Truck Training

Class 3 Automatic Transmission Program

When it comes opportunities for automatic transmission drivers, more and more companies are looking to add automatic vehicles to their fleet. This program is ideal for those who know exactly which vehicle they will be driving and will be pursuing a class 3 automatic licence.

Learning to drive an automatic transmission truck versus a standard transmission truck will quicken the training period, as you will spend less time on learning to shift and count RPM’s. You can spend that time focusing on safe driving habits, pre-trip inspection training, and preparing for the ICBC road test.

A Class 3 automatic licence also opens doors beyond firefighting; garbage and recycling trucks, heavy duty tow trucks, dump trucks, and cement trucks are all Class 3 vehicles in high demand across the Lower Mainland. Whatever your career destination, this program gives you the foundation to get there.

The class 3 automatic program is also the ideal program for students who are applying for volunteer or professional firefighter positions. All pre-hire applications for fire departments have a minimum licensing requirement of a class 3 automatic, so this should be your first stop before continuing with the firefighting application process.

Class 3 training is considered part-time training and start dates are provided on a continuous & rotating intake, based on student & instructor availability.

Have questions, or not sure where to start? Book a personalized consultation to find the right fit for your learning and licensing goals!

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Buckle up!

With a class 3 automatic licence in BC, you can drive automatic transmission vehicles including:

Trucks with more than two axles, such as dump trucks and large tow trucks but does not allow driving a bus carrying passengers

Trailers or towed vehicles may not exceed 4,600 kg — may exceed 4,600 kg only if truck and trailers do not have air brakes

A tow car towing a vehicle of any weight

A mobile truck crane

Any motor vehicle or combination of vehicles in Class 5

What it takes

To qualify for the class 3 automatic program, you must meet these safety and experience requirements:

Be at least 18 years old

Hold or have held a full-privilege licence that is a minimum of a class 5 or class 6, or an out-of-province equivalent

Fewer than four penalty point offences in the last two years and zero motor-vehicle-related Criminal Code convictions in the last three years

Have no outstanding debt or tickets with ICBC or the province

What’s Included

Coaching based training, engaged learning & a unique reporting system that allows students to easily track their progress are all part of this training program & key to success.

12 hours of pre-trip and on-road training

Exclusive job board access

Use of our automatic transmission truck for the ICBC road test

pROGRAM Price $1,799

add air brakes course $220

Steps for success

To get a class 3 automatic licence in BC, follow these steps:

Complete Air Brakes Theory course (if req’d)

Prepare for Air Brakes knowledge test

Prepare for the class 3 ICBC knowledge test

Book & pass both class 3 and Air Brake written test at ICBC

Complete professional training

Pass the class 3 ICBC road test using an automatic transmission truck

Complete a medical exam and submit the Driver’s Medical Examination Report form to ICBC

Receive your class 3 licence from ICBC

Air Brakes Theory Course not required if you have a BC driver’s licence with an Air Brake Endorsement

Promotional banner for Valley Driving School featuring a branded semi-truck and trailer with the text: "In it for the long haul? Check out our MELT program!"

GST and ICBC fees are not included in our training pricing. Manuals and handouts are included with tuition.