Already Have Driving Experience?
Check if you qualify to upgrade from a Class 3 to a Class 1 licence through Alberta’s fast-track pathway.
A Shorter, Smarter Path to Your Class 1 Licence
As of April 2025, Alberta has retired the MELT program and introduced the Class 1 Learning Pathway. For drivers who already hold a Class 3 licence and have experience with commercial vehicles, there’s now a more efficient option: the Class 1 Experience and Equivalency Program.
This route trims the training hours while still following the government-approved curriculum. It’s designed to respect your time, recognize your experience, and get you on the road faster—with the right support every step of the way.
Condensed Training with Real-World Instruction
In-Truck Training:
28.5 hours
In-Yard Training:
8 hours
Classroom Instruction:
4 hours
Timeline:
~3–4 weeks
Cost:
$4,000.00
Why Experienced Drivers Choose Gennaro
Our Experience
Our Experience
Government-Backed Support
Government-Backed Support
Trusted Instruction
Trusted Instruction
Flexible Scheduling
Flexible Scheduling
Locally owned and operated | Trusted by employers and community leaders | Flexible scheduling and financing options | Practical instructors who’ve worked in the field
Do You Qualify?
To begin the Class 1 equivalency training in Alberta, you must meet the following:
Hold a valid Alberta Class 3 (or Class 2) license for at least 2 years
Provide documented proof of 2+ years operating vehicles with 3 or more axles
Complete Alberta Transportation’s experience verification
Pass a Class 1 knowledge test, vision screening, and medical exam
Training Costs & Time Estimates
Competence Building
Program
$2,500
In-Class + In-Yard + In-Truck 14 hours one-on-one in-cab 3 hours in-yard
Experience &
Equivalency Program
$4,000
In-Class + In-Yard + In-Truck
We Don’t Just Train You
—We Support You
- Personalized in-yard and in-truck mentorship
- Printed and digital study guides
- Support through experience verification and licensing process
- Optional LMS or online study material
- Guidance with payment options or grant applications (if eligible)
Let’s Start Your Upgrade
Use your experience to move forward with confidence. We’ll walk you through the steps.
Who This Program Supports
Class 3 Drivers
If you’ve been driving dump trucks, box trucks, or other multi-axle vehicles, this is your path to commercial Class 1 certification—without starting from scratch.
Oilfield, Agriculture & Construction Workers
Your experience counts. We’ll help you formalize it into a credential that expands your opportunities.
Employers
Need to upskill your crew? Our commercial licence upgrade Alberta program aligns with government grant systems and minimizes employee downtime.
Where This License Can Take You
Access to higher-paying transport jobs
Entry into cross-provincial logistics (post-Competence Building)
Increased job stability and mobility within Alberta’s trucking sector
Recognized certification that enhances long-term career growth
What Our Students Say
Frequently Asked Questions About the Class 1 Experience & Equivalency Program in Alberta
- Hold a valid Class 3 (or Class 2) Alberta driver’s licence for at least 2 years
- Have documented proof of 2+ years operating vehicles with 3 or more axles
- Complete Alberta Transportation’s experience verification process
- Pass a knowledge test, vision test, and medical exam
- 28.5 hours of behind-the-wheel in-truck training
- 8 hours of in-yard instruction
- 4 hours of classroom training
The cost for the Class 3 to Class 1 driver upgrade through Gennaro is $4,000.00. This covers all core training components but excludes:
- Road test permit fees
- Air Brake endorsement (if required)
- Truck rental for the road test
If you choose to pursue Competence Building later to remove the Alberta-only restriction, the cost for that additional program is $2,500.00.
- 14 hours of one-on-one in-cab training
- 3 hours of in-yard instruction
The Class 1 Experience and Equivalency program is designed for drivers with an Alberta Class 3 license. If you hold a Class 3 from another province, you’ll likely need to transfer your license and complete Alberta’s experience verification process first. Gennaro can assist you in navigating these steps before enrolling in the course.
Graduates of the Class 1 Learning Pathway equivalency route are eligible for a wide range of Alberta-based commercial driving jobs, including:
- Oilfield hauling
- Agriculture and livestock transport
- Construction vehicle operations
- Local and regional freight delivery
If you also complete the Competence Building Program, you’ll qualify for interprovincial driving, opening the door to long-haul trucking, logistics, and more competitive wages.
Gennaro offers full support throughout your commercial license upgrade, including:
- Assistance with Alberta Transportation’s experience verification paperwork
- Study guides and test prep for your Class 1 knowledge exam
- Scheduling and prep for your road test
- Help accessing employer-based grants or flexible payment plans
- Optional one-on-one instruction for confidence and skill development
From the first phone call to the final road test, our team is committed to helping you make the most of your experience.
Talk to Someone Who Gets It
We’re here to help you make the transition from Class 3 to Class 1 with confidence and clarity. Fill out the form or give us a call.
Or call us at:
Phone: (780) 451-0111
Location: 15430 – 131 Avenue, Edmonton, AB T5V 0A1