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Truck Training

Class 3 Automatic Transmission Program

A firefighter in full tan turnout gear and a red helmet standing in front of a red fire truck during golden hour.

Firefighter Hat Icon Resized1When 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.

Looking for dump truck training? We’ve recently added an automatic dump truck to our fleet! Dump truck drivers enjoy the flexibility of working at local construction sites while helping to build your community. Learn to transport materials to construction sites, landfills, and other places, with a driving career that offers flexibility and a the opportunity to earn a great salary while doing something you enjoy. A dump truck is a class 3 vehicle. Looking to tow a trailer or a pony behind your dump truck? A class 1 licence will be required.

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!

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:

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

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Experience the road with confidence

Valley Driving School has approachable, exceptional instructors that can teach you the skills you need.