Driver and Operator Training

 Driver Training   Operator Training 

Start your journey in the transportation industry with professional driver training programs designed to get you on the road to success! Keyano College offers Class 1 Learning Pathway, Class 3, and Air Brakes “Q” Endorsement designed to train and certify individuals in the most up-to-date and accredited information. 

 

Air Brakes "Q" Endorsement (CEAIRQ 100)

12 hours, $395 + GST

 

Class 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 drivers must complete an approved air brake course to get a Q endorsement on their driver’s licence to operate a vehicle equipped with air brakes.

To get a Class 1 driver’s licence, you must first complete the air brake endorsement.

Air brakes work by initiating air pressure at an engine-driven compressor and transmitting the pressure through hoses, reservoirs and control valves to the vehicle’s foundation brakes.

 

Step 1: Complete classroom training

You must participate in a classroom training session delivered by a licensed driver training school. The classroom session is a minimum of 6.5 hours.

Students will be provided a copy of the Air Brake Manual: A Guide for Students as a reference and study guide.

 

Step 2: Complete practical training

Once the classroom training is complete, you must participate in the practical training session.

The session includes a 15-minute instructor demonstration followed by each student practising the air brake pre-trip inspection twice.

 

Step 3: Pass practical assessment

The practical assessment is conducted in a one-on-one setting using the Air Brake Practical Test form and must be completed within the 15-minute time limit.

Only one practical re-assessment is allowed before additional training is required.

The re-assessment must be conducted on a different day.

The licensed driver training school and the student will determine additional training requirements.

Once you pass the practical assessment, you will be issued a Notice of Air Brake Program Completion form.

 

Step 4: Pass knowledge test

Bring the Notice of Air Brake Program Completion forms to any Alberta registry agent to take the driver knowledge test.  A government fee and a service charge will apply.

If you pass the knowledge test, the registry agent will add the Q endorsement to your driver’s licence after payment of the License Transfer Fee. 

 

Requirement:

  • Valid Class 5 Canadian Driver’s  Licence
  • For anyone to whom English is an additional language, you must have:
  • CLB with a minimum core of 6
  • TOEFL: iBT with a minimum score of 59
  • IELTS with a minimum score of 6.5 with no score below 5.5
  • CAEL with a minimum score of 50
  • Duolingo – minimum score of 85
  • PTE   (academic) – minimum score of 36

 

PPE:

Steel-toe boots, Hard hat, Reflective vest, Safety glasses.

 

Important Notes:

 The “Q” endorsement will only be applied to a valid Alberta Driver’s  licence.
 The Alberta Registry will honour the “Q” endorsement for Alberta-registered  licences  only.

 

For more information about the Air Brake Program, please visit Air Brake Program | Alberta.ca

 

Class 3 Driver Training 

30 hours, $3,199 + GST

 

A Class 3 licence in Alberta is a professional operator's licence that allows you to operate certain commercial vehicles, plus any motor vehicle a Class 5 licence allows. 

 

With a Class 3 licence in Alberta, you can drive:  

  • any motor vehicle that the holder of a Class 5 licence may drive
  • a single motor vehicle with 3 or more axles
  • a motor vehicle with 3 or more axles that is towing a trailer with one or more axles (if the trailer is not equipped with airbrakes)
  • a Class 1, 2, 4 or 6 vehicles as a learner only

 

You cannot drive a vehicle that:

  • can seat more than 15 people including the driver
  • transports passengers for hire

 

Requirements:

  • Valid Class 5 Alberta Driver’s  Licence
  • Air Brake “Q” Endorsement
  • Completed Class 3 Knowledge Test from Alberta Registry
  • Driver’s Abstract from the previous 2 years
  • For anyone to whom English is an additional language, you must have:
  • CLB with a minimum core of 6
  • TOEFL: iBT with a minimum score of 59
  • IELTS with a minimum score of 6.5 with no score below 5.5
  • CAEL with a minimum score of 50
  • Duolingo – minimum score of 85
  • PTE (academic) – minimum score of 36

 

PPE: 

Steel-toe boots, Hard hat, Reflective vest, Safety glasses.

 

Note:

  • Class 3 vehicles are available with both manual and automatic transmissions.
  • Alberta Registry requires you to purchase the Driver’s Exam permit.


For more information about the commercial licence, please visit Obtaining a commercial licence| Alberta.ca

 

Class 1 Driver Training

Alberta is leading the way in Class 1 driver training and licensing with the new Class 1 Learning Pathway for commercial truck drivers. Effective April 1, 2025, the Class 1 Learning Pathway replaced the Class 1 program. The new pathway offers a flexible approach to support new drivers in their ongoing career development.

If you are a new driver seeking a Class 1 Operator’s licence, you need to complete the Entry Program and Core. Learning Program to obtain a provincial restricted driver’s licence.

Note: If you already started MELT training, you have until October 1, 2025, to complete it.

 

Tier 1: Entry Program

  • The Entry Program includes 40 hours of training and introduces prospective Class 1 drivers to a career in commercial driving, with a focus on developing foundational knowledge and skills essential for success. 
  • This training can be accessed online or supported by a driver training school and includes training on concepts critical to the role of a professional driver. 
  • At the end of this training, drivers can take the Class 1 knowledge test.

 

Tier 2: Core Learning Program 

  • The Core Learning program includes 60 hours of training focused on building a driver’s level of competence in-yard and in-cab. 
  • An additional 8-hour air brake training course is required to if a learner does not already have a Q endorsement on their  licence .
  • At the end of this training, the driver can take the road test to obtain a provincially restricted Class 1 driver’s  licence. 
  • This driver’s licence allows them to gain valuable on-the-job experience driving only in Alberta while they continue build their skills, similar to an apprenticeship-style training model.

 

Tier 3: Competence Building Program 

  • The Competence Building Program includes 17 to 25 hours of one-on-one driving instruction customized to meet the specific needs of the driver. 
  • These needs are identified through an on-road driver assessment. 
  • When the driver has successfully demonstrated improvement in the identified competencies, the restriction will be removed from the driver’s Class 1 driver’s  licence , giving them the mobility to operate as an interprovincial driver.

 

Course Breakdown:

  • Class 1 Learning Pathway  Self-Paced Online Course:  40  hours
  • In-cab/in-yard training:  60 hours
  • Competence Building Program: 17 to 25 hours  

 

Requirements:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Valid Class 5 Alberta Driver’s  Licence
  • Have medical fitness approval
  • Air Brake “Q” Endorsement
  • For anyone to whom English is an additional language, you must have:
  • CLB with a minimum core of 6
  • TOEFL: iBT with a minimum score of 59
  • IELTS with a minimum score of 6.5 with no score below 5.5
  • CAEL with a minimum score of 50
  • Duolingo – minimum score of 85
  • PTE   (academic) – minimum score of 36

 

 

PPE: 

  • Steel-toe boots, Hard hat, Reflective vest, Safety glasses.

 

Important Notes:

  • This course is completed in three phases:  40 hours online,  60 hours  in-yard, and in-cab.
  • In-cab training is available in flexible  4-hour blocks to accommodate shift workers.
  • In-cab training  can be scheduled around personal availability  when required.
  • Medical assessments by a physician are recommended prior to the  Class 1 program.
  • The  Air Brakes  “Q” endorsement is required for Class 1 applicants.

 

Course Fees Breakdown:

 Learning Pathway Online  Entry Program:  $250

*Please note that Keyano is currently not offering any learner support for this portion of the program.

*Learners are required to complete the online training before beginning the in-truck/in-yard practical portion.

  • In-cab/in-yard  (15 blocks of 4 hours):  $6,799
  • Competence Building (one on one):  $2,499
  • Experience and Equivalency $4,000

For more information about the Class 1 Learning pathway, please visit Class 1 Learning Pathway | Alberta.ca

 

Course Fees Breakdown
Learning Pathway Online  Entry Program:  $250

*Please note that Keyano is currently not offering any learner support for this portion of the program.

*Learners are required to complete the online training before beginning the in-truck/in-yard practical portion.

 In-cab/in-yard  (15 blocks of 4 hours):  $6,799
 Competence Building (one on one):  $2,499
 Experience and Equivalency $4,000

For more information about the Class 1 Learning pathway, please visit Class 1 Learning Pathway | Alberta.ca

 

Driver Training Course Dates

 

2024 Course Dates
Course DateHoursDateTuition
Air Brakes "Q" Endorsement 24 hours
  • *New* September 28 -29, 2024
  • October 19-20, 2024
  • October 26-27, 2024
  • November 16-17, 2024
  • December 7-8, 2024
  • January 11-12, 2025
  • February 8-9, 2025
  • March 15-16, 2025
  • April 12-13, 2025
  • May 10-11, 2025
  • June 14-15, 2025
$395 + GST
Class 3 Driver Training

30 hours

+ road test

This program is on hold until further notice. Please check back for updates.

$3,199 + GST

Mandatory Entry Level Training

(MELT) Class 1 Driver Training

113 hours

This program is on hold until further notice. Please check back for updates.

$9,630 + GST
 Please contact the Office of the Registrar at +1-780-791-4801 or email [email protected] to register.

 

 

Driver Training FAQs

What is the difference between Class 3 and Class 1 Driver Training?

A Class 1 licence let you drive your standard big rig, a truck with a large trailer attached to it, air brakes and all. You can also drive almost any other type of vehicle including buses. 

A Class 3 is for single vehicles with 3 axles, like a dump truck or large fixed box truck without a trailer. These can sometimes be referred to as tandem trucks. They typically have one axle in the front and two in the rear. This means you could drive the cab of a transport truck which is sometimes referred to as bobtailing. 

If the truck itself is equipped with air brakes, you will need a Q endorsement on your Class 3 licence. You can pull a trailer provided it doesn’t require air brakes by law. This where you would need your Class 1 licence. 

Do I need to have experience before enrolling in these programs?

No prior experience is required for most programs, though certain requirements must be met. For example, a valid Class 5 licence is required before taking the Class 3 or Class 1 programs.

 
Is there any financial assistance for these courses?

Industry Advancement Grant

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.

Employment Pathway Grant

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.

 

Operator Training

We offer training programs for those looking to become haul truck operators, or Heavy Equipment Operators. 

Haul Truck Operator Heavy Equipment Operator  

Student driving in haul truck simulator

Haul Truck Operator

Our four-week Haul Truck Operator course provides you with the essential skills needed to safely operate a haul truck according to manufacturers' recommendations and industry standards.

The course is made up of theory, computer based training and practical simulations. By successfully completing the course, you will be prepared for entry level haul truck operator positions in the region.

Heavy Equipment Operator

students with grader

We offer an 8-week Heavy Equipment Operator course is designed for students seeking entry level positions in the heavy equipment operator field.  Students are provided with training required in the basic and safe operation of heavy equipment.  Student’s complete computer-based training modules in combination with simulators for practical application; this enables students to safely train in a controlled environment and receive complete, consistent, and objective feedback on their performance. 

In addition, there will be equal time for hands on in-field training  on the equipment within the program.  Students will have the opportunity to focus their skills on various pieces of equipment including wheeled loader, dozer, grader, excavator and articulating truck.