Class 1 Learning Pathway for professional drivers
New drivers
If you are a new driver or have fewer than 2 years of experience, please follow the steps below to apply.
Step 1: Complete the Class 1 Entry Program
-
- A student can take the self-led online learning through the Learning Management System (LMS) administrated by Transportation and Economic Corridors or complete the same online curriculum at a driving school with in-person support.
- The Class 1 Entry program takes 40 hours to complete.
- A student can take the driver’s knowledge test at a registry agent office after completing this phase or wait until they complete the Core Learning Program.
Step 2: Complete the Core Learning Program
-
- Upon successful completion of the Entry Program, a student will be eligible to proceed to the Core Learning Program at a licensed Class 1 driver training school in Alberta.
- The Core Learning Program focuses primarily on in-cab and in-yard instruction, with drivers gaining valuable practice behind the wheel.
- The program takes 60 hours to complete.
- An additional 8-hour air brake training course is required if a driver does not already have a Q endorsement on their licence.
Step 3: Complete the knowledge and road test
-
- If the driver did not take the knowledge test at a registry agent office after completing the Entry Program, they must complete it now.
- The student can also schedule the road test through the Alberta Road Test Scheduler online, or in person at a registry agent office
Step 4: Get your Class 1 Provincially Restricted Licence
-
- After passing the Class 1 road test, a driver can go to any Alberta registry agent to get a provincially restricted Class 1 driver’s licence.
- This licence allows a driver to operate Class 1 vehicles within Alberta only.
Step 5: Take the Competence Building Program to get the restriction removed
-
- When a driver is ready, they can take the Competence Building Program at a driver training school at any time to operate Class 1 vehicles between provinces.
- Transportation and Economic Corridors recommend a driver complete the Competence Building phase within one year of the Core Learning Program to enhance skill development.
- A driver training school will develop a learning plan specifically tailored to that individual, to build on competencies as required.
- The Competence Building Program takes 17 to 25 hours to complete.
- Completion of the program will result in a full Class 1 driver’s licence without a provincial restriction, allowing the driver to operate as an interprovincial driver.
Experienced drivers
If you currently hold a Class 2 or Class 3 driver’s licence and have at least 2 years of experience driving, please follow the steps below to apply.
Step 1: Apply for the Experience and Equivalency Program
-
- Drivers with a Class 2 or Class 3 driver’s licence and at least 2 years of experience driving a vehicle with 3 or more axles are eligible to participate in the Experience and Equivalency Program.
- To take the Experience and Equivalency Class 1 Learning Pathway Program, drivers must apply to the program by submitting an application form to: TEC.licensingtraining@gov.ab.ca
If approved, a driver will receive an approval letter by email, which may be presented to a licensed driver training school to register for the course.
Step 2: Take the Class 1 knowledge test and road test
-
- Upon successful completion of the Experience and Equivalency Program, a driver must take the Class 1 knowledge test and road test to receive a provincially restricted licence to operate within Alberta only.
As with new drivers, to have the restriction removed from a Class 1 driver’s licence, 17 to 25 hours of Competence Building one-on-one driving instruction must be completed at a licensed driver training school.
Farmers
Farmers with at least 12 months of experience holding a Class 1 P licence are eligible to apply for this program. Explore the options below to find the one that best matches your situation.
Drivers with at least 12 months of experience with a farm-restricted Class 1 licence
If a driver has at least 12 months of experience with a farm-restricted Class 1 P licence, this restriction can be removed through completion of the Competence Building Program.
-
- A driver training school will develop a learning plan specifically tailored to that individual, to build on competencies as required.
- The Competence Building Program takes 17 to 25 hours to complete.
Completion of the program will result in a full Class 1 driver’s licence without a provincial or farm restriction.
Drivers who held a Class 1 P licence for fewer than 12 months
If you have held a Class 1 P licence for fewer than 12 months, you will be required to complete the full Class 1 Learning Pathway.
Learn more about obtaining a farm-restricted licence.
Out-of-province drivers
If you are moving to Alberta with a commercial driver’s licence, your experience may help you qualify for an Alberta Class 1 licence. The requirements vary based on your licence class and years of experience. See the details below.
Class 2 driver’s licence and Class 3 driver’s licence
Drivers with a Class 2 driver’s licence or a Class 3 driver’s licence and at least 2 years of experience driving a vehicle with 3 or more axles are eligible to participate in the Experience and Equivalency Program.
Canadian jurisdiction Class 1 equivalency
Drivers who move to Alberta with a Class 1-equivalent driver’s licence from an eligible Canadian jurisdiction can obtain a Class 1 driver’s licence from an Alberta registry agent and are not required to complete the Class 1 Learning Pathway.
Class 1-equivalent licence from a non-eligible Canadian jurisdiction
-
- Drivers with 24 or more months of experience driving Class 1 vehicles can get an Alberta Class 1 driver’s licence without training or testing required.
- Drivers with 12 to 24 months of experience can take the Class 1 knowledge and road test. If unsuccessful, the driver must complete the Experience and Equivalency Program.
- Drivers with fewer than 12 months of experience must complete the Class 1 Learning Pathway Program from the beginning.
In addition to obtaining a class 1 drivers licence, drivers are required to take additional training to meet NSC Regulations
Provincial or Federal Hours of Service (US Hours of Service)
Trip Inspections
Load Securement
Weights and Dimensions
See our training page for convenient training options or our full list of online courses that are available
