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
Effective July 1, 2026: Tuition fee will be $495 + GST
Training Schedule
- August 27-28, 2026 (Thursday and Friday)
- September 17-18, 2026 (Thursday and Friday)
- October 28-29, 2026 (Tuesday and Wednesday)
- November 17-18, 2026 (Tuesday and Wednesday)
Please Note:
- Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Training sessions are subject to change without prior notice
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 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
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 (plus $200 truck rental fee, if applicable)
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:
- September 22-24, 2026
- September 25 & 28-29, 2026
- October 20-22, 2026
- October 23-27, 2026
- November 20 & 23-24, 2026
- November 25-27, 2026
- December 15-17, 2026
Please Note:
- Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Training sessions are subject to change without prior notice.
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.
*Refer to the Commercial Driver's Guide for review. - 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.
Road Test: Road test schedules are set by the Alberta government. Completion of the course does not guarantee immediate road test availability.
Truck Rental ($200 + GST): Keyano College offers truck rentals (up to 2 hours for the road test) exclusively to its trained students. To use a college truck, this fee must be paid in addition to your tuition. If you use your own truck, no rental fee applies.
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 from an 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.
PPE Required: Steel-toe boots (CSA approved), reflective vest, and gloves.
Class 1 Driver Training
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.
Tier 1: Entry Program
40 Hours Online & Self-paced | $250
The Entry Program introduces the core concepts and foundational knowledge required to become a professional Class 1 driver.
- Introduction to foundational commercial driving knowledge
- Prepares students to write the Class 1 knowledge test
Sign up directly through Alberta Driver Training to begin the Entry Program.
Please Note:
- Keyano College does not currently provide instructor support for this course.
- After completing the course and passing the knowledge test, you may apply for Tier 2: Core Learning Program (in-yard and in-cab practical training).
Tier 2: Core Learning Program
67 Hours In-Yard & In-Cab | $8,300 + GST (plus $200 truck rental fee, if applicable)
Pre-requisite: Successful completion of Tier 1: Entry Program
Application Fee: $54 (non-refundable)
After successfully completing Tier 1, move into practical training:
- Includes yard work and behind-the-wheel training
- Builds real-world competence
- After successful completion, students earn a provincially restricted Class 1 licence (valid only in Alberta)
Admission Requirements:
- Minimum 18 years of age
- Valid Alberta Class 5 Driver’s Licence (non-GDL)
- Driver’s Abstract dated within the last 3 months, with no more than two driving convictions and no suspensions within the past three years
- Air Brakes Q Endorsement
- Class 1 Knowledge Test (Complete the Tier 1: Entry Program to obtain this)
- 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
Training Schedule:
- The program will be delivered over two weeks, scheduled Monday through Friday.
- Training will run for six hours per day, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Upcoming sessions:
- August 12-26, 2026
- September 1-16, 2026
- October 2-19, 2026
- November 2-16, 2026
- November 30 - December 14, 2026
Please Note:
- Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Training sessions are subject to change without prior notice.
Road Test:
Road test schedules are set by the Alberta government. Completion of the course does not guarantee immediate road test availability.
Truck Rental ($200 + GST):
Keyano College offers truck rentals (up to 2 hours for the road test) exclusively to its trained students. To use a college truck, this fee must be paid in addition to your tuition. If you use your own truck, no rental fee applies.
Tier 3: Competence Building Program (Coming Soon)
17–25 Hours One-on-One | $2,499
Personalized training designed to refine specific skills:
- Begins with a driving assessment
- Tailored one-on-one instruction to address improvement areas
- Once all competencies are demonstrated, the Alberta-only restriction is removed, and you’ll receive a full Class 1 licence valid across Canada
Experience and Equivalency Stream (Coming Soon)
$4,000
Have prior experience or training? You may be eligible for the Experience and Equivalency route. Contact us to learn more.
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.