What does it cost?

The cost varies; it depends upon your ability to drive and how quickly you learn and adapt to 'new' principles and practices. Courses vary in price depending upon which one you select. Some funding options include:  Employment Insurance, Alberta Learning, and/or other employment organizations. (Contact us for more information.)

Your experience with other equipment may reduce training time. There are two main difficulties to driving an 18 wheeler. Shifting the gears (up and down) and backing up. These are the skills where the amount of practice may vary significantly. The other is in the number of classroom courses you need or want.  

 

How long is the course?

The courses vary in length from a few hours to 6 weeks. The length of the courses is dependent upon your ability to drive and how proficient you wish to become. For example, you may be good at double clutching and shifting the gears but may have difficulty in backing up. You may need more time to make sufficient improvement to be able to pass your road test.  

One course offers an on-the-job training component. This increases the possibility of securing employment.

The courses also include classroom instruction. You may want additional training in a specific area to qualify you for a particular job.

 

What is the job market like?

The job market is excellent. Naturally, an employer wants the most experienced worker available. In our present economy, employers are prepared to accept new Class 1, 2, or 3 drivers. Some carriers may provide Work Experience. This program makes the transition from Student to New Driver a seamless operation. 

Students are reminded that a Class 1 license offers many more options than driving an 18 wheeler or a B-train. You are able to drive almost any vehicle on the road with a Class 1 license.

 

What's the best age?

There is no best age. For insurance purposes, 25 is the better age. There are many students that are 19 who make better employees than those much older. Attitude is everything. Great Attitude creates endless opportunity.

 

What kind of work will the new driver be doing? 

You may drive a straight truck or work as a swamper or co-driver with an experienced driver. Some physical work will be required in most driving jobs. You should be able to lift 25 kg. Tire chaining is always a possibility. (Physical work is not a bad thing! It will counteract the long hours of sitting at the wheel in some jobs. It will reduce the necessity of spending time at the Gym.)

This is a great time to gain experience in the trucking industry. Driving is sometimes only 30% of your job. You will learn to deal one on one with some customers. You will learn about the commodity you haul. You will learn safe handling techniques. You will use some mechanical ability to identify problems with your equipment. Problem solving talent is a huge asset to practice. It is part of the independence we seek as truck drivers. We get to be our own boss when we are alone in the truck!