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Professional Driver Certificate

Note:  This program is not currently offered during the 2011/2012 academic year.

Contact:
Ric Bolton
Coordinator

Program Information:
E-mail:  inquire@rdc.ab.ca
Phone: 403.342.3400  OR  1.888.732.4630

The Program

The Professional Driver Certificate program consists of classroom learning and one-on-one behind the wheel training.  Each student will also complete a supervised practicum with a driver coach.  Successful completion of all components is necessary in order to meet the program requirements.

This program prepares the graduate to work as a professional truck driver.  Graduates will have the competencies, skills, and experience necessary for success in entry-level, professional driver positions in the trucking and transportation industry.  In addition to the Professional Driver Certificate from RDC, graduates will be eligible for a CTHRC certificate (Canadian Trucking Human Resources Council) and the Alberta Infrastructure and Transportation Professional Driver Endorsement on their Class 1 License.

Admission Requirements

  • Currently holds a valid Alberta Class 5 drivers license.  Must produce license and authorize college to check status at time of application and throughout program
  • Must be a minimum 18 years of age at time of application
  • Provide evidence that National Safety Code medical requirements for class 1 drivers license have been met at the time of enrolment
  • Present driver abstract at time of application showing:  no more than five points; license has not been suspended within 12 months of course registration; no Criminal Code driving related convictions within 5 years of the application
  • Has at least Alberta Grade 10 or equivalent
  • Has met minimum essential skill requirements as determined by the Professional Driver Pre-employment TOWES * 
  • Has sufficient English language proficiency to meet RDC admission requirements (TOEFL score of 550 on the paper test or 213 on the computer based test, or Level 5 of RDC ESL Certificate, or equivalent (LINC level 8/9).
  • Criminal Record Check

Call RDC Test Centre for details on testing requirements.

Note:  Applicants need to be aware that:

  • In order to drive in the United States, candidates must be aware that a criminal record may disallow them from crossing the international border
  • The minimum age for a commercial driver in the United States is 21 years
  • In order to drive in the United States drivers will be subject to pre-employment and random drug tests pursuant to US regulations
  • Some trucking companies have hiring policies requiring highway drivers be 19-21 years of age or older.

* Students will meet the standard required by CTHRC for earning your wheels:  Reading Text 2; Document Use 1 (Numeracy 1).  The Professional Driver pre-Employment TOWES is the property of the Canadian Trucking Human Resources Council (CTHRC)

Program Content

  • DRIV 110 Classroom
  • DRIV 120 Classroom and Supervised Practicum