Air brake courses

To operate a vehicle equipped with air brakes on a highway (public road), you need a B.C. driver's licence with an air brake endorsement.

How to get an air brake endorsement

To get an “on-highway” air brake endorsement, you must

• be 16 or older
• complete an air-brake training course
• pass a knowledge test, and 
• pass a pre-trip inspection test.

Note: In some cases, drivers with a lot of air brake experience may not have to take an air brake course.

Getting an air brake endorsement »

Air brake courses

Two types of air brake courses are available in B.C.: driver-certification and standard.

Driver-certification air brake course

A certification course includes

• 16 hours of classroom theory, plus
• four hours of training on pre-trip air brake inspections.

If you pass this course, you may not have to take the ICBC pre-trip inspection test.

Standard air brake course

A standard course includes 16 hours of classroom theory on air brake systems.

Training locations

Air brake courses are offered by

• driving schools
• community colleges, and 
• companies that train their own employees.

Find a driving school —lists licensed schools offering air brake courses.

Before signing up…

We recommend asking the school to provide you with

• a written copy of its statement of services and its policy statement. These documents explain details like
  • hours and type of training
  • fees
  • refunds, etc.
• a receipt as proof of payment, and 
• a permission form (if the school books road test appointments).

Fraud prevention tip

When you're issued a driver's licence, ICBC assigns you a security keyword (for example, your mother’s maiden name). Don't share your keyword with a driving school or anyone else (except ICBC staff).