Class 3 to Class 1 Driver Upgrade Alberta

Fast-Track Your Class 1 License

in Alberta

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

The Experience and Equivalency Class 1 Learning Pathway delivers focused, hands-on training that prepares you to earn a Class 1 licence with an Alberta-only restriction:

In-Truck Training:

28.5 hours

In-Yard Training:

8 hours

Classroom Instruction:

4 hours

Timeline:

~3–4 weeks

Cost:

$4,000.00

Once you complete this portion and pass your road test, you’ll receive a Class 1 licence with an Alberta-only restriction. To remove that restriction and become eligible for interprovincial driving, you must complete the Competence Building Program.

Why Experienced Drivers Choose Gennaro

Our Experience

Over 90% graduation rate with real-world drivers.

Government-Backed Support

Help navigating Alberta Transportation’s verification process

Trusted Instruction

Experienced instructors who’ve worked in the industry.

Flexible Scheduling

Multiple training slots and payment support options

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 

If you’re unsure where to begin, our team can help you gather what you need.

Training Costs & Time Estimates

Competence Building
Program

Cost

$2,500

Format

In-Class + In-Yard + In-Truck 14 hours one-on-one in-cab 3 hours in-yard

Experience &
Equivalency Program

Cost

$4,000

Format

In-Class + In-Yard + In-Truck

Once you complete it and demonstrate competency, your Class 1 licence restriction is removed, allowing you to drive across provinces. 

Note: Pricing does not include truck rental for road test, road test permit, or Air Brake certification.

We Don’t Just Train You
—We Support You

Students in Gennaro’s Class 1 Learning Pathway equivalency route gain access to:

Let’s Start Your Upgrade

Use your experience to move forward with confidence. We’ll walk you through the steps.

Who This Program Supports

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

A Class 1 Learning Pathway equivalency route is more than a licence—it’s a career investment.

What Our Students Say

    
 
 
         
   Joshua Rauhaus 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent instructors, very relaxed learning environment. Barb was great to work with and was very flexible with scheduling. I would recommend Gennaro to anyone looking to get their class 1 or 3.
  
 
        
   Rick Doucet 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great Instructors, Great equipment with fantastic supporting staff in the office!

Highly recommend!
  
 
        
   Elden Crommer 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Really enjoyed my experience with Roger Little of Gennaro ,  re-learning how to shift manual transmission after 10 year absence from  using a manual transmission
Reception staff was also excellent & helpful
  
 
        
   Carrey Anne Holloway 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I would highly recommend this training school, my learning experience was extremely positive here and I learned so much from each instructor I was given time with. Gennaro Transport training rocks ! You won’t regret making the decision to train as a class 3 or class 1 driver ! Thanks Gennaro !
  
 
        
   Удивительная Реальность 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Good school
  
 
        
   nnamdi nwoye 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Awesome people from the management to the instructors, a good place to be if you want to get your class 1, and also a big thanks to Roger for helping me to succeed .
  
 
        
   Jen N 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Awesome people to deal with and easy to book.
Although they are always swamped, they will try to make it work with my schedule.
I like sending our drivers for training and feel confident that they are in good hands.
  
 
        
   Jojo Valentino 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Highly recommended driving school,  very friendly staff, Ms Barb and Ms Gennaro are so nice and friendly. The driving instructors  Colleen and rob are also nice and friendly and Thank you very much to my driving instructor  Mr. Roger,  for me you are the best keep up the good work. Im a class 1 driver now :)
  
 
        
   jason pulsifer 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Amazing team working for Gennaro. From front desk to my air brake trainer to my driving trainer.

Thank you all.

I would  highly recommend anyone who wants to become a truck driver to enroll through Gennaro. Super friendly and answer all questions to make you a successful driver.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Class 1 Experience & Equivalency Program in Alberta

What is the Class 1 Experience and Equivalency Program in Alberta?

The Class 1 Experience and Equivalency program is a government-approved training route that allows experienced drivers, typically those with a Class 3 licence, to upgrade to a Class 1 licence more efficiently. It recognizes prior driving experience with heavy vehicles and delivers an abbreviated Class 1 training focused on skill refinement and regulatory requirements. Graduates receive a Class 1 licence with an Alberta-only restriction. Completing the Competence Building Program removes that restriction, allowing you to drive across provinces.

Who qualifies for the Class 1 equivalency training in Alberta?

To be eligible for Class 1 equivalency training, applicants must meet the following criteria:

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

This training path is ideal for drivers with a strong background in industries like oilfield services, construction, farming, or logistics.

How long does the Class 1 Experience and Equivalency training take?

The fast track Class 1 driver training typically takes 3–4 weeks, depending on your schedule and road test availability. The core training includes:

28.5 hours of behind-the-wheel in-truck training
8 hours of in-yard instruction
4 hours of classroom training

Following this, students are scheduled for a provincial road test. If passed, you’ll receive a provincially restricted Class 1 license.

What is the cost of upgrading from Class 3 to Class 1 in Alberta?

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.

What is the Competence Building Program, and is it mandatory?

The Competence Building Program is an advanced Class 1 driver training designed to remove the provincial restriction from your licence. It includes:

14 hours of one-on-one in-cab training
3 hours of in-yard instruction

After you pass your road test, you will receive a Class 1 licence with an Alberta-only restriction. To remove that restriction and drive commercially outside Alberta, you must complete the Competence Building Program.

Can I take this course if I have a Class 3 license from another province?

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.

Is the Air Brake Program included in the Experience and Equivalency training?

No. The Air Brake Program is not included in this route. If you don’t already have the ‘Q’ endorsement, you must take a separate course. Most Class 3 drivers already hold it.

What kind of jobs can I get after completing this Class 1 training?

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.

What support does Gennaro provide during the licensing process?

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

Inquiry Form

Gennaro Transport Training

Fast-Track Your Class 1 License

in Alberta

Already Have Driving Experience?

A Shorter, Smarter Path to Your Class 1 Licence