Driver licensing
Commercial and air brake training
In most cases, you'll need some professional driver training to become a commercial driver. It'll help you pass your tests and learn the skills you need to be safe and confident on the road.
Mandatory Entry-Level Training
If you intend to become a Class 1 licensed commercial driver, you may need to complete B.C.'s new Class 1 MELT course.
Check out the MELT FAQs for more information.
Benefits of commercial driver training
Professional driver training can help you
learn how to operate a commercial vehicle safely
practice parking, driving in traffic and other maneuvers in a controlled, low-risk way, and
prepare for your pre-trip inspection and road test.
Where to take commercial driver training
Training is available at qualified B.C. driving schools and colleges. Some carriers also provide in-house training to their employees.
Air brake endorsements and training
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.
Have air brake experience?
In some cases, drivers with a lot of air brake experience, or mechanical trade qualifications, may not have to take an air brake course.
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
seven hours of classroom theory, plus
four hours of training on pre-trip air brake inspections.
If you pass this course, you do not have to take the ICBC air brake pre-trip inspection test.
Standard air brake course
A standard course includes seven 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.
