Class 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 drivers must complete an approved air brake course to get a Q endorsement on their driver’s licence to operate a vehicle equipped with air brakes.
To get a Class 1 or 3 driver’s licence, you must first complete the air brake endorsement.
Air brakes work by initiating air pressure at an engine-driven compressor and transmitting the pressure through hoses, reservoirs and control valves to the vehicle’s foundation brakes.
Skyway Driving School charges $200 for the Air-Brake Course.
You must participate in a classroom training session delivered by Skyway Driving School Ltd. The classroom session is a minimum of 6.5 hours. Each student is provided with a copy of the Air Brake Manual: A Guide for Students as a reference and study guide.
Once you complete the classroom training, you must participate in the practical training session. The session includes a 15-minute instructor demonstration followed by each student practising the air brake pre-trip inspection twice.
The practical assessment is conducted in a one-on-one setting using the Air Brake Practical Test form and must be completed within the 15-minute time limit. Only one practical re-assessment is allowed before additional training is required. The re-assessment must be conducted on a different day.
The licensed driver training school and the student will determine additional training requirements. Once you pass the practical assessment, you will be issued a Notice of Air Brake Program Completion form.
Bring the Notice of Air Brake Program Completion forms to any Alberta registry agent to take the driver knowledge test. A government fee and a service charge will apply. The knowledge test is conducted electronically and is available in English only.
Paper and translated tests are not available. The knowledge test consists of 30 multiple choice questions. 25 questions must be answered correctly to pass the test. The test will automatically end if 6 questions are answered incorrectly. There is no time limit on the knowledge test or the number of times it can be taken. Retests must be conducted on a different day. If you pass the knowledge test, the registry agent will add the Q endorsement to your driver’s licence. The Q endorsement will appear on your driver’s licence card.
There is no renewal requirement for the Q endorsement. A practical road test is not required to get the Q endorsement.
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