National Safety Code: Hours of Service +10Alberta · CDL · English

Alberta hours of service legislation applies to carriers operating solely within Alberta. Work shifts generally start and end with eight consecutive hours off-duty. During a work shift a driver cannot drive after 13 hours driving or after 15 hours on-duty.

• ✓Cannot drive after having driven 13 hours (provincial)
• ✓Cannot drive after being on-duty 15 hours (provincial)
• ✓Work shifts start and end with eight consecutive hours off-duty
• ✓Daily log records must be kept for at least six months
• ✓Daily logs and supporting documents delivered to employer within 20 days

Federal hours of service rules are more restrictive and apply to carriers operating any vehicle outside Alberta. They have daily, work shift and cumulative cycle limits. During a day a driver cannot drive after 13 hours driving or 14 hours on-duty, and must take 10 hours off-duty (8 consecutive).

• ✓Federal: cannot drive after 13 hours driving or 14 hours on-duty in a day
• ✓Federal: must take 10 hours off-duty daily, 8 consecutive
• ✓Work shift: cannot drive after 16 hours elapse since last 8 consecutive hours off-duty
• ✓Federal rules apply to all a carrier's drivers once carrier falls under federal legislation

Federal drivers must follow cycle 1 or 2 and indicate it on their daily log. Cycle 1 allows 70 hours on-duty in 7 days; cycle 2 allows 120 hours in 14 days. Cycle 2 requires 24 consecutive hours off before the 70th hour. Resets require 36 hours (cycle 1) or 72 hours (cycle 2) off-duty.

• ✓Cycle 1: 70 hours on-duty in 7 consecutive days
• ✓Cycle 2: 120 hours on-duty in 14 consecutive days
• ✓Cycle 1 reset requires 36 consecutive hours off-duty
• ✓Cycle 2 reset requires 72 consecutive hours off-duty
• ✓No driver may drive without 24 consecutive hours off in the preceding 14 days

If carrying passengers on a bus and you discover a fire or danger of fire, stop immediately in a safe location. Get passengers off the bus and to a safe spot at least 35 metres (115 feet) from the vehicle. Portable fire extinguishers are carried in the driver's compartment in most commercial vehicles.

• ✓Stop immediately in a safe location upon discovering a fire or danger of fire
• ✓Move passengers to a safe spot at least 35 metres (115 feet) from the vehicle
• ✓Portable fire extinguishers are located in the driver's compartment in most commercial vehicles

Do not try to put out a fire beyond your capability or the extinguisher's. Depending on type and size, you only have eight to ten seconds of chemical discharge. To use: remove from bracket, pull safety pin breaking the seal, approach from upwind if possible, and hold upright. After use, replace the safety pin, return it to storage, and note on the post-trip inspection that it must be recharged immediately or replaced.

• ✓Do not attempt to fight a fire beyond your capability or the extinguisher's
• ✓Extinguishers provide only eight to ten seconds of chemical discharge
• ✓Approach the fire from upwind and hold the extinguisher upright
• ✓After use, note it on the post-trip inspection and have it recharged immediately or replaced

Remember PASS to operate a fire extinguisher: Pull the pin and point the nozzle away from you; Aim low and direct at the base of the fire; Squeeze the handle slowly and evenly until the fire is out or the extinguisher is empty; Sweep from side to side starting at one side of the fire and working across — do not start in the middle.

• ✓P = Pull the pin and point the nozzle away from you
• ✓A = Aim low and direct the extinguisher at the base of the fire
• ✓S = Squeeze the handle slowly and evenly until fire is out or empty
• ✓S = Sweep from side to side, starting at one side and working across — not the middle

If carrying passengers on a bus and you discover a fire or danger of fire, stop immediately in a safe location, get passengers off the bus and to a safe spot at least 35 metres (115 feet) from the vehicle. Portable fire extinguishers are carried in the driver's compartment of most commercial vehicles.

• ✓Stop in a safe location and evacuate passengers at least 35 metres (115 feet) from the vehicle
• ✓Portable fire extinguishers are located in the driver's compartment

Do not try to fight a fire beyond your capability or the extinguisher's. Extinguishers provide only eight to ten seconds of discharge. To operate: remove from bracket, pull the safety pin, approach from upwind, hold upright. Use PASS: Pull the pin, Aim low at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle slowly, Sweep side to side starting at one side of the fire.

• ✓Do not fight a fire beyond your or the extinguisher's capability
• ✓Expect only 8-10 seconds of chemical discharge
• ✓PASS: Pull, Aim low at the base, Squeeze slowly, Sweep side-to-side
• ✓Approach the fire from upwind and hold the extinguisher upright

Fires can start from several causes. Prevent them by: never starting a vehicle with a fuel leak (repair and use absorbent material); shutting off the engine when refueling; grounding the fuel nozzle against the filler pipe to prevent static sparks; not smoking near fueling areas; checking tire pressure often since soft tires build heat; and ensuring brakes are fully released while moving since dragging brakes generate heat.

• ✓Never start a vehicle with a fuel leak — repair it and use approved absorbent material
• ✓Shut off the engine when refueling and do not smoke near fueling areas
• ✓Touch the fuel nozzle against the filler pipe before filling to ground it and prevent static sparks
• ✓Check tire pressure often as soft tires build heat and can cause fire
• ✓Ensure brakes are fully released when moving — dragging brakes generate heat that can ignite grease in hubs

Once the fire is out, replace the safety pin and return the extinguisher to its storage compartment. Note on the post-trip inspection that the extinguisher was used and have it recharged immediately or replaced.

• ✓Replace the safety pin and return the extinguisher to storage
• ✓Note use on the post-trip inspection and have the extinguisher recharged or replaced immediately

When linking two or more trailers to a towing unit, always hook the heaviest trailer directly to the tractor and place the lightest trailer furthest away. This rule applies regardless of trailer length; improper order makes the unit unstable and could cause loss of control.

• ✓Hook the heaviest trailer directly to the tractor
• ✓Place the lightest trailer furthest from the towing unit
• ✓This rule applies regardless of each trailer's length
• ✓Incorrect weight order causes instability and rear trailer sway

The A train uses an A-shaped drawbar (A-dolly) that joins into a single pintle hitch point on the lead trailer. It provides two points of articulation, one at the pintle and one at the fifth wheel.

• ✓The A train uses an A-dolly with an A-shaped drawbar
• ✓The A train has two points of articulation (pintle and fifth wheel)
• ✓Each converter must have its own fifth wheel attachment

In a B train, the converter is part of the lead trailer with the fifth wheel assembly on the rear axle. No converter dolly is required, as the second unit connects directly to the extended frame of the lead unit.

• ✓The B train converter is part of the lead trailer
• ✓No separate converter dolly is required for a B train
• ✓The second unit connects directly to the extended frame of the lead unit

A C train uses an independent converter like the A train, but has two drawbars and two pintle hitches (double drawbar), giving only one articulation point so the trailer moves less side-to-side. C trains have a self-steering axle whose air pressure must stay within manufacturer standards.

• ✓The C train uses a double drawbar with two pintle hitches and one articulation point
• ✓C trains have a self-steering axle to improve performance
• ✓Check that self-steering axle air pressure is within manufacturer standards
• ✓Low air pressure on the self-steering axle can cause skid steering and instability

When fueling with gasoline or diesel: do not add fuel while the engine is running; never overfill the tank; report any fuel spill to the attendant for immediate cleanup with approved absorbent; keep away from electrical sparks or open flame; DO NOT SMOKE and ensure no one nearby is smoking; and do not use a cell phone while fueling.

• ✓Do not add fuel while the engine is running and never overfill the tank
• ✓No smoking during fueling and ensure no one nearby smokes
• ✓Do not use a cell phone while fueling
• ✓Report spills immediately for cleanup with approved absorbent material

Only certified/trained people may refuel a propane vehicle or container. Ensure nothing that could ignite is within three metres (10 feet). Wear protective gloves and long sleeves. Switch off engine and electrical accessories. No smoking, no cell phone. Attach the filling hose, open the fixed-liquid level (bleeder) valve. When propane mist discharges from the level gauge, fueling ends. Shut the gauge, disconnect the fill-line. Total tank capacity is approximately 80 percent.

• ✓Only certified or trained persons may refuel propane; keep ignition sources 3 metres (10 feet) away
• ✓Switch off engine and electrical accessories before propane fueling
• ✓Stop fueling when propane mist discharges from the fixed-liquid level gauge
• ✓Propane tanks are filled to approximately 80 percent of total capacity

Do not fuel a vehicle when the engine is running or a radio transmitter is on. Buses, school buses, and taxis should not be fueled while passengers are on board. Ensure sufficient fuel for the trip before picking up passengers.

• ✓Never fuel with the engine running or a radio transmitter on
• ✓Do not fuel buses, school buses, or taxis with passengers aboard
• ✓Ensure sufficient fuel before picking up passengers

During the practical demonstration the vehicle must be properly chocked. When uncoupling air lines, hold a hand over the supply coupler to protect from air pressure release and debris. When coupling after the park control valve pops out, inspect glad hand couplers before connecting and confirm correct connection. Confirm air lines are suspended and will not catch as the trailer turns.

• ✓Ensure the vehicle is properly chocked before demonstrating
• ✓Hold a hand over the supply coupler when uncoupling air lines to protect from pressure release and debris
• ✓Inspect glad hand couplers before connecting and confirm they are correctly connected
• ✓Confirm trailer air lines are suspended and will not catch as the trailer turns

After the pre-trip, restart the engine to maintain air pressure and activate the automatic slack adjuster adjustment by applying two full service brake applications. Applications must be done with air pressure in the normal operating range, allowing one second intervals to account for brake lag. Confirm proper brake adjustment on both brakes of one axle by pulling the slack adjusters (rear trailer axle is commonly easiest).

• ✓Apply two full service brake applications to trigger automatic slack adjuster adjustment
• ✓Allow one second intervals between applications to account for brake lag
• ✓Check adjustment with air pressure in the normal operating range
• ✓Confirm brake adjustment by pulling the slack adjusters on both brakes of one axle

The practical test evaluates the air brake pre-trip inspection including the tractor protection system, park control valve, supply circuit build-up, air system leaks, and brake adjustment. Key checks: confirm low air pressure warning at 60 PSI (414 kPa), park control valve pops out at 20-45 PSI, and governor cut-out check. The test must be completed within fifteen minutes without assistance and without other students present.

• ✓The low air pressure warning must come on by 60 PSI (414 kPa)
• ✓The park control valve pops out at 20-45 PSI (138-311 kPa)
• ✓The test must be completed within fifteen minutes without assistance and with no other students present
• ✓Only the brake adjustment of one axle needs to be checked during the practical test

Foundation brakes are the mechanical components at the axle ends. If they don't work properly, the air brake system cannot stop the vehicle. Almost all runaways are caused by failures in the foundation brakes, not the air system.

• ✓Foundation brakes are the mechanical components at the axle ends
• ✓Almost all runaways are caused by foundation brake failures, not air system failures

The CVSA roadside inspection out-of-service criteria requires a minimum 1/4 inch (7 mm) lining thickness. Brake drums should be checked for cracks and excessive wear.

• ✓Minimum lining thickness is 1/4 inch (7 mm) per CVSA out-of-service criteria
• ✓Brake drums must be checked for cracks and excessive wear

Brake application force rises with a curve as push rod stroke increases. Push rod stroke increases as brake components wear. As the push plate reaches the end of the chamber, brake force drops to zero. Properly adjusted brakes use the upper half of available push rod stroke; out-of-adjustment brakes use the lower half.

• ✓Properly adjusted brakes use the upper half of available push rod stroke
• ✓Out-of-adjustment brakes use the lower half of push rod stroke
• ✓Brake force drops to zero when the push plate reaches the end of the chamber

Brake adjustment cannot be felt when driving. Drivers may feel brakes are good only to have them fail when more is required. Drivers must always check brakes to ensure correct adjustment. Brake fade occurs from component expansion and reduced co-efficiency between lining and drum.

• ✓Brake adjustment cannot be felt while driving; brakes must be physically checked
• ✓Brake fade occurs from component expansion and reduced friction between lining and drum

To check brakes safely, alternate spring park brakes on tow and trailer vehicles. Push yellow in and pull red out to check tractor brakes; pull yellow out and push red in to check trailer brakes. Do not leave the ignition key in the vehicle and ensure wheels are properly chocked. Leaving the transmission in gear does not replace chocking.

• ✓Chock wheels properly before going under a vehicle; transmission in gear is not a substitute
• ✓Remove the ignition key and alternate park brakes to check tractor versus trailer brakes

The applied stroke procedure is used by enforcement officers during CVSA Level 1 inspections. Service brakes must be fully applied—partial applications won't put enough pressure on the push rod for accurate measurement. Maximum allowed stroke values are out-of-service standards.

• ✓Service brakes must be fully applied for accurate applied stroke measurement
• ✓Maximum allowed stroke values are out-of-service standards

Mid-sized chambers have 1/2 inch reserve between total and adjusted stroke. A Type 20 has 2¼ inch total stroke, out-of-service at 1¾ inches (45 mm). A Type 30 has 2½ inch total stroke, out-of-service at 2 inches (51 mm). A Type 30LS has 3 inch total stroke, out-of-service at 2½ inches (64 mm). Brake stroke indicators are required and must be retrofitted if missing.

• ✓Type 20 is out-of-service at 1¾ inches (45 mm) stroke; Type 30 at 2 inches (51 mm)
• ✓Type 30LS long stroke is out-of-service at 2½ inches (64 mm)
• ✓Brake stroke indicators are required and must be retrofitted if missing

The slack adjuster converts push rod force from the chamber to torque on the s-cam shafts. The cam lobes expand the brake shoe platforms, pressing the lining into the drum. Slack adjusters come in 5-7 inch centre-to-centre lengths in 1/2 inch increments; components must be replaced with proper equipment.

• ✓The slack adjuster converts push rod force into torque on the s-cam shaft
• ✓Brake components must be replaced with the proper matching equipment for brake balance

For manual slack adjusters, the optimum free stroke is 1/2 inch (13 mm) with a re-adjustment guideline of 3/4 inch (19 mm). Automatic slack adjusters feel loose but stay within the required applied stroke.

• ✓Manual slack adjusters have an optimum 1/2 inch (13 mm) free stroke, re-adjust at 3/4 inch (19 mm)
• ✓Automatic slack adjusters feel loose but remain within required applied stroke

Foundation brakes are the mechanical components at axle ends. If they do not work properly the air system cannot stop the vehicle. Almost all runaways are caused by foundation brake failures, not the air system. The key skill is recognizing when adjustment is needed.

• ✓Foundation brakes are the mechanical components at the axle ends
• ✓Almost all runaways are caused by foundation brake failures, not the air system
• ✓The most important outcome is recognizing when brakes need adjustment

Brake linings and drums must be checked for wear and cracks. The CVSA roadside out-of-service criterion for minimum lining thickness is a specific value.

• ✓Minimum lining thickness is 1/4 inch (7mm) per CVSA out-of-service criteria
• ✓Brake drums should be checked for cracks and excessive wear
• ✓These are Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance roadside inspection standards

Brake force rises with push rod stroke up to a point, then drops to zero as the push plate reaches the end of the chamber. Push rod stroke increases as brake components wear. Properly adjusted brakes use the upper half of available stroke.

• ✓Properly adjusted brakes use the upper half of available push rod stroke
• ✓Brakes out of adjustment use the lower half of available push rod stroke
• ✓Brake force drops to zero when the push plate reaches the end of the chamber

Brake adjustment cannot be felt while driving. Drivers may feel brakes are good only to have them fail when more is demanded. Drivers must always physically check brake adjustment. Brake fade comes partly from component expansion and reduced coefficient.

• ✓Brake adjustment cannot be felt when driving; always physically check adjustment
• ✓Brakes may feel good but fail when more braking is required
• ✓Brake fade occurs from component expansion and reduced friction between lining and drum

For manual slack adjusters, optimum free stroke is 1/2 inch (13mm) with a re-adjustment guideline of 3/4 inch (19mm). Automatic slack adjusters feel loose but stay within required stroke. Service brakes must be fully applied for the applied stroke procedure.

• ✓Optimum free stroke is 1/2 inch (13mm); re-adjust manual slack adjusters at 3/4 inch (19mm)
• ✓Service brakes must be fully applied for the applied stroke measurement to work
• ✓Automatic slack adjusters feel loose but remain within required applied stroke

Maximum applied stroke values are out-of-service standards used by enforcement. Mid-size Type 20 and 30 chambers have 1/2 inch reserve between total and adjusted stroke. Brake stroke indicators are required and must be retrofitted if missing.

• ✓Type 20 total stroke 2¼ inch (57mm), out-of-service at 1¾ inch (45mm)
• ✓Type 30 total stroke 2½ inch (64mm), out-of-service at 2 inch (51mm); Type 30LS at 2½ inch (64mm)
• ✓Brake stroke indicators are required and must be retrofitted if missing

The slack adjuster converts push rod force from the chamber to torque on the s-cam shaft. The cam lobes expand the brake shoe platforms, pressing lining into the drum. Components must be replaced with proper equipment for brake balance.

• ✓The slack adjuster converts push rod force to torque on the s-cam shaft
• ✓Slack adjusters range 5-7 inch (125-179mm) centre-to-centre in 1/2 inch increments
• ✓Brake components must be replaced with the proper equipment to maintain brake balance

When checking brakes under a vehicle, alternate spring park brakes between tractor and trailer. Proper wheel chocking and key removal are mandatory for safety.

• ✓Push yellow in and pull red out to check tractor brakes; reverse to check trailer brakes
• ✓Do not leave the ignition key in the vehicle and ensure wheels are properly chocked
• ✓Leaving the transmission in gear is not a replacement for properly chocking wheels

For brake adjustment, perform a full service brake application to maintain the adjustment of the automatic slack adjusters. This task is weighted at 15% if performed incorrectly. Confirm brake adjustment on both brakes of one axle, weighted at 10% if performed incorrectly. These are the highest-weighted tasks on the practical test.

• ✓Full service brake application maintains adjustment of automatic slack adjusters (15% weighting)
• ✓Confirm brake adjustment on both brakes of one axle (10% weighting)
• ✓Brake adjustment tasks carry the heaviest scoring penalties on the test

LCVs operate under a Section 62 Traffic Safety Act permit. The carrier issues an annual LCV Driver's Certificate that must be carried by the driver, and must ensure the driver meets specific qualifications.

• ✓The LCV Driver's Certificate is valid for 12 months and must be in the driver's possession when operating an LCV
• ✓The driver must hold a valid Class 1 licence, have passed a recognized air brake course, and have at least 24 months or 150,000 km of articulated vehicle experience
• ✓The driver must have passed a Professional Driver Improvement Course (PDIC) within the past 48 months and the CTA Longer Combination Vehicles Driver Training Course
• ✓The driver's abstract must show no driving-related criminal code convictions in 36 months, no more than two moving violations in 12 months, and no more than three in 36 months

The maximum speed limit for drivers of long combination vehicles is 100 km/h or the posted speed limit, whichever is lower.

• ✓Maximum speed for LCVs is 100 km/h or the posted speed limit, whichever is lower

Long combination vehicles have a maximum speed limit that is the lower of 100 km/h or the posted limit.

• ✓Maximum speed for LCV drivers is not more than 100 km/h or the posted speed limit, whichever is lower

Long Combination Vehicles operate under a permit issued per Section 62 of the Traffic Safety Act. Carriers issue an annual LCV Driver's Certificate only if the driver meets strict qualifications.

• ✓The LCV Driver's Certificate is valid for 12 months and must be in the driver's possession while operating an LCV
• ✓Driver must hold a valid Class 1 licence and have passed a recognized air brake course
• ✓Driver must have a minimum of 24 months or 150,000 kilometres of Class 1 articulated vehicle experience
• ✓Driver must have passed a PDIC within the past 48 months and the CTA Longer Combination Vehicles Driver Training Course
• ✓Driver's abstract must show no driving-related criminal code convictions in prior 36 months, no more than two moving violations in prior 12 months, and no more than three in prior 36 months

All cargo must be secured per Canadian National Safety Code Standard 10, adopted in Alberta's Commercial Vehicle Safety Regulation. Commercial trucks registered over 4,500 kg must ensure cargo is contained, immobilized or secured. Improper securement can result in fines for driver, carrier or shipper.

• ✓Cargo securement applies to commercial trucks registered over 4,500 kg
• ✓Cargo must be contained, immobilized or secured per NSC Standard 10
• ✓Cargo must not leak, spill, blow off, fall from or be dislodged from the vehicle
• ✓Cargo must not shift so as to adversely affect vehicle stability or ability to move
• ✓Driver, carrier or shipper may face fines and penalties for improper securement

The Alberta VIP for Commercial Vehicles is a mandatory safety inspection program that sets standards for owner maintenance. Passing vehicles receive a Commercial Vehicle Inspection Certificate and decal. Municipal transit buses and farm trucks operating solely within Alberta are exempt.

• ✓Buses carrying more than 11 passengers must be inspected every six months
• ✓Trucks/trailers with combined GVW of 11,794 kg or more must be inspected every 12 months
• ✓Municipal transit buses and farm trucks within Alberta are exempt from VIP
• ✓Passing vehicles get a Commercial Vehicle Inspection Certificate and decal

When fueling with gasoline or diesel: do not add fuel while the engine is running; never overfill the tank; notify the attendant to clean up any spill immediately with approved absorbent material; do not fuel close to electrical sparks or open flame; do not smoke and ensure no one nearby smokes; and do not use a cell phone while fueling.

• ✓Do not add fuel into the tank when the engine is running
• ✓Never overfill the fuel tank
• ✓Do not smoke or use a cell phone while fueling, and keep away from sparks and open flame
• ✓Clean up any fuel spill immediately using approved absorbent material

Do not fuel a vehicle when the engine is running or a radio transmitter is on. Vehicles such as a bus, school bus, or taxi should not be fueled when passengers are on board. Ensure there is sufficient fuel for the trip before picking up passengers.

• ✓Do not fuel with the engine running or a radio transmitter on
• ✓Do not fuel a bus, school bus or taxi with passengers on board
• ✓Ensure sufficient fuel for the trip before picking up passengers

Only certified or trained people can refuel a propane vehicle or container. Ensure nothing that could ignite is within three metres (10 feet) of the dispenser or container. Wear protective gloves and clothing, switch off engine and electrical accessories, do not smoke or use a cell phone, and properly attach the filling hose.

• ✓Only people with proper certification or training can refuel propane vehicles or containers
• ✓Ensure nothing that could ignite is within three metres (10 feet) of the dispenser or container
• ✓Engine and electrical accessories must be switched off during propane fueling
• ✓Wear proper protective gloves and clothing such as long sleeve shirts

Open the fixed-liquid level gauge (bleeder valve). When fuel reaches maximum, liquid propane in mist form is discharged from the level gauge — fueling should then end. Shut off the fixed level gauge and disconnect the fill line. The magnetic float gauge should indicate full; total tank capacity is approximately 80 percent.

• ✓Open the fixed-liquid level gauge (bleeder valve) before filling
• ✓When liquid propane mist discharges from the level gauge, fueling should end
• ✓Shut off the fixed level gauge and disconnect the fill line
• ✓A propane tank is filled to approximately 80 percent of its total capacity

Do not fuel a vehicle when the engine is running or a radio transmitter is on. Buses, school buses and taxis should not be fueled with passengers on board. Ensure sufficient fuel for the trip before picking up passengers.

• ✓Do not fuel when the engine is running or a radio transmitter is on
• ✓Buses, school buses and taxis should not be fueled with passengers on board
• ✓Ensure there is sufficient fuel for the trip before picking up passengers

When fueling with gasoline or diesel, do not add fuel while the engine is running, never overfill the tank, notify the attendant to clean up any spill with approved absorbent, avoid electrical sparks or open flame, do not smoke (and ensure no one nearby smokes), and do not use a cell phone while fueling.

• ✓Do not add fuel with the engine running and never overfill the tank
• ✓Do not smoke or use a cell phone while fueling
• ✓Avoid electrical sparks or open flame and clean up spills with approved absorbent material

Only certified/trained people can refuel a propane vehicle or container. Ensure nothing that could ignite is within three metres (10 feet), wear protective gloves and clothing, switch off engine and electrical accessories, do not smoke or use a cell phone, and attach the filling hose properly. Open the fixed-liquid level gauge; fueling ends when propane mist discharges. Shut off the gauge and disconnect the fill-line. The tank fills to about 80 percent capacity.

• ✓Only certified/trained people may refuel propane; keep ignition sources 3 metres (10 feet) away
• ✓Switch off engine and electrical accessories and wear protective gloves/clothing
• ✓Stop fueling when liquid propane mist discharges from the fixed-liquid level gauge
• ✓A propane tank fills to approximately 80 percent of total capacity