A Class 1 licence allows you to drive transport trucks with large trailers and other commercial vehicles, including those that require air brakes. A Class 3 licence is typically for single vehicles with three or more axles, such as dump trucks or bobtail trucks, with limited towing options.
Driver Training
Start your career in commercial driving with Keyano College’s Driver Training Program. Whether you're looking to upgrade your licence or begin your journey in the transportation industry, we offer comprehensive training for Class 1, Class 3, and Air Brakes "Q" Endorsement. Our programs are aligned with Alberta’s current licensing requirements and delivered by experienced instructors committed to your success.
Air Brakes "Q" Endorsement
This endorsement is mandatory for drivers operating vehicles equipped with air brakes. It is also a prerequisite for obtaining a Class 1 license.
Duration: 12 hours
Tuition: $395 + GST
Intake dates
- Sep 13 - 14, 2025
- Oct 18 - 19, 2025
- Nov 15 - 16, 2025
- Dec 13 - 14, 2025
- Jan 17 - 18, 2026
- Feb 7 - 8, 2026
- Mar 14 - 15, 2026
- Apr 11 - 12, 2026
- May 9 - 10, 2026
- June 13 - 14, 2026
Training Breakdown
- Classroom Training (6.5 hours): Covers air brake system components, safety protocols, and manual-based instruction.
- Practical Training: Includes instructor-led demonstrations and student practice of the air brake pre-trip inspection.
- Practical Assessment: One-on-one evaluation with one opportunity for re-assessment on a different day.
- Knowledge Test: Administered at an Alberta Registry. Once passed, the "Q" endorsement is added to your licence.
Admission Requirements
- Valid Class 5 Canadian Driver’s Licence
- English proficiency (minimums: CLB 6, IELTS 6.5, TOEFL iBT 59, Duolingo 85, etc.)
PPE Required: Steel-toe boots (Canadian Standards Association (CSA) approved), hard hat, reflective vest, safety glasses.
Please call +1-780-791-4801 for registration.
Class 3 Driver Training
A Class 3 license allows operation of single motor commercial vehicles (via Alberta.ca) with 3 or more axles and certain towing configurations.
Duration: up to 18 hours
Tuition: $3,199 + GST (Truck rental for the road test is not included)
Application Fee: $54 (non-refundable)
Note: Class 3 vehicles are available with both manual and automatic transmissions.
Training Schedule
- The program will be delivered over three consecutive days, scheduled Monday through Friday.
- In-cab/Practical Training will run for six hours per day, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Upcoming sessions:
- February 23-25, 2026
- March 2-4, 2026
- March 5,6, 9, 2026
- March 10-12, 2026
- March 13, 16, 17, 2026
- March 18-20, 2026
- March 23-25, 2026
Note: Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Training Breakdown
- Participants must hold a valid Air Brakes Q Endorsement prior to attending the program.
- Complete the Class 3 knowledge test at an Alberta Registry prior to attending the program.
- Complete Online Learning Module through Keyano College LMS (Moodle).
- Attend in-cab/practical training (18 hours).
* If you need more time, you may purchase additional training hours. - Obtain a Class 3 Road Test Permit from an Alberta Registry and complete the Road Test.
Truck Rental: Keyano College offers truck rentals exclusively to students trained through its programs, with the rental covering up to two hours for the road test.
Admission Requirements
- Valid Class 5 (non-GDL) Driver’s Licence
- Air Brakes Q Endorsement
- Driver’s Abstract (from the past three months) with no more than two driving convictions and no suspensions in the last three years
- Class 3 Knowledge Test (Alberta Registry)
- English Language Proficiency (ELP): Meet at least one of the following requirements
- CLBPT - minimum score of 6
- CAEL - minimum score of 60
- IELTS - minimum score of 6.5 (min. 5.5 per band)
- TOEFL iBT - minimum score of 71 (min. 17 per section)
- Duolingo - minimum score of 95
- PTE (academic) - minimum score of 50
*Please refer to the Credit Calendar for additional ELP options.
Class 1 Driver Training
Program suspended until further notice
Alberta's Class 1 Learning Pathway (via Alberta.ca) provides flexible, phased training for aspiring commercial truck drivers. As of April 1, 2025, it replaces the MELT program.
Program Tiers:
Tier 2: Core Learning Program
- 60 hours of yard and in-cab training
- 8-hour air brake course required (if not already endorsed)
- Qualifies students to write road test for Alberta-restricted Class 1 licence
Tier 3: Competence Building Program
- 17–25 hours of personalized driving instruction
- Focused on building competency based on in-road assessments
- Graduates become eligible for interprovincial Class 1 licence
Course Fees
- Entry Program: $250
- In-cab/Yard Training (15 x 4-hr blocks): $6,799
- Competence Building: $2,499
- Experience & Equivalency Pathway: $4,000
Admission Requirements
- Minimum age: 18
- Valid Class 5 Alberta Driver’s Licence
- Medical fitness approval recommended
- Air Brake "Q" Endorsement
- English proficiency (minimums as listed above)
Training Flexibility
- In-cab instruction available in 4-hour blocks
- Accommodations made for shift workers and personal schedules
PPE Required: Steel-toe boots (Canadian Standards Association (CSA) approved), hard hat, reflective vest, safety glasses
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between Class 1 and Class 3 licences?
Do I need experience before enrolling?
No experience is required, though some programs have prerequisites like a valid Class 5 licence or a Q endorsement.
Is financial assistance available?
Yes. Programs such as the Industry Advancement Grant and Employment Pathway Grant may be available for qualified applicants or their employers.
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.
Ready to Get Started?
Secure your seat and start your journey towards a high-demand career through our Driver Training Program.
For more information, contact driver@keyano.ca or call +1-780-792-5618.