Getting an off-highway industrial air brake endorsement in B.C.

To get an off-highway (industrial) air brake endorsement, you must be:

• 18 for single unit vehicles, or
• 19 for combination vehicles.

You need to be endorsed by a company that operates on industrial roads; that company must confirm that it has your medical on file; after a training period of not more than 30 days, the company may write a proficiency letter on your behalf.

Very few drivers require an industrial air brake endorsement. You need an industrial endorsement only if you will be operating unlicensed vehicles that are equipped with air brakes and used to transport natural resources on industrial roads.

You do not need an industrial air brake endorsement to operate skidders, loaders, graders or yarders on industrial roads. Contact a driver licensing office for more details.

What are the types of off-highway industrial air brake endorsements?

There are two types of industrial air brake endorsements:

• Restriction code 18 permits you to drive on industrial roads while operating an unlicensed single-unit vehicle equipped with air brakes. You must be a minimum of 18 to apply.
• Restriction code 19 permits you to drive on industrial roads while operating an unlicensed single-unit vehicle or a combination vehicle equipped with air brakes. You must be a minimum of 19 to apply.

The relevant endorsement will be printed in the "restrictions" section of your driver's licence.

How do I get an industrial air brake endorsement?

To get an industrial air brake endorsement:

• You should first be sponsored by a company that operates on industrial roads.
• The company should confirm a completed medical on file for medical standards. (Medical forms can be obtained at a driver licensing office).
• After a training period of not more than 30 days the company may write a letter of proficiency and you may apply to write the industrial air exam. For complete details contact driver licensing office.

Is a training course required?

You do not need to complete an air brake training course to obtain an industrial air brake endorsement.

For more information about operating vehicles equipped with air brakes on industrial roads, see Chapter 11 of Driving Commercial Vehicles. The guide is available free of charge from any driver licensing office.