truck new brunswick

Trucking in New Brunswick: Training for Class 1 and Class 3 Licenses

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Getting your Class 1 License in New Brunswick can be a great way to earn a living, driving on the open road. That is why we put together a brief guide on getting started with Trucking in New Brunswick.

There are many interesting careers in trucking in New Brunswick. If driving a tractor-trailer doesn’t interest you, there is also the option to get a Class 3 license which gives you the ability to drive a wide range of commercial vehicles. 

In this guide we not only go over the licensing process but also provide a brief list of truck driver training schools in New Brunswick as well as some trucking companies in New Brunswick that are hiring. Buckle up and let’s hit the road!

Looking for another province or state? Check out our Trucking License Guide menu page.

New Brunswick Class 1 License

The Class 1 License NB is meant primarily for semi-truck and trailer driving. This is the highest level of professional driver’s license. With a Class 1 License in NB, you are permitted to drive the following vehicles:

  • any motor vehicle which the holder of a Class 2, 3, 4 or 5 licence may operate 
  • truck tractor
  • tractor towing a semi-trailer
  • truck tractor towing a semi-trailer and a trailer 
  • any truck towing a trailer equipped with air brakes 
  • truck tractor towing a trailer equipped with air brakes. 

Class 1 License NB – Steps

The process to obtain the license is pretty straightforward but not easy. Driving a truck takes hard work and determination. 

Step 1: Meet the minimum requirements. You must be at least 18 years old and have completed the Graduated License Program.

Step 2: Download the Medical Fitness Report form and take it to your doctor. They will examine you and fill it out. 

Step 3: Attend a Driver Examination Service Centres with your completed medical form. At this time you will need to pass a couple of tests:

  • Vision test (20/30 best eye; 20/50 weakest eye)
  • Written knowledge test (basic, signs, supplementary)

Make sure to get the professional drivers manual from a Service Centre before writing your test so you can study. Or try one of our practice tests below

New Brunswick Commercial Driving Practice Tests

New Brunswick Class 1 Practice Tests

New Brunswick Class 3 Practice Tests

Air Brakes Practice Tests

New Brunswick Road Signs Test

Step 4: Practice driving. You may want to attend a truck driver training school in New Brunswick.

Step 5: Book a road test with an Examination Centre. You must supply your own vehicle for the test which is why attending a truck driver training school in New Brunswick is a benefit because they may do testing on site or arrange a truck for your test.

Air Brake Endorsement

Air brakes are equipped on most of the vehicles you will be driving with your Class 1 License. This means you need to get the air brake endorsement at the same time. 

First thing you want to do is study up. You can download the New Brunswick Air Brake Manual here. Testing involves a written test and a practical test. You should do these tests at the same time as your Class 1 tests.

Class 3 License New Brunswick

With a Class 3 License NB you can operate the following types of vehicles:

  • any motor vehicle which the holder of a Class 5 licence may operate 
  • a two-axle motor vehicle towing a towed vehicle, the towed vehicle being registered for over 4,500 kg gross vehicle mass but not equipped with air brakes, 
  • motor vehicle with three or more axles, and 
  • motor vehicle with three or more axles, towing a towed vehicle not equipped with air brakes. 

With a Class 3 license in NB you can drive vehicles like dump trucks, large straight body (tandem) trucks, mixers, roll-offs, water and vacuum trucks, just to name a few. Many of these vehicles have air brakes so we recommend you get your air brake endorsement together with your Class 3 License NB. 

The process to get licensed is the same as Class 1 except the air brake endorsement isn’t mandatory and of course the testing is different given the different types of vehicles you will be operating. 

Class 3 dump truck in New Brunswick

Truck Driver Training in New Brunswick

Learning to drive a truck can be a very difficult task and passing the tests will require studying and practice. This is why we recommend taking some truck driving training in New Brunswick. 

Truck driver training in New Brunswick can be in the form of hourly lessons or in-depth courses that can last from 2.5 – 15 weeks. The longer ones often have a built-in apprenticeship program which can be a great bridge to employment. 

Some of these programs are eligible for student loans, bursaries and tax credits. The prices of course vary by school and by training program, depending on the length you choose. The average 12 week program will cost you around $10,000.00. 

To assist you in your search for a truck driver training school in New Brunswick near you, we have provided a brief list to get your started. 

Truck driver training New Brunswick:

TransCanada College 

NBCC (New Brunswick Community College)

Versatile Training Solutions

Transport Training Centres of Canada

New Brunswick Trucking Companies

It can often be helpful to reach out to potential employers before starting your pursuit of a new career. New Brunswick trucking companies are always looking for new people to join their teams and are often glad to answer any questions you may have about the field. 

New Brunswick trucking companies have a diverse range of driving opportunities. Some are involved with cross-country and cross-border long hauls while others just travel within NB or to the neighbouring provinces. Some involve working in remote areas in the forestry industry. 

Salaries can range from $18 – $28 (per hour) on average but many companies actually pay per kilometre. Your compensation also depends if you have your own truck or you drive the company trucks.

To assist you in contacting some New Brunswick trucking companies we have included a brief list to help with your search. 

Some New Brunswick trucking companies:

McConnell Transport

Midland Transport

Day & Ross Freight

Blacks Transfer Ltd.

Hopefully this overview of trucking and licenses in New Brunswick has helped you better understand this interesting career pathway. Have fun and safe driving!

Class 1 and Class 3 Resources

Driver Examination Service Centres

Service New Brunswick Teleservices

New Brunswick Drivers Handbook

Medical Fitness Form

New Brunswick Air Brake Manual

About The Author: Commercial Driver HQ

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