In BC you move up from a full Class 5 licence to Class 3 for straight trucks such as dump trucks, and to Class 1 for semi-trailers. Most trucks also need an air brake endorsement, and every commercial class needs a medical.
Steps from source.
| Detail | Source | |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | Path: Class 5 (full, 24 months non-learner) → Class 3 for straight trucks (age 18+) → Class 1 for semi-trailers (age 19+, Class 1 MELT mandatory). Air brake endorsement for air-braked vehicles; DMER for all commercial classes | source |
| Issuing body · Url | Official page | source |
| Credential | See linked packages | source |
| Jobs requiring it | Transport truck drivers (NOC 73300) | source |
| Wages | Transport truck drivers (NOC 73300), B.C.: low $22.00/h, median $30.77/h, high $40.38/h; annual earnings $68,079 (B.C. LMI Office, 2025 Job Bank wage data) | source |
| Road test fees | ICBC commercial road tests: Class 1 $60; Class 2 or 3 $50; Class 4 (restricted & unrestricted) $40; pre-trip inspections including air brake taken separately $20 (no extra listed when taken with the road test); cancellation with <48 h notice $25; road tests free for seniors 65+; licence fee may apply | source |
| ICBC fee | Amount | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Knowledge test (any class, and air brake) | $15 per attempt | source |
| Class 1 road test | $60 | source |
| Class 2 or Class 3 road test | $50 | source |
| Class 4 road test | $40 | source |
| Air brake pre-trip inspection taken separately | $20 | source |
| Medical exam processing (Class 1 to 4) | $28 | source |
| Doctor’s medical exam | Set by the doctor; MSP does not cover it | source |
| Licence | What it covers | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Class 3 | Trucks with more than two axles, e.g. dump and large tow trucks (age 18+) | Class 3 guide |
| Class 1 | Semi-trailer trucks (age 19+, MELT) | Class 1 guide |
| Class 2 | Buses, school buses, special activity buses (age 19+) | Class 2 guide |
| Class 4 | Taxis, ride-hail, small buses, ambulances (age 19+) | Class 4 guide |
| Air brake (code 15) | Vehicles with air brakes | Air brake guide |
| Medical (DMER) | All commercial classes | Medical guide |
No. ICBC’s path lets you go from a full Class 5 to Class 1 through MELT. Class 3 covers straight trucks such as dump trucks and tow trucks.
WorkBC lists transport truck drivers (NOC 73300) at a $30.77 hourly median, with $22.00 low and $40.38 high. That is a median, not a starting wage.
Road tests are $60 for Class 1, $50 for Class 2 or 3 and $40 for Class 4. Knowledge tests are $15, an air brake pre-trip taken separately is $20 and medical processing is $28. Your doctor sets the medical exam fee and MSP does not cover it.
This page relies on the official pages below. Rules, fees and processes change, so check the authority before you apply or spend money.
Links checked November 1, 2026. Found an error or a broken link? Report it.