader, dozer, grader, excavator and articulating truck.