Commercial Driver Training on Vancouver Island
Are you looking for a new career in the transportation industry? Give us a call today. We can talk about various driving courses available for you. Parkway Driving Academy has been offering a complete line of commercial driver training courses on Vancouver Island for over 15 years. Whether you’re considering class 1 driver training or an air brake course on Vancouver Island, we can help you get started on the right path.
We offer the following professional driver training classes at our Nanaimo facility:
Class 1
Class 1 Driver’s License - MELT
On March 31, 2021 the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure and ICBC, announced the Mandatory Entry Level Training (MELT) Program.
The 140-hr training program exceeds the requirements set by the National Safety Code Standard, to ensure new commercial drivers are trained to a higher, consistent standard.
- Students are required to complete the B.C Class 1 MELT program within 12 month of enrollment, but it is expected that the students will finish between 6-8weeks.
- The Framework will provide a minimum required number of practical "In-Cab" hours, "In-Yard" hours and Theoretical classroom hours.
- All training will be delivered by our professional Instructors with many years of experience, providing every student with the knowledge and skills to operate safely on B.C's busy roads and highways.
Check out the links for Government Funding:
Mandatory Entry Level Training (MELT)- FAQs
*MELT affects driver training requirements for Class 1 only
“Having mandatory entry-level commercial vehicle training will result in better-trained new drivers and improved road safety for everyone in British Columbia” - Rob Flemming, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure
Prerequisites:
- Minimum age: 19 years old
- hold a Class 5 BC driver's License
- Class 1 Learners Licence - Study the "Driving Commerical Vehicles" available at no charge at your local ICBC center
- $2,500 deposit due upon registration
2022 Class 1 MELT schedule
January 9, 2023 - Sold out
February 21, 2023 - waitlist
April 17, 2023 - available
** Limited space available at this time
Class 2 Driver’s License
This driver’s license allows a person to drive vehicles in Class2 and Class4.
Requirements: Must be 19 years of age and hold a BC Class 5 license.
Steps Involved:
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Obtain Class 2 learner’s license
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Take an air brake endorsement course
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Register for driver training
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Take pre-trip and road test at ICBC Driver Services once the training is completed
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Do a driver’s medical
Training Packages Include:
- 22 hours of driver training
- Pre-trip and use of bus before the exam
- Air brakes are sold separately
We expect that all fees must be in place before training commences. Students are responsible for all ICBC fees as well as medical fees. Contact us for pricing.
*Use of the bus for the road test is provided to the students who take our training program.
Class 3 Driver’s License
This driver’s license allows a person to operate trucks with more than 2 axles such as dump trucks, mobile truck cranes, and large tow trucks.
Requirements: Must be 18 years of age and obtain driver’s abstract from ICBC Driver Services.
Steps Involved:
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Obtain class 3 learner’s license
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Take 20 hours of air brake course
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Register for driver training
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Take pre-trip and road test at ICBC Driver Services once the training is complete
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Do a driver’s medical
Training Package Includes:
- 38 hours of one-on-one driver training program - $4200.00
- Air Brakes are sold Separatly
Please note: Our program comes with additional classroom time and include all materials. Lessons are taught in 4-hour blocks.
We expect that all fees must be in place before training commences. Students are responsible for all ICBC fees as well as medical fees. Contact us for our pricing.
Class 4 (Unrestricted) Driver’s License
This driver’s license allows a person to operate a bus with a maximum seating capacity of 25 persons, and also taxis, limousines, ambulances, and other vehicles used to transport people with disabilities. The primary focus of the program is pre-trip inspection, road craft, and passenger safety. The students will be provided with a handbook of instructions for easy reference.
Requirements:
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Must be 19 years of age
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Must have a class 4 learner’s license in order to register for the program
Training Package Includes:
6-hours of training (use of the van for the road test) - $650.00
We expect that all fees must be in place before training commences. ICBC fees are paid separately.
*Use of the van for the road test is provided to the students who take our training program.
Government Certified Air Brake Course
With this course, we’ll provide the students with both theoretical and practical knowledge on operating vehicles that are equipped with air brakes.
Training Package Includes:
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16 hours of air brake theory
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4-hour practical training on trucks, pre-trip inspections, and brake adjustment instructions
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An examination on practical learning is conducted on a one-on-one basis with the instructor
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Completion certificate will be taken to ICBC Driver Services within 90 days, and a computerised exam is conducted
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Upon successful completion, you’ll have an air brake endorsement 15 on your driver’s license
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Course also includes an air brake manual
Requirements and Policy
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Fees are due when participant registers for the course
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Refunds given up to 7 days prior to the course minus a $20.00 cancellation fee
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Attendance for the 2 ½ days is mandatory for obtaining the completion certificate as per ICBC regulations
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There are no refunds if a person does not complete the course
To learn more about our professional driver training courses on Vancouver Island, give us a call today.
Upcoming Course Dates – Schedule Below
Course Name
Air Brakes $ 245.00
Friday 5:45 PM – 10:00 PM - Office opens at 5:30 pm for sign in
Saturday 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Sunday 8:00 AM – Noon
Assessments
Sunday 12:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Masks must be worn at all times, hand santizer stations located in school
Dates
Due to high demand and limited seating, our courses have been selling out quickly - We take names for waitlists
Please call the office for more information
2023
January 27, 28 & 29 - waitlist
February 10, 11 & 12 - waitlist
March 10, 11 & 12 - available
March 24, 25 & 26 - available
April 14, 15 & 16 - available
April 28, 29 & 30 - available
Fees are due upon registration for the course. Refunds given up to 7 days prior to the start date minus a $20.00 cancellation fee.
