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Free Truck Driving Training in Canada: Learn to How To Drive a Truck

By Remitbee
30 July 2024

If you've ever dreamed of becoming a truck driver, there's good news: free truck driving training is available in Canada!

In this article, we've compiled a list of truck companies that offer free and paid truck driving training. We'll also share some tips for new truck drivers.

So whether you're just starting or looking for a career change, read on to learn more about this exciting career opportunity.

1. Canadian Truck Training Centre

Canadian Truck Training Centre is where truck drivers can get the training and education they need to succeed in their careers.

They offer a variety of courses, including driver training, commercial driving, and school bus driving. This company is located on the outskirts of Toronto, meaning you'll have access to the best roads in Canada.

Their program is 4-5 weeks (104 to 116 hours), so you'll have plenty of time to learn everything from basic operating and vehicle maneuvering skills to safe operation rules and practices.

You'll also be working with industry-experienced instructors who will ensure you're comfortable with all aspects of driving before heading out on your own for the first time!

The course is approved by the Ministry of Transportation. To be eligible, you must have a valid Ontario Class 'G' license or higher, a Grade 12 English or equivalent, and complete Ministry-Approved Aptitude Testing.

2. Bison Transport

Bison Transport is a Canadian company that offers free truck driver training. They offer a CDL training program with guaranteed job placement.

The company has locations in Calgary, Edmonton, and Grande Prairie, as well as in the United States (Colorado Springs).

You must have at least six months of driving experience and no more than three tickets on your driving record during the past ten years.

In addition to this requirement, you should also have a Class A CDL license or be willing to get one within 60 days of enrolling in the program.

This includes one week of classroom study followed by an eight-week fieldwork phase where you'll learn about various aspects of driving, including emergencies, traffic laws, safe braking techniques, long-distance driving techniques, and so on.

3. Challenger Motor Freight

Challenger Motor Freight offers free truck driver training in Canada. They offer room and board, fuel, and insurance to their trainees.

In addition, they also provide a CDL license for those who want to study how to drive big rigs on the road.

To be eligible for the training from Challenger Motor Freights, you must have a Class 1 or 2 CDL license with not more than two moving violations in the past 24 months (or one moving violation within the last 48 months).

You must also have had experience driving big trucks at least once before enrolling in the program.

The duration of each course varies depending on which school you choose, but it usually ranges between five weeks and six months long depending on how fast your schedule is paced out by work demands, etc.

You will be required to complete the course with a minimum of 75% attendance, and you must pass all exams at the end of the program.

If you fail any part of your training, Challenger Motor Freight will give you ample time to prepare until they decide whether to let you retake it.

4. Erb Transport

Erb Transport is a company that offers free truck driver training to new drivers. The company provides training in Calgary, Edmonton, and Red Deer.

Their classes vary from 2 weeks to 6 weeks, depending on your certification level and how much time you want to learn the necessary truck skills.

They also offer several different certifications: Class 3 (CSA) or Class 4 (CDL), Basic Driver Training, Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with Hazmat Endorsement, Hazmat Endorsement, Advanced Driver Training, Private Carriers License, and Customer Service Training.

5. TransX

TransX is a Canadian company that provides truck driver training. They offer free training to new drivers and have paid programs for experienced drivers.

TransX offers locations in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba to help you get your license. To qualify for the program, you must meet certain requirements, like having your CDL or foreign license before February 1 of the year after you apply.

For example, if you wanted to apply in 2026, you have until February 1, 2025, to do so.

This course is usually one month long, with eight (8) hours per day spent on driving instruction plus four (4) hours per day dedicated towards theory classwork at one or more of our campuses across Canada, including London, Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, etc.

Tips For The New Truck Driver

Before starting your truck driving lessons, you should know a few things. For starters, truck driving is not the same as driving a regular car; it requires different skills and knowledge.

Here are some tips to help you get started:

  1. Get comfortable with the size of your truck. It means familiarizing yourself with the blind spots and learning how to maneuver the vehicle in tight spaces.

  2. Practice driving in different conditions. It includes everything from wet weather to busy highways. Doing this will make you better prepared for any situations you might face on the road.

  3. Make sure you're familiar with the laws and regulations regarding truck driving. These differ from state to state, so it's important to know what's expected of you before driving.

The Bottom Line

We hope you found this list helpful and that you'll be able to find a company that can train you as a truck driver in Canada.

Remember to check out other resources on RemitBee’s blog if you need more information about truck driving.

And when you become a professional truck driver, you may need to change currencies often. When you do, be sure to use RemitBee!

With RemitBee, you can change CAD to USD quickly and easily, and you'll always get the best rates. Plus, there are no hidden fees or commissions.

Sign up here.

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