A Message from Stampede Driving School
Being a professional driver involves more than just driving a different type of vehicle. It means taking pride in your work and being recognized as a professional driver.
As a professional driver you must always make sure you are mentally and physically fit to drive, your vehicle is well maintained and is in good working condition, and you drive within the law.
Always drive defensively. Be patient and tolerant of other drivers. Protect yourself, the vehicle, the passengers and the cargo. The more you can anticipate and avoid dangerous situations, the less likely you will be in a collision. Being involved in a collision may result in loss of income, job, health and possibly a life.
REMEMBER THAT ROAD SAFETY IS EVERYONE’S BUSINESS.
General Information for Class 1:
- The minimum learning or licensing age for these classes is 18 years. To learn to drive a professional class vehicle, you must have at least a Class 5 or a Class 5 Graduated Driver Licensing Program (GDL) operator’s license. You may apply for any professional class of operator’s license if you are a probationary driver under the Graduated Driver Licensing Program.
- You do not need an air brake endorsement when learning to operate a vehicle that is equipped with air brakes.
- A medical report is required to upgrade to a Class 1.
- A 10-day waiting period is required for all non-GDL Class 5, 5-6 and 6 new applicants from other Canadian jurisdictions who want to re-class to licence Classes 1 to 4. This waiting period is required for Alberta to confirm the applicant’s licence information.
Knowledge Test:
To upgrade an operator’s licence, you will need to pass a knowledge test for the class of licence for which you are applying.
Vision Screening:
A vision screening is required before upgrading your Alberta operator’s licence. If you do not meet the minimum vision standards, you will be referred to an eye specialist. If you have corrective glasses or contact lenses, bring them to the vision screening.
Road Test:
If you are applying for a commercial licence in Class 1, you will be required to conduct a pre-trip inspection in addition to the road test. You must communicate and demonstrate to the driver examiner:
- a pre-trip inspection of the vehicle
- the appropriate uncouple/couple procedures for Class 1 vehicles
- an in-cab inspection of the vehicle’s air brake system for units equipped with air brakes
Class 1:
For a road test, you must provide a tractor-trailer combination with three or more axles, and the trailer must be equipped with a pure air brake system to its foundation brakes. You must show proof of your air brake “Q” endorsement or a course completion certificate from an approved air brake delivery agent. This includes drivers of farm vehicles registered as tractor-trailers.
The examiner must see your road test permit. Permits can be purchased from most Registry Agents or licensed driver examiners.
A Class 1 licence may not be obtained without the driver first having qualified for an air brake endorsement. The actual “Q” endorsement does not appear on the Class 1 licence. However, it must appear on licences for other classes that require the operation of air brake equipped vehicles.
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