Across Canada, there is a growing demand for dump truck drivers. Although this occupation may not initially seem glamorous, when you take into account the attractive salary, proximity to home, and easily attainable qualifications, it becomes an appealing option worth exploring.
Start your career right here, through educating yourself on how to become a dump truck driver.
Driver Licensing Requirements
Although different companies look for a variety of qualifications and traits, they are all looking for the correct driver licensing requirements. Any driver behind the wheel of a dump truck must hold an upgraded commercial licence, which could be a class 3 licence or a class 1 licence.
Class 3 licences can be obtained by drivers once they have their full-privilege class 5 licence and are at least 18 years old. This licence classification will allow you to drive trucks with more than two axles, such as dump trucks and large tow trucks, but it will not allow you to drive any buses that are being used to transport passengers. You are allowed to tow trailers and vehicles, but they may not exceed 4,600 kg unless neither the truck or trailer are equipped with air brakes. A class 3 licence also allows the driver to operate a tow car towing a vehicle of any weight and a mobile truck crane.
If drivers want to be licensed to tow heavier trailers and vehicles exceeding 4,600 kg while equipped with air brakes, they would be required to get a class 1 licence. For example, a dump truck on its own requires a class 3 however, if you add a dump trailer or a pony that would require a class 1 as the trailer exceeds 4,600 kg and the truck and trailer are equipped with air brakes. A class 1 licence allows you to drive, and tow, any vehicle other than a motorcycle. Like a class 3, a class 1 licence can be obtained by drivers once they have their full-privilege class 5 licence but they must be 19 years old instead of just 18 years old.
Drivers can always start with obtaining their class 3 licence first, if they are only 18 years old or they have a job lined up that will only require a class 3 licence, and then upgrade to a class 1 after some on-the-job experience or once they become 19 years old.
Both of these commercial licences will require a driving record with less than four penalty point incidents in the past two years, plus no driving-related criminal convictions within the past three years. Some medical conditions may prevent drivers from getting a commercial licence, so review those specific conditions before going too far into the licensing process. All fines and debts owing to ICBC must be paid before you begin the process as well.
The class 1 licensing process begins prior to enrolling in a class 1 MELT program , with students successfully completing an air brakes and class 1 combination knowledge test at ICBC. Once drivers have done this, they can enroll in their training program and start learning! Class 3 students can enroll in a class 3 program and take the air brake theory course, then head to ICBC to complete the class 3 knowledge test and air brake knowledge test. Once drivers have successfully completed both these knowledge tests, they can get on the road!
Driver Training Requirements
Class 3 learners are not currently required to complete any mandatory training, but it is highly recommended! The ICBC class 3 road test consists of a pre-trip inspection and on-road driving and becoming proficient with these skills can take some time. You can complete training in a variety of class 3 vehicles depending on whether you want a class 3 standard or class 3 automatic , including automatic transmission dump trucks and standard transmission tractors.
If you opt for class 1 licence instead of a class 3, drivers must complete the Mandatory Entry-Level Training (MELT). Our Class 1 MELT Program, like the Class 3 Program, includes training for the pre-trip inspection and on-road training but takes skill building to another level with load security training, hands-on chaining up, and mountain driving experience. While this more extensive course and licence may not be the right fit for every dump truck driver, it will increase how attractive their resume is to employers!
It will be important to consider what job you’re interested in and what the specific licensing requirements are. Class 1 drivers can operate any dump truck with a trailer, or pony, attached but if you know you’ll only need to drive the truck without a trailer a class 3 is acceptable!
Additional Employee Expectations
Truck training and licensing is just part of the equation! Drivers will also be expected to meet other employer requirements, which will vary depending on the specific job and employer you’re applying to.
Employers will be looking for a range of experience levels for class 1 and class 3 drivers. Some employers are happy to hire brand new drivers and provide on-the-job training, while others will specifically want drivers with mountain driving experience or a certain number of years or kilometers on the road. Professional training can count towards this number, and some employers will prefer their employees are trained at reputable schools, like Valley Driving School.
Dump truck driver jobs often require long periods of sitting but will also need to be physically fit in order to operate and maintain additional equipment, like in the case of snow plow and road salting attachments. You may also need some additional training or certificates like a Defensive Driving Course, National Safety Code Certification , or Transportation of Dangerous Goods Certificate. Employers are often looking for personable characteristics like professionalism, customer service skills, punctuality, and reliability.
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Becoming a dump truck driver is a career choice that offers both excitement and responsibility, with opportunities for local driving as well as overnight trips. Grab the wheel, start your engines, and drive towards a future filled with adventure and endless possibilities!