COMMERCIAL DRIVER'S GUIDE - to Operation, Safety and Licensing CITY CENTRE - Government of Alberta
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COMMERCIAL
DRIVER’S GUIDE
to Operation, Safety and Licensing
TRUCKS, BUSES, EMERGENCY RESPONDERS & TAXIS
CITY
CENTRE
STOP
L BUS
SCHOO
TAXI
MAXIMUM
30
A COMMERCIAL
DRIVER’S
GUIDE and Licensing
to Operation, Safety
TRUCKS, BUSES, EMERGENCY
RESPONDERS AND TAXIS
Introduction Being a professional driver involves more than just driving a different type of vehicle. It means taking pride in your work and being recognized as a professional driver. As a professional driver you must always make sure you are mentally and physically fit to drive, your vehicle is well maintained and is in good working condition, and you drive within the law including driving without distractions. Always drive defensively. Be patient and tolerant of other drivers. Protect yourself, the vehicle, the passengers and the cargo. The more you can anticipate and avoid dangerous situations, the less likely you will be in a collision. Being involved in a collision may result in loss of income, job, health and possibly a life. Remember that road safety is everyone’s business. This guide is also available on-line. Web site: www.alberta.ca/driving-vehicles. aspx (under Driver Education) 2 A Commercial Driver’s Guide to Operation, Safety and Licensing
Guides available:
Geared to Go
A Workbook for
Coaching New Drivers
The following guides provide information used when preparing for the knowledge
about the safe operation of cars and test and when learning to operate a
light trucks, commercial vehicles, tractor-trailer unit, large truck, ambulance,
and motorcycles, and the licensing taxi, bus or school bus, as well as when
of drivers and riders. These guides handling dangerous goods.
provide information for all classes of
driver licences in Alberta, and will help A RIDER’S GUIDE TO OPERATION,
you obtain an Alberta driver’s licence. SAFETY AND LICENSING
Consider keeping the guides in your Motorcycles, Mopeds and Power-
vehicle as a reference. Assisted Bicycles
This guide provides information on the
A DRIVER’S GUIDE TO OPERATION, safe operation of motorcycles, mopeds
SAFETY AND LICENSING and power-assisted bicycles. It is used
Cars and Light Trucks with A Driver’s Guide to Operation, Safety
This guide provides information and Licensing.
for all drivers.
GEARED TO GO: A WORKBOOK
A COMMERCIAL DRIVER’S GUIDE TO FOR COACHING NEW DRIVERS
OPERATION, SAFETY AND LICENSING This guide assists coaches who are
Trucks, Buses, Emergency Responders providing supervision to new drivers
and Taxis as they gain experience and skills.
This guide provides information about
driving commercial vehicles. It is used with
A Driver’s Guide to Operation, Safety and
Licensing. Both of these guides should be
INTRODUCTION 3This guide, along with the Driver’s Guide to The laws that apply to driving a vehicle
Operation, Safety and Licensing (Cars and can be found in the Traffic Safety Act and
Light Trucks) will give you the necessary its related regulations. These documents
information for learning to drive a truck, are available at www.qp.alberta.ca/Laws_
tractor-trailer, ambulance, taxi or bus. Online.cfm, and:
These two guides provide information that
will help you obtain a commercial Alberta Queen’s Printer Bookstore
driver’s licence. It is recommended that Main Floor, Park Plaza
you obtain training and education from a 10611–98 Avenue
licensed driving school to enhance your Edmonton, Alberta T5K 2P7
knowledge and skill. Individuals seeking
to obtain a Class 1 or a Class 2 driver’s Tel: 780–427–4952
licence are required to complete the Fax: 780–452–0668
Mandatory Entry-Level Training (MELT) For toll free service anywhere in Alberta,
program. call 310-0000, then the number.
Driver education courses are available
for the operation of passenger vehicles, Knowledge tests are conducted out of
commercial vehicles, and motorcycles. registry agent offices. Road tests will be
If you require information about conducted by Government of Alberta
schools that provide driver education, or driver examiners. Road tests can be
information about the testing process to scheduled in-person at the registry agent
obtain an driver’s licence: office or online through the Government of
• refer to your local Yellow Pages Alberta online scheduling system.
• visit www.alberta.ca/driving-vehicles. To find testing services, and information
aspx (under Driver Education) about driver licensing and vehicle registration:
• contact Alberta Transportation Call • visit https://www.alberta.ca/drivers-
Centre at 780–427–8230 road-test.aspx
• visit www.servicealberta.ca/1641.cfm
You can reach Alberta Government • visit the Association of Alberta Registries
offices toll-free from anywhere in the at www.e-registry.ca
province by first calling 310-0000. • refer to your local directory under
This guide has no legal authority. License and Registry Services
Municipalities are given authority under • call 780–427–7013 (Service Alberta)
the Traffic Safety Act to pass bylaws in
areas such as speed zones, school zones,
playground zones and parking. You must
know local municipal by-laws.
4 A Commercial Driver’s Guide to Operation, Safety and LicensingContents
Commercial Driver’s 28 Trip inspections
1 Licence Requirements 35 Trip air brake inspection
36 Enroute check stop inspections
9 Upgrading your licence
36 Reporting to a vehicle
10 Mandatory Entry-Level Training inspection station
(MELT)
37 Post-trip inspection
10 Knowledge test
10 Vision requirements
10 Road test
Operating Class 1
12 Learning requirements 4 Vehicles
13 Air brake equipped farm vehicles
13 Licences: renewal and changes 40 Operating a truck-tractor
13 Definitions and semi-trailer
40 Air brakes
41 How long does it take to
2 National Safety
stop a vehicle?
43 Coupling and uncoupling a
Code truck-tractor and semi-trailer
45 Coupling mechanisms
20 Provincial (Alberta) legislation
46 Operating long combination
21 Federal legislation
vehicles
22 Vehicle Inspection Program
47 Driving skills and manoeuvres
23 Cargo securement
47 Following distance
between vehicles
48 Off-tracking
3 Trip 48 Turns
Inspections 49 Curves
50 Parking
26 Purpose of daily vehicle
inspections 50 Reversing
26 Vehicles that require inspections 52 Important information for
commercial drivers
27 Driver inspection requiredOperating Class 2 Transporting Persons
5 Vehicles
8 with Disabilities
54 Information for Class 2 and 72 General rules for communicating
Class 4 bus operators 72 General rules for driving
54 Operating a school bus safely 73 General rules for assisting a
54 School bus breakdowns person with a wheelchair
55 Left / Right turns
55 Reversing
56 Turnarounds Transporting
56 Passenger loading and 9 Dangerous Goods
unloading
58 Parking on a hill 76 Training requirements
58 Railway crossing procedures 76 What is a dangerous good?
59 Discipline and problem solving 78 Dangerous occurrences
59 Safe driving guidelines 78 Documents
79 Safety marks
Operating Class 3
6 Responsible Driving
Vehicles 10 Tips for Commercial
62 Loading and unloading
dump vehicles Drivers
64 Mixer truck operators 82 Distracted Driving Law
64 Parking on a hill 83 Fatigue
84 Railway crossing
86 Fire and fire extinguishers
Operating Class 4
7 Vehicles
Fueling and Fuel
66 Emergency vehicles
11 Efficiency
67 Operating a taxi
68 Seat belts 90 Fueling a vehicle: gasoline,
68 Reserved lanes diesel, propane
69 Other uses for a Class 4 licence 90 Fuel efficiency
6 A Commercial Driver’s Guide to Operation, Safety and Licensing1 Commercial Driver’s Licence Requirements
Information about the Class 7 and 5 • any motor vehicle or combination of
Alberta driver’s licence classes, and the vehicles that the holder of a Class 3, 4
vehicles that can be operated in each or 5 driver’s licence may operate
class, can be found in the Driver’s Guide to • class 1 and 6 type vehicles for
Operation, Safety and Licensing (Cars and learning only
Light Trucks) book. All guides are available
on-line at: https://www.alberta.ca/driving- You must provide a bus with a seating
vehicles.aspx (Under Driver Education). capacity exceeding 24 passengers
excluding the operator for a road test. An
air brake “Q” endorsement is required to
Class 1 operate air brake equipped vehicles. If
the vehicle provided for the road test is
The minimum learning or licensing age is equipped with air brakes, you must have
18 years. You may not apply for a Class 1 either an air brake “Q” endorsement or
driver’s licence as a probationary driver. a course completion certificate from an
The holder of a Class 1 driver’s licence approved air brake organization.
may operate the following:
• any motor vehicle or combination of
vehicles other than a motorcycle Class 3
• class 6 type vehicles for learning only
The minimum learning or licensing age is
You must provide a tractor-trailer 18 years. You may not apply for a Class 3
combination with three or more axles, driver’s licence as a probationary driver.
equipped with air brakes for the road test. The holder of a Class 3 driver’s licence
Proof of your air brake “Q” endorsement may operate the following:
or a course completion certificate from an • any motor vehicle or combination of
approved air brake organization is required vehicles that the holder of a Class 5
before a road test will be given. This also driver’s licence may operate
includes drivers of farm vehicles registered • a single motor vehicle with three
as tractor-trailers. or more axles
• a single motor vehicle with three or
more axles towing a trailer with one or
Class 2 more axles, if the trailer is not equipped
with air brakes
The minimum learning or licensing age is • all motor vehicles under
18 years. You may not apply for a Class 2 Classes 1, 2 and 6 for learning only
driver’s licence as a probationary driver.
The holder of a Class 2 driver’s licence No holder of a Class 3 driver’s licence shall
may operate the following: operate a motor vehicle:
• a bus • that has a seating capacity of more than
8 A Commercial Driver’s Guide to Operation, Safety and Licensing15, while that vehicle is transporting you must have either an air brake “Q”
any person other than the driver endorsement or a course completion
• to transport passengers for hire certificate from an approved air brake
organization.
You must provide a single motor vehicle
having three or more axles for the road
test. An air brake “Q” endorsement is Upgrading your
required to operate air brake equipped
vehicles. If the vehicle provided for the
licence
road test is equipped with air brakes,
you must have either an air brake “Q” The following information is specific
endorsement or a course completion for upgrading an driver’s licence to the
certificate from an approved air brake professional classes.
organization.
General information for
NOTE: Drivers of single-motor vehicles Classes 1, 2, 3 and 4
registered as farm vehicles do not
require an air brake “Q” endorsement. • The minimum learning or licensing age
for these classes is 18 years. To learn
to drive a commercial class vehicle, you
Class 4 must have at least a Class 5 or a Class
5 GDL driver’s licence. You may not
The minimum learning or licensing age is apply for these driver’s licences if you
18 years. You may not apply for a Class 4 are in the Graduated Driver Licensing
driver’s licence as a probationary driver. Program.
The holder of a Class 4 driver’s licence • You do not need an air brake
may operate the following: endorsement when learning to operate
• any motor vehicle or combination of a vehicle that is equipped with air
vehicles that the holder of a Class 5 brakes.
driver’s licence may operate • A medical report is required to upgrade
• a bus that has a seating capacity of not to a Class 1, 2 or 4 licence.
more than 24, excluding the operator ·· Medical forms are available from a
• an ambulance or taxi registry agent, or a doctor. A doctor
• all motor vehicles under classes 1, 2, 3 must complete this form.
and 6 for learning only ·· A medical report is required when
first applying for a licence and:
You must provide a Class 5 vehicle or a - every 5 years after that, until
bus with a seating capacity not exceeding 45 years of age
24 passengers excluding the operator for - every 2 years from age 45 to 65
a road test. An air brake “Q” endorsement - every year after you turn age 65.
is required to operate air brake equipped ·· You are legally responsible to report
vehicles. If the vehicle provided for the any disease or disability that may
road test is equipped with air brakes, interfere with the safe operation of
CHAPTER ONE COMMERCIAL DRIVER’S LICENCE REQUIREMENTS 9a motor vehicle to any Alberta to pass a knowledge test for the class of
Registry Agent office. licence for which you are applying. You
·· Alberta Registries can request a can take your knowledge test at most
medical report from any driver, in any Alberta Registry Agent offices. The test is
licence class, if they have concerns based on questions taken from this guide
about a driver’s medical condition. and the Driver’s Guide to Operation, Safety
• A fee is charged for each knowledge and Licensing (Cars and Light Trucks)
test, road test, and operator’s licence book. Most of the Class 1 and Class 2
re-classification. For information knowledge test questions have been taken
regarding current fees, contact any from the MELT curriculums.
Registry Agent office. You will be asked about safe driving
• A 10-day waiting period is required practices, driving laws and road signs.
for all non-GDL Class 5, 5-6 and 6 Since Class 1 drivers may operate other
new applicants from other Canadian types of vehicles, applicants for a Class 1
jurisdictions who want to re-class to licence may be asked questions from the
licence Classes 1 to 4. This waiting other chapters in this guide.
period is required for Alberta to confirm The test is 30 multiple choice questions
the applicant’s licence information. and you must score a minimum of 25
• Driving with the wrong licence class is correct responses out of 30 to pass. When
against the law. It is also an offence for six questions are answered incorrectly,
a vehicle’s owner to allow the vehicle the test will be stopped and a fail will be
to be driven by someone who does not recorded.
have the proper class of licence to drive
that vehicle.
Vision requirements
Mandatory Entry- A vision assessment is required before
Level Training (MELT) upgrading your Alberta driver’s licence.
If you do not meet the minimum vision
Effective March 1, 2019, anyone who standards, you will be referred to an
wants to obtain a Class 1 or a Class 2 optometrist or an ophthalmologist to have
driver’s licence must take a Mandatory a Vision Referral form completed. If you
Entry-Level Training (MELT) Program. have corrective glasses or contact lenses
Successful completion of the MELT bring them to the vision assessment.
course is a prerequisite to participating in
a Class 1 or a Class 2 driver knowledge
test. List of licenced training providers Road test
is available online at www.alberta.ca/
licensed-driver-training-schools.aspx If you are applying for a commercial
licence in the Class 1, 2 or 3 categories,
Knowledge test you will be required to conduct a pre-trip
To upgrade a driver’s licence, you will need inspection in addition to the road test. You
must communicate and demonstrate to
10 A Commercial Driver’s Guide to Operation, Safety and Licensingthe driver examiner:
• a pre-trip inspection of the vehicle Class 1 Road Test
• the appropriate uncouple/couple
procedures for Class 1 vehicles • An applicant must provide a tractor-
• an inspection of the vehicle’s air brake trailer combination with three or
system for units equipped with more axles, and the trailer must be
air brakes. equipped with an air brake system to
As part of communicating and its foundation brakes. You must show
demonstrating, you should point to the proof of your air brake “Q” endorsement
things you are inspecting and tell the or a course completion certificate from
examiner what you are looking at. For an approved air brake organization.
example, you could say, “I am checking This includes drivers of farm vehicles
the left signal light to see that it is working, registered as tractor-trailers.
is securely mounted, and that the lens is • The examiner must see your road
clean and not cracked.” test permit or road test confirmation
This guide includes pre-trip inspections document. Permits can be purchased
for the various types of vehicles. Study and from most Registry Agents. Road
practice the pre-trip that is appropriate tests can be scheduled online through
for the class of licence you are working the Government of Alberta online
towards. The procedures in this book are scheduling system or at Registry Agent
only guidelines to follow during a road test. offices.
A vehicle may require different items to be • A Class 1 licence may not be obtained
checked than those listed. You may not without the driver first having qualified
refer to any notes during the pre-trip. for an air brake endorsement.
Each pre-trip inspection and road test
is allowed a certain amount of time. You Class 2 Road Test
should be able to complete the inspection
and road test within that time. • An applicant must provide a bus
If a vehicle does not pass the pre-trip with a seating capacity exceeding 24
inspection, or you do not successfully passengers, excluding the driver. If the
complete the pre-trip inspection, the road vehicle is equipped with air brakes,
test will not proceed. the applicant must have either an air
An applicant who holds a Graduated brake “Q” endorsement or a course
Driver Licence (GDL) may not take a road completion certificate from an approved
test for a licence classification higher than air brake organization.
a Class 5. • The examiner must see your road
test permit or road test confirmation
NOTE: A road test will not be done in document. Permits can be purchased
a vehicle that is required to display from most Registry Agents. Road
dangerous goods placards. tests can be scheduled online through
the Government of Alberta online
scheduling system or at Registry Agent
offices.
CHAPTER ONE COMMERCIAL DRIVER’S LICENCE REQUIREMENTS 11Class 3 Road Test
Class 4 Road Test
• An applicant must provide a single
motor vehicle that has three or more • An applicant must provide a Class 5
axles. Three axle recreational vehicles vehicle or a bus with a seating capacity
may not be used. If the vehicle provided not exceeding 24 passengers, excluding
for the road test is equipped with air the driver. If the vehicle is equipped
brakes, the applicant must have either with air brakes, the applicant must have
an air brake “Q” endorsement or a either an air brake “Q” endorsement or
course completion certificate from an a course completion certificate from an
approved air brake organization. approved air brake organization.
• The examiner must see your road
NOTE: Drivers of single motor vehicles test permit or road test confirmation
registered as farm vehicles do not require document. Permits can be purchased
an air brake “Q” endorsement. from most Registry Agents. Road
tests can be scheduled online through
• The examiner must see your road the Government of Alberta online
test permit or road test confirmation scheduling system or at Registry Agent
document. Permits can be purchased offices.
from most Registry Agents. Road
tests can be scheduled online through NOTE: Class 5 vehicles are also suitable
the Government of Alberta online for learning.
scheduling system or at Registry Agent
offices.
Learning requirements –
Classes 1, 2, 3 and 4
Desired Class Minimum Minimum Complete Accompanied Minimum Instructor Minimum
Licence you must Licensing Learning by Instructor Age of Class Age to
Class have for Age Age MELT Instructor must Take Road
Learning have Test
2, 3, 4,
18
1 5 or 18 18 Yes Yes 18 1
non-GDL*
5-GDL*
3, 4, 5 or 18
2 18 18 Yes Yes 18 1 or 2
5-GDL* non-GDL*
4, 5 or 18
3 18 18 No Yes 18 1, 2 or 3
5-GDL* non-GDL*
3, 5 or 18
4 18 18 No Yes 18 1, 2 or 4
5-GDL* non-GDL*
* GDL – Graduated Driver Licence (Probationary)
12 A Commercial Driver’s Guide to Operation, Safety and LicensingDefinitions
Air brake equipped
Air brakes (air to all
farm vehicles foundation brakes)
In Alberta, you are not required to hold A vehicle with an air brake system has
an air brake endorsement if operating brakes that are initiated by air pressure from
a single motor vehicle registered as a an engine-driven compressor. This sends
farm vehicle. However, you do need an air pressure through a series of hoses,
air brake endorsement if driving a farm reservoirs and control valves to all the
vehicle combination that requires the driver vehicle’s foundation brakes. An air brake “Q”
to hold a Class 1 driver’s licence. When endorsement or Class 1 licence is required
applying for a Class 1 driver’s licence, you to drive a vehicle with an air brake system.
will need to show proof of your air brake
qualifications, even if the vehicle Air over hydraulic braking
you will be driving is registered as a system (combination of air
farm vehicle. and hydraulic foundation
brakes)
Licences: renewal In an air over hydraulic braking system the
and changes vehicle’s axles have air actuated foundation
brakes, and some of the vehicle’s axles
The Government of Alberta has stopped have hydraulic foundation brakes. An air
mailing out reminders about driver’s brake “Q” endorsement or Class 1 licence
licences and vehicle registration. Albertans is required to drive this type of vehicle.
can sign up for electronic reminders by
visiting E-registry or MyAlberta and signing Air actuated hydraulic braking
up for free reminders. It is your responsibility system (air assisted, but
to renew your driver’s licence on or before all foundation brakes are
the expiry date. hydraulic)
To change a name or address on your
driver’s licence, visit any Registry Agent. By In an air actuated hydraulic braking system
law, a person is required to notify Alberta the air compressor is used to boost
Registries, through a Registry Agent, of the hydraulic system to all the vehicle’s
any name or address change immediately. foundation brakes. An air brake “Q”
Proper identification is required before any endorsement is NOT required to drive this
change, replacement or renewal can be type of vehicle.
made.
CHAPTER ONE COMMERCIAL DRIVER’S LICENCE REQUIREMENTS 13NOTE: No drivers (other than a learner) For information on taking an approved
may operate a vehicle equipped with air air brake course, please contact a Driver
brakes, (air to all foundation brakes), Programs Administrator at:
unless they hold either a Class 1 driver’s
licence or a driver’s licence with a “Q” (air Edmonton 780–427–8901
brake) endorsement. or Calgary 403–297–6679
For toll free service from anywhere in
Ambulance Alberta, call 310-0000.
An ambulance is an emergency vehicle “S” Endorsement
that is designed to transport injured
persons, and is equipped with rescue or Drivers who have a Class 1, 2 or 4
first aid equipment. licence can apply for the school bus
driver endorsement condition code “S”
Axle to be placed on their licence when they
successfully complete the School Bus
An axle is a shaft on which two or more Driver Improvement Program.
wheels revolve.
NOTE: Effective March 1, 2019 the holder
Bus of a Safety Fitness Certificate issued under
Alberta’s National Safety Code program
Section 130(1) (a) of the Traffic Safety Act; shall not allow a person to
“bus” means a commercial vehicle operate a school bus (school bus
(i) that is designed for carrying 11 or as defined under Section 20.5(c) of
more persons, including the person driving the Operator Licensing and Vehicle
the vehicle, and Control Regulation AR320/2002) that
(ii) that is used or intended to be used is transporting students to and from
for the transportation of persons, and school pursuant to Section 19 (1) of the
includes any other commercial vehicle Commercial Vehicle Safety Regulation
designated as a bus by regulation; 121/2009, unless the driver has
successfully completed the School Bus
“Q” Endorsement Driver Improvement course that has been
approved by the Registrar. Subsequently,
A “Q” endorsement is placed on any the driver must have the appropriate “S”
class of driver’s licence, when a driver endorsement on their driver’s licence.
successfully completes an approved
Alberta air brake course through an
authorized organization.
14 A Commercial Driver’s Guide to Operation, Safety and LicensingSchool bus
Trailer
Section 20.5 (c) of the Operator Licensing
and Vehicle Control Regulation; Means a vehicle without motive power
(c) “school bus” means a commercial that is designed to be towed by another
vehicle that vehicle.
(i) meets the requirements of a Type A1,
A2, B, C or D school bus described in Truck
CSA-D250-16, or a version of CSA-D250
applicable at the time of manufacture Means a motor vehicle designed and
and that is used primarily to transport intended for the transport of goods or
passengers and includes carrying of loads.
(A) a school bus as defined in the
Commercial Vehicle Safety Regulation Truck tractor
(AR121/2009)
(B) a multifunction school activity bus as Means a truck that may be coupled to
described in CSA-D250-16, and a semi-trailer by means of a fifth wheel,
(C) a commercial vehicle that is registered but does not include a bed truck, picker
as a kindergarten bus, truck or winch truck.
or
(ii) is an originally foreign bus,
but does not include a transit bus as
defined in Vehicle Inspection Regulation
(AR 211/2006)
Semi-trailer
Means a trailer that:
(i) has axles only at or near its rear end;
(ii) while being towed, is supported at
its front end by the truck tractor or the
immediately preceding trailer;
(iii) when connected to the truck tractor
or preceding trailer, is connected by means
of a kingpin and a fifth wheel;
CHAPTER ONE COMMERCIAL DRIVER’S LICENCE REQUIREMENTS 15NOTES 16 A Commercial Driver’s Guide to Operation, Safety and Licensing
2 National Safety Code
On April 1, 1989 each province and Each Canadian jurisdiction regulates
territory in Canada agreed to a set of carriers that register an NSC vehicle within
performance and safety standards for their jurisdiction. An Alberta SFC can be
commercial motor carriers and the National valid in all other Canadian jurisdictions
Safety Code (NSC) came into effect. but only for those vehicles registered
Alberta, like the other jurisdictions, has with Alberta plates and only if the carrier
passed legislation to put these standards has declared that they are a “federal”
into effect. company. If an Alberta carrier also has a
A person or company operating a commercial vehicle, regulated by the NSC
commercial truck or bus is commonly requirements of another jurisdiction, then
referred to as a “motor carrier”, or “carrier” they will need a second SFC from that
for short. There is both provincial and jurisdiction.
federal NSC legislation that may require a Each jurisdiction monitors its own
carrier to obtain a Safety Fitness Certificate NSC carriers and intervenes with those
(SFC). Only one piece of legislation will that pose an unacceptable risk to the
apply to a carrier at any given time. public. Where a carrier does not respond
Federal law applies to carriers wishing positively to intervention actions and
to operate outside of Alberta and requires continues to represent an unacceptable
carriers to obtain an SFC if they operate: risk to the public, the carrier may be
• A truck, tractor, or trailer or any prevented from operating by canceling
combination of these vehicles registered their SFC and their commercial vehicle
for or weighing in excess of 4,500 registrations.
kilograms, or
• A commercial passenger vehicle with an
original manufacturer’s seating capacity of Safety plans
11 or more persons including the driver.
In Alberta, a carrier must establish,
Provincial law applies to carriers operating maintain and follow a written safety
solely within Alberta and requires carriers program. A carrier failing to complete this
to obtain an SFC if they operate: regulatory requirement may be subject to
• A truck, tractor, or trailer or any disciplinary action including charges being
combination of these vehicles registered laid in the courts, an administrative penalty
for a weight of 11,794 kilograms or being issued, or their Safety Fitness
greater, or Certificate being cancelled. A carrier’s
• A commercial passenger vehicle with an Safety Plan must address matters relating
original manufacturer’s seating capacity of to the safe use and operation of their
11 or more persons including the driver. commercial vehicles including:
• speed limits, seat belt use, drug and
NOTE: Farmers are exempt from the alcohol use, defensive driving, load
requirement to obtain an SFC under security, and fuelling
provincial law but NOT the federal • proper records and recording of
regulations. information including, as required, bills
A Commercial Driver’s Guide to Operation, Safety and Licensingof lading, manifests, dangerous goods registration and Dangerous Goods
documents, time records, drivers’ daily training certificate and insurance
logs and weigh slips • report any violations, convictions,
• policy and procedures related to and collisions to the carrier
compliance with the law, driver training
responsibilities, conduct and discipline For more information, refer to the
• instructions for the use of safety Commercial Vehicle Certificate and Insurance
equipment including, as required, Regulation AR 314/2002, which is available
the use of reflective triangles, fire from the Queen’s Printer. (See “Need more
extinguishers, goggles, and hard hats information” at the end of this section.)
• training for employees about safety laws
and their application and an ongoing
program for evaluating their driving skills Preventive
• retention of complete records for each
driver in accordance with regulations
maintenance plans
• policies for ensuring that drivers are In Alberta, a carrier must establish,
properly qualified for the type of vehicle maintain and follow a written maintenance
they operate and inspection program that covers all
applicable vehicles registered to the carrier
All drivers have a responsibility to know in Alberta, including leased vehicles.
and follow the policies and procedures A carrier failing to complete this regulatory
contained in their company’s safety plan. requirement may be subject to disciplinary
Each driver should: action including charges being laid in the
• have received the training specified in courts, an administrative penalty being
the company’s safety plan and know issued, or their Safety Fitness Certificate
how to perform their duties properly being cancelled. The policies and
and safely (e.g. training on drivers’ procedures set out in the maintenance
hours of service, trip inspections, cargo program must provide for continuous
securement, weights and dimension and regular inspections that meet the
requirements, etc.) requirements specified in the regulations.
• ensure that the vehicle is being operated Every driver is responsible to:
in compliance with the owner’s policies • understand the company’s
and procedures, and within the law maintenance plan
• have all the applicable documentation • carry out those inspections and
completed and in his or her possession maintenance required by the owner
when required (e.g. Bills of Lading and • carry out any inspections required
Dangerous Goods documents) by legislation, such as vehicle trip
• be medically fit to drive and not fatigued or inspections
under the influence of alcohol or any drug • complete any documents required by
• be qualified to operate the vehicle the owner and return those documents
and have any required documents, to the owner
such as a valid driver’s licence, vehicle
CHAPTER TWO NATIONAL SAFETY CODE 19• ensure the vehicle is inspected, Provincial (Alberta)
or make it available for inspection,
as specified in the company’s
legislation
preventive maintenance plan The on-duty hours (consisting of “driving”
• report any on-road inspections received and “on-duty not driving” time) allowed
from an enforcement officer and provide for a driver are regulated in work shifts
the documents to the carrier that generally start after having a period
• notify the carrier of any defects found of eight consecutive hours off-duty and
during an inspection; end when the driver has another period of
• not operate any vehicle with a defect eight consecutive hours off-duty. Some
that would jeopardize the safety of the situations are considered equivalent to this
driver or any other person eight hour off-duty requirement.
During a work shift, a driver cannot drive:
For more information, refer to the • after having driven 13 hours; or
Commercial Vehicle Safety Regulation, • after being on-duty for 15 hours
AR 121/2009 which is available through
the Queen’s Printer. (See “Need more A driver must account for every day by
information” at the end of this section.) completing a daily log for each calendar
day, or indicating in the remarks section of
the daily log that the driver was off-duty on
Hours of service the indicated dates.
When required to complete a daily log, a
Hours of service legislation is safety driver must do the following:
legislation that ensures commercial drivers • enter all the required information
have enough opportunities to rest so they • maintain the daily log current to the last
do not drive when tired. change of duty status, such as off-duty
There is both federal and provincial time and driving time
legislation that regulates drivers’ hours of • maintain the daily log accurately
work. Alberta legislation applies to carriers • keep copies of documents received
and their drivers who operate vehicles during the trip, such as hotel receipts
solely within Alberta. The federal legislation and fuel receipts
applies to carriers and their drivers who • deliver the daily log, and all supporting
operate one or more vehicles outside of documents, to the employer within
Alberta. Once it has been determined 20 days
that a carrier falls within the federal • keep a copy of each daily log and
legislation, all the drivers of the carrier’s supporting documents for at least
regulated vehicles must comply to federal six months
requirements, even those that never leave
Alberta. The main regulatory requirements If ALL of the following four conditions
are summarized below. To fully understand are met, a daily log is not required to be
all requirements, one must read the completed. (however, all other regulated
applicable regulations. requirements must still be met):
A Commercial Driver’s Guide to Operation, Safety and Licensing• the driver starts and ends the work shift consecutive. The other two hours must be
at the same place taken in no less than 30 minute periods.
• the driver stays within a 160 kilometre Some concessions apply.
radius of the home terminal During a work shift (a work shift starts
• there must be no more than 15 hours after the driver has 8 consecutive hours
from the time the driver starts work until off), a driver cannot drive:
relieved of duty • after having driven 13 hours;
• the employer must maintain a record • after being on-duty for 14 hours;
for at least six months of the time each • after 16 hours of time has elapsed since
driver starts and ends a work shift the conclusion of their most recent 8
hours of consecutive off-duty time
The driver’s employer must:
• ensure the driver follows the Sleeper berth requirements differ
regulations; and between team and single drivers.
• maintain the daily logs, in an orderly A carrier must ensure their drivers are
manner, for each driver for six months following cycle 1 or 2. The driver must then
indicate which cycle they are operating under
For more information, refer to the on their daily log. Depending on the cycle,
Drivers Hours of Service Regulation the driver shall not drive after accumulating:
AR 317/2002, which is available from Cycle 1 - 70 hours of on-duty time in 7
the Queen’s Printer. (See “Need more consecutive days; or
information” at the end of this section.) Cycle 2 - 120 hours of on-duty time in 14
consecutive days.
Drivers using cycle 2 are required to
Federal legislation take at least 24 consecutive hours off prior
to reaching their 70th hour of on duty time.
The federal drivers’ hours of service A driver operating on cycle 1 may reset
regulations are more restrictive than the their accumulative hours back to zero by
Alberta regulations. It is important to realize taking 36 consecutive hours off-duty. A
that the federal regulation has daily, work driver operating on cycle 2 may reset their
shift and cumulative cycle limits that all accumulative hours to zero by taking 72
must be met every day. The following is consecutive hours off-duty. A driver cannot
only a summary of the main regulatory move from one cycle to the other without
requirements. taking a reset.
During a day (a consecutive 24 hour No driver may drive unless they have
period determined by the carrier) a driver taken at least 24 consecutive hours off in
cannot drive: the preceding 14 days.
• after having driven 13 hours; or A driver need not complete a daily log if:
• after being on-duty for 14 hours • the driver operates or is instructed
by the motor carrier to operate a
In each day a driver must take 10 hours commercial vehicle within a radius of
of off-duty time, 8 of the hours off being 160 kilometres of the home terminal
CHAPTER TWO NATIONAL SAFETY CODE 21• the driver returns to the home terminal
each day to begin a minimum of 8 Vehicle Safety and Carrier Services
consecutive hours of off-duty time Room 401, Provincial Building
• the motor carrier maintains accurate 4920 – 51 Street
and legible records showing, for each Red Deer, Alberta
day, the driver’s duty status and elected T4N 6K8
cycle, the hour at which each duty 403 340-5021
status begins and ends and the total For toll-free service from anywhere
number of hours spent in each status in Alberta, call 310-0000
and keeps those records for a minimum
period of 6 months after the day on
which they were recorded and Vehicle Inspection
• the driver is not driving under a permit
issued under these Regulations
Program (VIP) for
Commercial Vehicles
If a radius exemption from completing
a log is used, all other requirements of the To maintain and enhance the safety of
regulation must still be met. commercial vehicles travelling on Alberta
For more information, refer to the highways, the province has a mandatory
Commercial Vehicle Drivers Hours of safety inspection program. This is called
Service Regulation SOR/94-716, which is the Alberta Vehicle Inspection Program
available from the Queen’s Printer. (VIP) for Commercial Vehicles.
The VIP for Commercial Vehicles is not
a replacement for the ongoing preventive
Need more maintenance carried out by vehicle
information? owners, but rather sets the standards for
owners’ maintenance programs.
To learn more about this legislation or to A commercial vehicle passing inspection
ask questions about the requirements, under VIP will receive a Commercial
check the following. Vehicle Inspection Certificate, as well as a
Alberta legislation is available from the Commercial Vehicle Inspection decal to be
Queen’s Printer at: placed on the vehicle.
http://www.qp.alberta.ca As with the National Safety Code,
or phone 780–427–4952. municipal transit buses and farm trucks are
For toll-free service from anywhere in exempt when operating solely within the
Alberta, call 310-0000
More information is available at:
https://www.alberta.ca/ministry-
transportation.aspx
A Commercial Driver’s Guide to Operation, Safety and Licensingborders of Alberta from the VIP. For toll-free service from anywhere
in Alberta, call 310-0000.
Which commercial vehicles NOTE: Please request to speak to the
need to be inspected under Vehicle Inspection Program Licensing
Vehicle Inspection Program? Analyst.
BUSES
All buses designed to carry more than 11 Cargo securement
passengers, including the driver, must be
inspected. This does not include municipal It is important to ensure that all cargo
transit buses, but does include both school carried by a commercial vehicle is properly
buses and commercial buses. Buses must secured according to the requirements
be inspected every six months. Since of the Canadian National Safety Code
1978, Alberta has had a semi-annual (NSC) Standard 10, adopted in Alberta’s
inspection requirement for buses. Commercial Vehicle Safety Regulation.
Commercial trucks registered over 4500
TRUCKS AND TRAILERS kg are required to ensure the cargo they
All trucks, truck-tractors, trailers and semi- carry is secure:
trailers with a registered combined gross • A carrier shall not permit a driver to
vehicle weight (GVW) of 11,794 kg or more operate a commercial vehicle where the
must be inspected. Trucks and trailers cargo transported in or on the vehicle is
must be inspected every 12 months. not contained, immobilized, or secured
These are the same vehicles as governed in accordance with the NSC Standard
under the National Safety Code. as it relates to the particular type of
commercial vehicle.
How can I find out more • A driver shall not operate a commercial
about the Vehicle Inspection vehicle where the cargo transported
Program for Commercial in or on the vehicle is not contained,
Vehicles in Alberta? immobilized, or secured in accordance
with the NSC Standard as it relates
For more information about inspection of to the particular type of commercial
commercial vehicles in Alberta, or to apply vehicle.
for a Vehicle Inspection Program Facility • A driver or carrier must ensure that
Licence or a Vehicle Inspection Program cargo transported by a commercial
Technician Licence to inspect Commercial vehicle is contained, immobilized or
Vehicles, contact: secured so that it cannot:
·· leak, spill, blow off, fall from, fall
Vehicle Safety through or otherwise be dislodged
Main Floor, Twin Atria Building from the vehicle
4999 – 98 Avenue ·· shift upon or within the vehicle to
Edmonton, Alberta T6B 2XB such an extent that the vehicle’s
780–427–8901
CHAPTER TWO NATIONAL SAFETY CODE 23stability or ability to move is adversely
affected.
If cargo is not properly secured, the
driver, carrier, or shipper could face fines
and penalties.
The North American Cargo Securement
Standard can be viewed on the Canadian
Council of Motor Transport Administrators
website at; https://ccmta.ca/en/
A Commercial Driver’s Guide to Operation, Safety and Licensing3 Trip Inspections
Purpose of daily Vehicles that require
vehicle inspections inspections
The purpose of a daily vehicle inspection is Provincially regulated carriers (those
to ensure the early identification of a vehicle that operate solely within Alberta) must
problem and defects before the vehicle complete trip inspection reports on:
is operated on the highway. Inspections • Trucks registered for a weight of 11,794
prevent the operation of a vehicle with kilograms and greater; and
conditions that are likely to cause or • Commercial passenger vehicles with a
contribute to the severity of a collision. designed seating capacity of 11 or more
The trip inspection process is part of persons, including the driver.
a carrier’s legal requirement to have and
implement a written maintenance program. Federally regulated carriers (those that
It also ensures there is clear communication operate one or more vehicles outside the
within the company about the vehicle’s day- province of Alberta) must complete trip
to-day safety. inspection reports on:
Inspection reports serve as • Trucks registered for a weight of 4,500
communication between drivers, the carrier kilograms and greater; and
and the carrier’s maintenance department. • Commercial passenger vehicles with a
Reports are used to verify inspections, designed seating capacity of 11 or more
record defects, report defects and may be persons, including the driver.
used to verify repairs. Reports are completed
immediately following an inspection. A “commercial vehicle” is defined as
A brief overview of the daily inspection a vehicle operated on a highway by or
program includes: on behalf of a person for the purpose
• The driver conducts an inspection on a of providing transportation but does not
vehicle or combination of vehicles. include a private passenger vehicle.
• The inspection is conducted with the
use of a schedule which lists the vehicle
components and systems that require Vehicle defects
inspection.
• The driver completes a report Recording defects
of the inspection.
• The inspection and report are The driver is required to record a defect
valid for 24 hours. on the report immediately after the initial
• The driver is to carry the schedule and inspection or upon discovery of a defect
report in the vehicle. while travelling or when discovered at the
• The driver records any defects found end of a trip or day.
during the inspection, while en route
and at the end of the trip or day.
• The driver reports defects to the carrier.
26 A Commercial Driver’s Guide to Operation, Safety and LicensingReporting defects vehicle(s) within the previous 24 hours.
In addition to the initial inspection,
For the purposes of reporting defects to whether conducted by the driver or
the carrier, the carrier may designate an not, the driver is required to monitor the
employee to receive reports of defects. condition of the vehicle(s) for defects while
Minor and major defects, which are en route.
listed in a schedule, must be reported In addition to drivers, other persons
immediately by the driver or inspection such as maintenance or yard staff are
person to the carrier upon discovery also permitted to conduct inspections and
of the defect. complete and sign reports.
Depending on the driver’s situation, Where a trip inspection report has been
reporting defects to the carrier may be completed, the trip inspection is valid for
done in person, by phone, via written a maximum of 24 hours. This means a trip
report or by electronic means. inspection conducted by a person may be
used by another person provided it was
Driving with defects completed within 24 hours.
A person other than the driver who
A driver may continue to drive with a conducts an inspection and signs the
minor defect that is listed on an inspection report is responsible under law for the
schedule if the driver has immediately inspection and the information contained in
entered the defect on the daily the inspection report. The driver may rely
inspection report and reported on such an inspection and produce the
the defect to the carrier. report to an officer, unless the driver has
reason to believe the inspection and report
Vehicle not to be operated do not meet the requirements, or the driver
with a major defect is aware or ought to be aware that the
vehicle has a defect.
No carrier shall permit a person, and no Any number of trailers may be inspected
person shall, drive a commercial vehicle and added to a single report if the report
on a highway when a major defect that is contains additional lines for additional
listed on an inspection schedule is present trailers.
on the vehicle. All information required to be on a report
must be accurately completed in full.
On the demand of a peace officer,
Driver inspection a driver must produce the inspection
required schedule and the written trip inspection
report. Alberta’s trip inspection legislation
The driver is required to complete and sign is contained in sections 9 through
a report upon completion of the inspection. 16 of the Commercial Vehicle Safety
Drivers are not permitted to drive a truck Regulation 121/2009 and can be viewed
or tow a trailer unless the driver or another on the Queen’s Printer web site at: www.
person has conducted an inspection of the qp.alberta.ca
CHAPTER THREE TRIP INSPECTIONS 27There are vehicle inspectors throughout associations and organizations also
the province who conduct commercial produce and sell schedules and
vehicle inspections. Vehicles that do not report forms.
meet the requirements can be taken
out-of-service until the repairs are made.
This can also result in fines and points Trip inspections
assessed on the Carrier Profile or the
driver’s Commercial Driver Abstract. Inspection procedures
NOTE: Only the driver is referenced as
Trip inspection the inspection person throughout the
schedule remainder of this chapter.
Application of inspection Drivers may choose an inspection
schedule procedure (circle procedure) that
best suits the vehicle and its location.
• A truck, a tractor and towed trailer However, whichever procedure is used,
are inspected using Schedule 1. A each regulated inspection item must
converter dolly is inspected as part of be inspected and where a defect is
the trailer it is carrying. The dolly is to discovered the defect must be recorded
be inspected again when carrying a on the report and reported to the carrier.
different trailer. The following detailed trip inspection
• Carriers are required to supply drivers is for reference only. Check with your
with a copy of the inspection schedule. employer to determine if the company
• Drivers are required to carry and has its own forms for recording vehicle
produce the inspection schedule condition.
to an officer.
• A schedule and an inspection report NOTE: A vehicle trip inspection is required
may be combined on the same as part of the road test when applying for
document. a Class 1, 2 and 3 driver’s licence.
Where to get inspection
schedules Before beginning the
inspection
Schedule 1 - 4 of National Safety Code
Standard 13, which is published by Choose terrain that is as level as
the Canadian Council of Transport possible and park the vehicle safely
Administrators (CCMTA), is acceptable in away from traffic.
Alberta, including when produced by the Set parking/spring brake. Place the
driver of an Alberta plated commercial transmission in low gear for a
vehicle. These schedules may be viewed manual transmission.
at: www.ccmta.ca. Some companies, Shut off the engine.
28 A Commercial Driver’s Guide to Operation, Safety and Licensing Chock the wheels and ensure the
chocks will keep the vehicle from moving
especially for vehicles equipped with air
Start
brakes when they are released later. The
minimum size for square blocks should
be 15 by 15 centimetres.
Circle check
The drawings below illustrate one way to
make a full circle check. Do a walk-around
check before starting any trip. The circle
Start
check may be done in any order, but
make sure that you check everything and
always make a complete circle around the
vehicle. Much of the pre-trip information
Ambulance
listed below is common to all commercial
vehicles. Where there are extra items for
specific vehicle types, it is indicated under
its own heading. Daily walk-around procedure
– items to check:
NOTE: The categories for a bus includes;
commercial, school and private buses. Starting at the front of the vehicle and
Unique school bus items, if applicable going down the driver’s side of the vehicle,
are noted. from the front to the back, check the
following:
OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE
Under the hood
Start All vehicle types
radiator has no leaks, has adequate
coolant level and proper fitting cap
Truck-tractor and semi-trailer fan has no bent, cracked, missing
blades or loose mountings
all belts have correct tension and do not
show signs of wear
oil and other fluid levels are adequate
Start air filter for condition
battery has no cracks, excessive corrosion
or leaks, terminal connections are secure,
School bus battery is securely mounted (battery
location varies on different vehicles)
CHAPTER THREE TRIP INSPECTIONS 29 steering mechanism has no bent, right and left turn signals work, lenses
broken or missing parts, power steering are clean and not cracked
pump and hose for leaks and adequate clearance and marker lights work,
fluid level, steering mechanism has no lenses are clean and not cracked,
wear or excessive play and reflectors are clean
all hose connections are secure, windshield is clean and free of
have no leaks, kinks, cuts, abrasions major cracks
or cracks
shock absorbers are not loose or Truck-tractor
leaking (if visible on the vehicle)
suspension has no cracked, missing or licence plate is valid, clean and secure
broken leaf springs, or U-bolts that are
loose, broken or missing (if visible on Bus
the vehicle)
alternating amber and red flashing lights
Vehicles with Air Brakes work, lenses are clean and not cracked
(school bus only)
air compressor is securely mounted, pedestrian-student safety crossing arm
condition of lines, fittings, hoses is secure, not damaged and works
and couplers (school bus only)
brake chambers for condition clearance and marker lights work,
and security lenses are clean and not cracked,
slack adjuster angle, push rod travel, reflectors are clean
mechanical condition and wear crossover mirror is secure, clean and
air lines have no leaks, kinks, cuts, not cracked (school bus only)
abrasions or cracks
Ambulance
NOTE: During the pre-trip inspection,
return to the driver’s compartment as emergency lights work, lenses are clean
required to turn the lights on and off to and not cracked
check that they are working properly.
DRIVER’S SIDE
OF THE VEHICLE
FRONT OF VEHICLE All Vehicle Types
All Vehicle types
steering axle tire has adequate tread
no traces of leaking fluids on the depth (not less than 3.2 mm), proper
ground under the vehicle inflation, no bulges, sidewall separation,
high and low beam headlights work, cuts or uneven wear
lenses are clean and not cracked steering axle rim has no cracks, missing
hazard warning lights work, lenses are pieces, bends or rust streaks, wheel
clean and not cracked fasteners are secure and not missing,
broken or loose
30 A Commercial Driver’s Guide to Operation, Safety and Licensing oil level in steering axle wheel bearing, tires are not touching and nothing is
if equipped trapped between them
inspection decal is present, valid and in second drive axle wheel rims have no
the proper location (if required for the cracks, missing pieces, bends or rust
specific vehicle) streaks, wheel fasteners are secure and
mirrors are attached securely not missing, broken or loose
and not cracked fifth wheel coupler bolt is secure, slider
driver’s door operates properly (does is locked and secure, plate shows no
not apply to a bus) damage, cracks or weld separations,
windows are clean plate is flush to the apron (no daylight is
fuel cap is present and secure (fuel cap visible between them)
location may vary on each vehicle) fifth wheel locking jaws are closed,
plate sits flat on the underside of trailer,
Truck-tractor and kingpin is enclosed
three axle vehicles kingpin and pintle hitch eyehook (if
equipped) is not worn, damaged,
handrail is secure cracked or broken
steps are secure and in good condition hitches (if equipped), pintle hitch or
fuel tank has no leaks, tank is secure, ball hitch is not worn and locking
the air vent is not plugged and that the mechanism is closed
proper fitting cap is secure chains, cables (if equipped) have no
fuel system lines are secure and stress cracks or weld breaks and are
have no leaks securely attached
exhaust system is in good condition, has drive shaft is in good condition and
no leaks, muffler is securely attached, there are no obstructions
and the heat shield (if present) is secure suspension has no cracked, missing or
storage compartment doors open and broken springs, torsion bars or walking
close properly and contents are secure beams are secure and not damaged,
first drive axle tires have adequate tread no loose, missing, or broken U-bolts,
depth (not less than 1.6 mm), proper shock absorbers are securely mounted
inflation, no bulges, sidewall separation, and not leaking. If a vehicle has air
cuts or uneven wear, dual tires are not suspension, check for damaged, worn
touching and nothing is trapped or inoperative air bags
between them axle assembly has no breaks, cracks,
first drive axle wheel rims have no holes, broken seals or bends
cracks, missing pieces, bends or rust signal lights work, lenses are clean
streaks, wheel fasteners are secure and and not cracked
not missing or broken brake lights work, lenses are clean and
second drive axle tires have adequate not cracked (whenever possible, have
tread depth (not less than 1.6 mm), another person activate the brakes
proper inflation, no bulges, sidewall while you check for proper operation)
separation, cuts or uneven wear, dual backing and docking lights work, lenses
are clean and not cracked (whenever
CHAPTER THREE TRIP INSPECTIONS 31You can also read
