Class 3 License

[Trochu]

I'd find having a Class 1 really beneficial, but my understanding is that drivers training is now mandatory and it costs around $10k, and buying a semi for 7 days of use throughout the year likely isn't cost efficient. So, on that note, I've been thinking about getting a Class 3. I'm a bit rusty on this, but my understanding is that it's much easier and cheaper to get, just need a Class 5, do a written test, then do a drivers test. Is it pretty straightforward exam, just like a Class 5 just with a bigger vehicle? Am I missing anything?

[ManitobaSlim]

Air brakes endorsement. If you want a class one just go fracking for a year.

[MountainTi]

As mentioned you will need air brake endorsement first.
Don't need a medical for a class 3 like you do a class 1

[lannie]

There is a lot of skill needed to be a safe and proficient driver. I think learning proper pre trip inspection is as important the driving portion of testing. Air brake endorsement is needed also. I am guessing, but would think all in you would be around 3500.00 in training costs.
As usual best info would be from the places that train.

[Trochu]

If it's farm vehicle, do I still need the air brakes?
Anyone know if MELT is required for Class 3?

[Big Grey Wolf]

I just gave up my Class 3 license. Lady at Registry said my Old Eyes would not meet Class 3 requirement. She tested me again and said I would not need glasses for class 5, problem solved.

[lannie]

Air brake endorsement will teach you how they operate, if they are working properly and trouble shooting. If the vehicle has air brakes it would be a very worthwhile course even if it's not a requirement. Possibly in your personal situation you already have a thorough knowledge of air brakes and you could put the time and money to use in a better way...

[waldedw]

I had a class 1 for 40+ years but I dropped it 4 years ago when I turned 65, getting a medical and renewing it is expensive and I wasn't using it, I dropped back to a class 3 which keeps my air brake endorsement, no medical needed and renews every 5 years, I can still help my farmer friends haul grain just need to do it with the body job.

And if I should get the silly idea that I want to buy myself a 45' diesel pusher motor home I'm good to go license wise.

[MountainTi]

Originally Posted by waldedw

I had a class 1 for 40+ years but I dropped it 4 years ago when I turned 65, getting a medical and renewing it is expensive and I wasn't using it, I dropped back to a class 3 which keeps my air brake endorsement, no medical needed and renews every 5 years, I can still help my farmer friends haul grain just need to do it with the body job.

And if I should get the silly idea that I want to buy myself a 45' diesel pusher motor home I'm good to go license wise.

I've had my 1 since late teens. Haven't used it for a long time now, can't remember last time actually. I will never give it up though. Whenever medical comes up I drop down to a 3, then have till next renewal to get medical done and gets bumped back up to a 1. If you don't get medical done within that timeframe they will take the 1 away. Actually down to a 3 right now

[jstubbs]

I am actually looking into this as well with my old man. Planning to get my airbrakes Q endorsement later this month, probably at Cameron commercial driving school in Edmonton--it's just a one day course and test, sort of similar to a PAL from what I've been told. It's pretty affordable, believe it's about $250.

Then I might get a Class 3 depending on the cost.

[yoteblaster]

Air brake course at Bulldog driver training about $100. Did it last winter. Easy Peasy. Then go in and write your class 3 test at Motor vehicle registry. When you pass then you do the driving part. All in about $200

[amosfella]

If you're using it for work, a class 1 pays a lot more. Back when I was in road construction, a class 1 was $5 /hour higher pay. But that's over 15 years ago. I hear it's more now. I've had my class 1 since I was 18.

I'd take the air brakes course. Not much that is class 3 doesn't have air brakes anymore (excepting RVs).

If you're in agriculture, I'm not sure if you still have to take the training. Might be something to look into. There used to be exemptions for training due to ag being involved.

The difference in cost to get a truck and grain trailer vs a truck with a grain dump box was so close that the semi won out, and I was sent to get my license.

[fishnamed]

With a Class 1 you would never be unemployed, those are in high demand.

[Trochu]

It would be for agricultural purposes. Right now we're running a 3 ton, figure a tandem would cut our trips in half, which is considerable as the wait time for the combine needs to come down.

[ManitobaSlim]

I was talking to a guy recently and he was telling me the government was reimbursing people all or majority of the costs to get a class one. Something along the lines of you find a company to put you through training then after its done you submit proper papers and you can get the costs back (obviously if company is paying they would get the reimbursement). If you had 12 grand to put down on it you wouldn't need the company to help you.
He also said farmers can get all the costs back.

I have never looked into it but it might be worth looking into depending on your situation.

Edit: The guy I was talkingto owned and operated a small trucking company so I would believe theressome truth to it. I already have a class one so i didn't dig any deeper then that.

[yoteblaster]

I took my air brake course last winter just to help out one of my workers who was taking it at the same time. I’ve had my class 1 since 1986. Didn’t need air brake certification at the time but I thought why not get it. I actually got my class one license with a tandem and pup trailer. Old Chevy C70 tandem with a gas motor and 5&4 transmission. Maybe some of you older guys can relate lol

[waldedw]

Originally Posted by yoteblaster

I took my air brake course last winter just to help out one of my workers who was taking it at the same time. I’ve had my class 1 since 1986. Didn’t need air brake certification at the time but I thought why not get it. I actually got my class one license with a tandem and pup trailer. Old Chevy C70 tandem with a gas motor and 5&4 transmission. Maybe some of you older guys can relate lol

I can relate, I took my class 1 in 1974 with a 1959 KW tandem and a 40' hiboy,
the tractor had a 220 Cummins and a 5 & 4 top end loaded was around 50 MPH but when it looked at a hill you started grabbing gears

[macee]

My son just did the MELT program last spring is around $10000 but that includes use of truck. There are programs out there if you qualify. Someone who is unemployed can get a 100% paid for but have to have a trucking job line up after coarse and they do check up to see if your working and I think one for businesses that will paid 2/3 of cost.

[MountainTi]

Originally Posted by yoteblaster

I took my air brake course last winter just to help out one of my workers who was taking it at the same time. I’ve had my class 1 since 1986. Didn’t need air brake certification at the time but I thought why not get it. I actually got my class one license with a tandem and pup trailer. Old Chevy C70 tandem with a gas motor and 5&4 transmission. Maybe some of you older guys can relate lol

Drove my share of 5&4's with a diesel cranking it. Had to run a chevy tandem up to Ft. St. John once that had a 454 gasser and a 5&4 in it. That was tough shifting compared to running a diesel. I've drove most every combination of trans and auxiliary out there, but that was the most challenging

[David Henry]

Spent a little time on the 5 and 4 it took some getting used to even after 13 speed's and 18 speed transmissions. They say the Mack Triplex is a challenge as well but thus far I have never had the chance to be around one. D.H.

[dfarms11]

Originally Posted by Trochu

If it's farm vehicle, do I still need the air brakes?
Anyone know if MELT is required for Class 3?

For farm, you do not need air brakes.
MELT is not needed for class 3.

[sewerrat]

Have my class1 for many year haven’t driven a big rig for almost 20 years but I’m just not ready to give it up yet, at least I have something to fall back on just in case.
My licence needs to be renewed this April, I have a medical booked for this Wednesday which is actually a joke as the doctor asks a few questions checks eye sight etc and that is an extra $125.00 and when you get old it’s every 2 years.

[Trochu]

Originally Posted by dfarms11

For farm, you do not need air brakes.
MELT is not needed for class 3.

Excellent, thats the info I was looking for.

Looks like it should be pretty straight forward affair then.

[Kingfisher8]

I completed my class 1 at Portage college. It cost just over $10,000. I had 6 days in class (MELT program), 2 days in yard and 52 hours of driving.

Class 3 program is 18 hours of driving/ in yard training. The class three costs $2500 which includes the air brakes endorsement.

[esher]

Originally Posted by Trochu

Excellent, thats the info I was looking for.

Looks like it should be pretty straight forward affair then.

You can drive your own tandem on your farm without the air endorsement, however you can not take said truck for your driving test without it.

[IL Bar]

Even if you’re only using a tandem on the farm please take the air brake course. Lots to learn in a short amount of time if you haven’t been around air brakes.

[dfarms11]

Originally Posted by esher

You can drive your own tandem on your farm without the air endorsement, however you can not take said truck for your driving test without it.

That makes no sense. As a learner, you don't need air endorsement. Only the examiner would need to hold one. Have you had personal experience with this?

[dfarms11]

Originally Posted by IL Bar

Even if you’re only using a tandem on the farm please take the air brake course. Lots to learn in a short amount of time if you haven’t been around air brakes.

Agreed

[Trochu]

Found this:

"In Alberta, you are not required to hold an air brake endorsement if operating a single-motor vehicle registered as a farm vehicle. However, you do need an air brake endorsement if driving a farm vehicle combination that requires the driver to hold a Class 1 driver’s licence. When applying for a Class 1 driver’s licence, you will need to show proof of your air brake qualifications, even if the vehicle you will be driving is registered as a farm vehicle."

Linkhttps://www.alberta.ca/air-brake-program.aspx

So it seems you can drive a farm registered vehicle anywhere in the province, endorsement or not.

Side note, I like the "...single motor vehicle...", guess I won't be taking my twin Cummins Kenworth then....

[Rancid Crabtree]

There has been “discussion” about changing the rules around the training requirements for class 1. Along with dropping the GDL program it was raised during the ucp leadership race that the new rules for class 1 have raised the cost of getting licensed without measurable improvements in safety.

One idea is to have a “farm” license allowing you to operate farm vehicles within set miles of home without the full commercial license.

In my opinion we should make the testing harder and more standard but preserve the ability to challenge the test if your able. If you’re not proficient get more training until you are. The new rules require a set number of hours of instruction time but some require more or much less depending on life experience.

So to the op, get the class 3 now and wait because the class 1 rules might improve soon.