Alberta launches new training pathway for commercial truck drivers

By Kate McCaffery, published on May 12, 2025, 9:20 a.m.

IBC Regulation and compliance Trucking

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The province of Alberta recently implemented new rules and a new pathway for commercial truck drivers in the province. In force as of April 1, 2025, the Class 1 Learning Pathway for commercial truck drivers replaces the province’s previous Mandatory Entry Level Training program.

The move comes following reports that new commercial truck drivers who haven’t received adequate formal training are at higher risk of a collision.

Since 2020, as well, the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) has been working with leaders in the commercial trucking sector, along with governments, to develop recommendations, many of which they say were included or mirrored in the development of Alberta’s new program.

Apprentice-style training

The program includes mandatory, apprentice-style training, a significant increase in behind-the-wheel and classroom training, work to familiarize new truckers with unique terrain, weather, cargo and equipment and enhanced oversight of commercial truck driver licensing schools, instructors and examiners. The program also includes a new discipline policy for schools and carriers which do not provide training to an acceptable standard.

The transferability of ownership or operating authority, to attract new commercial drivers to Alberta and retain them, is also being looked at – the province is investing $54.1-million over three years to support a grant program for training and transferability. It is also offering $30-million over three years to employers to help cover the costs of onboarding and training new drivers.

“The government also announced an agreement for reciprocal training and testing for Class 1 (including air brake) and Class 6 (motorcycle) driver’s licenses with the Northwest Territories. The agreement allows residents who take the new driver training and testing to be licensed in both jurisdictions,” the IBC writes in a statement about the program. “This initiative by the Alberta government is an important step toward improving driver training.”

Red Seal certification

According to the IBC, Alberta is also keen to share its program changes with other jurisdictions. To that end, it hopes to establish Red Seal certification for the program, which signifies that a tradesperson has demonstrated the knowledge and skills required for the national standard for their trade. “Red Seal certification requires agreement between five provinces and territories,” the IBC continues. “Alberta is currently in talks with the Northwest Territories, Saskatchewan, Ontario and British Columbia, to create such a program for truck drivers.”