Airbrakes and Professional Driver Training

Launch your career as a commercial truck driver
Airbrakes and Professional Driver Training

Embark on your professional driving career and prepare for success with expert-lead courses, hands-on training, and ICBC-approved programs.

Thompson Rivers University, in partnership with Over the Road, is proud to offer comprehensive truck driver training to prepare individuals for successful careers in the transportation industry.

Get prepared for single unit airbrake certification or start your professional driving career here at Thompson Rivers University. Our comprehensive training programs set out to prepare drivers for their Class 1 Commercial Driver’s Licence in BC and the ICBC written exam to operate air brake-equipped highway vehicles.

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What we offer
Drive your future forward with TRU and OTR!

  • Comprehensive Training Programs
  • Experienced Instructors
  • State-of-the-Art Equipment and Facilities
  • Supportive and Safe Learning Environment
  • Flexible Scheduling Options

Courses

 XDRV 0610 - Single Unit Airbrake Certification

This course is required for those needing to add the airbrake endorsement to their current class of license and is designed to prepare students for the ICBC written examination to operate air brake-equipped highway vehicles. Emphasis is placed on safe operating procedures and ongoing maintenance of air brake systems.

Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be provided with an airbrake pre-trip authorization identifying satisfactory training and assessment which you will take to ICBC when you take your airbrake knowledge test within 90 days of issue. 

Please note: ICBC has the right to review certified records and to retest certified students at their discretion. 

Prerequisites

To enter this course, students must have a valid BC driver’s license.

Required Materials

Required Workbook provided.

Course Format

In-person 11 classroom and practical hours

Locations

Kamloops, Lillooet, 100 Mile House

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 XDRV 0900 - Mandatory Entry Level Training - Class 1 (MELT)

The Class 1 Mandatory Entry-Level Training (MELT) program is required for individuals seeking a B.C. Class 1 commercial truck driver’s license. This comprehensive course prepares participants for the Class 1 licensing process through theory-based learning and practical driving experience.

Important Reminder

ICBC reserves the right to review certified records and retest students at its discretion.


Fundamental Classroom Instruction

47 hours

Grasp the Foundational Concepts

  • The Trucking Industry
  • Vehicle Components and Systems
  • Driving Techniques
  • Professional Driving Habits
  • Backing Up
  • Coupling
  • Chain-Up
  • Documentation
  • Regulations
  • Vehicle Inspection
  • Cargo Securement
  • Airbrakes

Applying Fundamental Knowledge

37 hours

Apply Concepts Without Danger

  • Straight-line Backing
  • Off-set Backing
  • Alley-dock Backing
  • Coupling and Uncoupling

Practical Road Experience

50 hours

Supervised On-road Seat Time

  • City Driving
  • Night Driving
  • Mountain Training
  • Highway Training

Flexible Time

6 hours

Customized training time to support students' learning where required

Prerequisites

  • Minimum age: 18 years
  • Valid non-probationary driver’s license (Class 5 or equivalent)
  • Meet medical fitness requirements for Class 1 licensing
  • Pass vision tests
  • Demonstrate proficiency in English

Required Materials

TBD

Course Format

In-Person

  • Fundamental Classroom Instruction: 47 hours
  • Applying Fundamental Knowledge: 37 hours
  • Practical Road Experience: 50 hours
  • Flexible Training Time: 6 hours (customized to support individual learning needs)

Location

Kamloops

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 XDRV 0960 - Class 3 with Airbrakes

This program is designed for truck drivers who wish to start with a Class 3 license and includes all manuals and handouts. We use Volvo 13 & 18 speed trucks for training and road testing. We also offer training on an Automatic transmission equipped truck.

This 30 hour Class 3 program includes:

  • Air Brakes
  • On-the-road Driving & Observation
  • Pre-Trip Procedures (this includes the complete air brake system pre trip)
  • Manual or Automatic
  • Road Tests Done at ICBC Kamloops

Important Reminder:

ICBC fees are not included in our prices. ICBC reserves the right to review certified records and retest students at its discretion.

Prerequisites

  • Minimum age: 18 years
  • Valid non-probationary driver’s license (Class 5 or equivalent)
  • Class 3 Learner’s License
  • Meet medical fitness requirements for Class 1 licensing
  • Pass vision tests
  • Demonstrate proficiency in English

Required Materials

Provided upon registration

Location

Kamloops

Register now
 XDRV 0830 - Class 3 without Airbrakes

This program is designed for truck drivers who wish to start with a Class 3 license and includes all manuals and handouts. We use Volvo 13 & 18 speed trucks for training and road testing. We also offer training on an Automatic transmission equipped truck.

This 30-hour Class 3 program includes:

  • On-the-road Driving & Observation
  • Pre-Trip Procedures (this includes the complete air brake system pre trip)
  • Manual or Automatic
  • Road Tests Done at ICBC Kamloops

Important Reminder

ICBC fees are not included in our prices. ICBC reserves the right to review certified records and retest students at its discretion.

Prerequisites

  • Minimum age: 18 years
  • Valid non-probationary driver’s license (Class 5 or equivalent)
  • Class 3 Learner’s License
  • Meet medical fitness requirements for Class 1 licensing
  • Pass vision tests
  • Demonstrate proficiency in English

Required Materials

Provided upon registration

Location

Kamloops

Register now
 XDRV 0700 - Class 1 Upgrading and Assessment

Elevate Your Fleet with Professional Driver Skill Assessments

Our Class 1 driver skill assessments offer a reliable way to gauge the readiness and expertise of your commercial drivers. Designed to support fleet managers and individual drivers alike, these evaluations ensure alignment with safety standards and industry requirements, pinpointing any areas that could benefit from additional training or fine-tuning.

Conducted by highly experienced commercial instructors, our assessments provide valuable insights into each driver’s capabilities and adherence to best practices. Assessments can take place in our specialized fleet or your organization’s vehicles, with full documentation provided for each driver’s performance.

Whether you're seeking pre-hire evaluations or routine assessments, we are here to support your fleet’s commitment to safety and performance.

Prerequisites

Valid Class 1 License

Required Materials

TBD

Course Format

In-person

Location

Kamloops

Register now
 XDRV 0750 - Class 3 Upgrading and Assessment

Elevate Your Fleet with Professional Driver Skill Assessments

Our Class 3 driver skill assessments offer a reliable way to gauge the readiness and expertise of your commercial drivers. Designed to support fleet managers and individual drivers alike, these evaluations ensure alignment with safety standards and industry requirements, pinpointing any areas that could benefit from additional training or fine-tuning.

Conducted by highly experienced commercial instructors, our assessments provide valuable insights into each driver’s capabilities and adherence to best practices. Assessments can take place in our specialized fleet or your organization’s vehicles, with full documentation provided for each driver’s performance.

Whether you're seeking pre-hire evaluations or routine assessments, we are here to support your fleet’s commitment to safety and performance.

Prerequisites

Valid Class 3 License

Required Materials

TBD

Course Format

In-person

Location

Kamloops, BC

Register now

Additional information

 Additional costs that students may incur
Class 1

First visit to ICBC:
ICBC Learner’s License Test Fee: $15

Road Test Day:
ICBC Road Test Fee: $60
ICBC Licensing Fee: $17
ICBC Medical Form Processing Fee: $28

At the Doctor’s office:
Medical examination fee: $80 – $150 (Dr’s pricing)

Class 3

First visit to ICBC:
ICBC Learner’s License Test Fee: $15
ICBC Air Brake Knowledge Test: $15

Writing Both Tests on Same Day for ICBC:
ICBC Air Brake Knowledge Test & ICBC Learners License Test Fee: $15

Road Test Day:
ICBC Road Test Fee: $50
ICBC Licensing Fee: $17
ICBC Medical Form Processing Fee: $28

At the Doctor’s office:
Medical examination fee: $80 – $150 (Dr’s pricing)

We're here to help

drivertraining@tru.ca 250-828-5104

If you have questions about applying or want more information, use the following form and someone will reach out and help get you started.