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By rdnewsNOW Staff

PROVINCIAL

Commercial truck driving sees updates to licensing process

Apr 1, 2025 | 9:21 AM

Following changes made to Class One drivers’ licensing and training in March last year, as of April 1, drivers will need to complete that training through the new made-in-Alberta Class One Learning Pathway.

This pathway uses flexible, apprenticeship-style training that includes up to 133 hours of instruction, including air brake training, offering more hands-on skill and safety training than the former 113 hour Mandatory Entry Level Training program. The government says this enhanced in-cab training will increase experience and competency.

If passed, Budget 2025 will invest $54.1 million over three years into the Class One Learning Pathway grant program to support training and transferability, and to attract and retain new commercial drivers in the province. Officials say this model of training is employer-driven and industry-led, and can help employers invest in their workforce and build capacity in the transportation industry to address challenges stemming from driver shortages.

“Alberta needs more truck drivers. With this historic investment, we are ensuring Albertans get the training they need to become highly skilled commercial drivers, increasing safety on our roads, and helping them build long-lasting careers,” commented Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors.

This competency-based training is expected to include content on unique terrain, weather, cargo and equipment seen in Alberta’s commercial driving industry. Safety, wellness and responsibility are also foundational building blocks, with additional content focused on personal health and well-being, workplace safety and incident response.

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The government says this pathway will also focus on improving safety through enhanced accountability to increase consistency in how licensed training schools, carriers, instructors and examiners meet training, examination and operational standards. The new accountability framework includes oversight measures and a progressive discipline policy for those not meeting the standard.

“The new learning pathway will not only develop new Class One drivers but also strengthen industry-specific training, preparing them for diverse employment opportunities. Equipping drivers with the skills needed for Alberta’s transportation demands, this program will support a more resilient commercial driving workforce.”

Budget 2025 allocates $30 million over three years for the Employment Pathway Grant, which will provide funding for eligible employers in the commercial driving industry to cover the costs of training and on-boarding new Class One drivers.

Applications for this grant open on April 1. The program reimburses employers for up to $10,000 for their training costs for new Class One drivers; offers an on-boarding incentive of up to $10,000 for hiring new Class One drivers with less than two years of experience; and provides an additional $5,000 for Class One driver professional development.

Additionally, the Industry Advancement Grant will provide $24.2 million over three years for eligible projects from industry to support industry-driven solutions to increase employment, attraction and retention. These projects would also provide solutions while improving employer hiring practices and building partnerships with Indigenous communities, officials say.

This funding also allocates $1.5 million over three years for education grants to support Class Two and Class Four school bus driver competencies.

This grant launches on April 15 and closes May 16. It includes an education grant of $500,000 to support Class Two and Class Four school bus driver competencies.

“Alberta is an economic engine in this country, and our economy depends on the safe, efficient delivery of goods. Through this enhanced focus on training, oversight and improved road safety, the province is taking an important step forward to ensure the commercial trucking sector will thrive and grow,” said Tim Morrison, Director of Government Relations Western and Pacific, Insurance Bureau of Canada. “The additional financial support for new commercial drivers will help incentivize employment and create new opportunities for drivers in this important profession.”

Finally, Alberta is also entering a reciprocal agreement with the Northwest Territories that would increase access to training and testing for Class One commercial drivers’ licenses and Class Six motorcycle licenses. The agreement allows for reciprocal training and testing for Class One (including air brakes) and Class Six licenses beginning April 1, 2025. Northwest Territories residents who take Class One driver training and testing in Alberta will also be licensed in the Northwest Territories, and vise versa.