There were times when people just got behind the wheel and drove away
. Not any more. Today driving is a serious job governed by many laws and regulations. As a result driver training has become more rigorous.
Class 1 driving courses is one of the most sought after truck driving programs. A successful driver with a Class I license will enter the highly lucrative job market of Truck drivers.
The benefits of Class 1 and Class 3 driver training are immense. It provides reduced risk and high confidence to the driver. A Class 3 license holder can operate the following vehicles:
Any vehicle that a Class 5 license holder can operate
A vehicle having 3 or more axles
A vehicle having 3 or more axles and towing a trailer if that is not an air brake fitted
Class 2 or Class 4 type vehicle without any passengers
In Alberta, Fleet Safety International is a reputed institution that runs an array of institutions devoted to driver training in various categories of driving proficiency including Class 1 and Class driving. They also run many driver-oriented online courses.
In Class 3 vehicle training shifting a manual non-synchro mesh transmission is an important change. Maneuvering a large vehicle in city roads new skills. The costs of a Class 3 driving program can vary from $2,000 to $3,000.
Class 3 Driver's license has a 5-step program
Class 3 written exam
Air Brake Endorsement
Driver Training
Class 3 road test
Changing license to Class 3
The classroom component of Class 3 driving has road safety, defensive driving, GPS, interstate rules, customer related issues and truck maintenance in the syllabus.
The Class 3 driver training also offers the following
Pre and post-trip inspections
Off Highway Driving Techniques
AB Air Brake Endorsement
Use of Tractor Unit for Road Test
Rules and Regulations of the Road
The training session for Class 3 Driver includes 12 hours of classroom training; 16 hours of track time including 15 hours of driver training and 1 hour road test.
Job Opportunities
Straight trucks used for local delivery and operating within a 300 km radius from the home terminal are the main job providers for Class 3 Drivers. A Class 3 license gives the applicant many opportunities for driving general freight trucks, fire trucks or dump trucks.
Transport companies use specialty trucks like flat decks equipped with hoists; Tanker trucks to suck debris from drains and Refrigerated trucks for local food deliveries etc. Class 3 License holders are ideally suited to drive these vehicles.