Getting Your Driver's Licence: Licensing Process +5British Columbia · CDL · English

You must take knowledge tests whenever you apply for a new licence. All tests are conducted only in English, must be completed without assistance, and are multiple choice. One test is a traffic signs test. Answers to all knowledge test questions are found in the study guide.

• ✓All knowledge tests are conducted only in English and must be completed without assistance
• ✓Knowledge tests are all multiple choice
• ✓A traffic signs test is one of the required knowledge tests

After passing your licensing tests, you'll receive a Driver's Medical Examination Report form. Take it to a B.C.-licensed physician who knows your medical history. The doctor completes and sends it to RoadSafetyBC, which determines fitness to drive commercial vehicles. Your photo licence arrives by mail once medical fitness is confirmed.

• ✓The medical form must be completed by a B.C.-licensed physician familiar with your medical history
• ✓RoadSafetyBC determines whether you are fit to drive commercial vehicles
• ✓The doctor's fee for the routine medical form is not covered by MSP, ICBC, or RoadSafetyBC

Certain commercial vehicles are legally required to carry firefighting equipment.

• ✓One fire extinguisher must be carried on limited passenger vehicles with authorized seating capacity of more than 10, all public passenger vehicles, and all school buses
• ✓School bus fire extinguishers must meet Canadian Standards Association (CSA) Standard D250
• ✓Vehicles transporting explosives must carry two fire extinguishers

Fires can start from smoking, tire heat, and dragging brakes. Drivers must take proactive steps to prevent vehicle fires.

• ✓Don't smoke in garages or near fuelling areas, and never throw cigarette butts out cab windows as they could blow back into tarps or loads
• ✓Check tire pressure often — soft tires build heat and can cause fire; if a tire was soft or flat, ensure it is cool before moving again
• ✓Ensure all brakes including the parking brake are fully released when moving, as dragging brakes generate heat that can ignite grease in the hubs
• ✓A peace officer may order your vehicle out of service until a fuel leak is repaired

Fighting a fire requires quick thinking and fast action. Check firefighting equipment daily and know how to use it.

• ✓Don't risk your own life — fuel fires can spread quickly or explode; tell the first spectator to call the fire department
• ✓If a fire is on a combination unit, disconnect the tractor from the trailer only if it doesn't put you in danger
• ✓Fight fires with the wind at your back to reduce chances of being asphyxiated
• ✓If a fire starts under the hood, direct the extinguisher from underneath or through the radiator — don't open the hood
• ✓Don't use water on gasoline or oil fires — it spreads them; use an appropriate extinguisher, sand or dirt

There are two main categories: multi-purpose dry chemical extinguishers and carbon dioxide (CO2) extinguishers.

• ✓A BC-marked dry chemical extinguisher puts out grease, oil, gasoline and electrical fires; an ABC-marked one also puts out Class A fires like paper and cloth
• ✓CO2 extinguishers are extremely effective but must never be used in an enclosed space as you could smother yourself or blister your skin
• ✓Keep some extinguishing fuel in reserve in case of flare-ups

Before coupling a truck and trailer with a pintle hitch, set truck parking brakes, exit the cab and inspect key components. Check the pintle hook and latch for cracks and wear, verify spring brakes have applied (if equipped), block trailer wheels, secure cargo, and check the pintle eye for cracks or excessive wear.

• ✓Set truck parking brakes and exit cab before inspecting the pintle hitch
• ✓Check pintle hook and latch for cracks and wear, and check pintle eye for cracks or excessive wear
• ✓Block trailer wheels and ensure spring brakes have applied before coupling

Position the truck directly in line with the trailer, not on an angle. Use outside mirrors to check alignment — if lined up, you should see an equal portion of each side of the trailer in each mirror. Back up slowly using four-way flashers and horn, stopping just before the pintle hook touches the pintle eye. Place a wood block or marker beside a truck tire visible in your mirrors to gauge accuracy.

• ✓Turn on four-way flashers and sound horn before backing up
• ✓When lined up, you should see an equal portion of each side of the trailer in each mirror
• ✓Back slowly and stop just before the pintle hook touches the trailer pintle eye

Apply the trailer brakes before coupling. For trailers with spring brakes, ensure they have applied. For trailers without spring brakes, connect the air lines, charge the trailer air system, then apply the trailer brakes before connecting.

• ✓Apply trailer brakes before coupling to the trailer
• ✓For trailers without spring brakes, connect air lines and charge the system before applying brakes

Set truck parking brakes, turn on lights, exit cab. Lower the pintle eye onto the pintle hook and close the safety latch. Attach safety cables and/or chains, raise the drawbar support leg, connect air lines, electrical cable and hydraulic lines, and remove wheel blocks. Verify the eye is secured, latch locked, cables in place, support leg retracted, and all lines securely connected.

• ✓Close the pintle hook safety latch and attach safety cables/chains between truck and trailer
• ✓Adjust drawbar height so pintle eye is slightly higher than pintle hook before connecting
• ✓Verify trailer lights (tail, brake, licence plate, clearance) to confirm electrical connection is secure

Before pulling away, charge the trailer braking system, raise trailer air suspension if lowered, pressurize the ram if equipped, and check for air leakage. Confirm truck and trailer are lined up and ground is level. Release brakes, pull away slowly, and apply the trailer hand valve at low speed to test service brake operation and connection security. A trip inspection report is required for every new trailer picked up each day.

• ✓Check for air leakage in the air brake system before pulling away
• ✓At slow speed apply the trailer hand valve to test service brakes and connection security
• ✓A trip inspection report is required for every new trailer picked up each day
• ✓Crossed air lines are indicated if trailer brakes don't release when charging the system

Position the truck directly in line with the trailer. Set truck and trailer brakes, release ram pressure, exit cab and block trailer wheels. Disconnect air/electrical/hydraulic lines, safety cables/chains and safety pin, release the pintle hook latch, lower the drawbar landing leg, and raise the drawbar so the pintle eye clears the hook. Ensure trailer is level and supported, then pull away slowly until completely clear.

• ✓Set truck and trailer brakes and block trailer wheels before uncoupling
• ✓Fasten disconnected air lines to dead-end (dummy) connectors to prevent dirt and chafing
• ✓Ensure trailer is level and support the drawbar after uncoupling if needed
• ✓Confirm in mirrors that the pintle connection is disconnected before pulling away

Dangerous goods are divided into nine classes: explosives (Class 1), gases (Class 2 including flammable, compressed and toxic gas), flammable liquids (Class 3), flammable solids (Class 4 including spontaneous combustion and dangerous when wet), oxidizing substances and organic peroxides (Class 5), poisonous and infectious substances (Class 6), radioactive materials (Class 7), corrosive substances (Class 8), and miscellaneous products or substances (Class 9). Placards appear on both sides and both ends of transport trucks.

• ✓There are nine classes of dangerous goods
• ✓Placards must appear on both sides and both ends of transport trucks
• ✓Class 4.3 designates goods that are dangerous when wet; Class 4.2 designates spontaneous combustion

If you work with dangerous goods, your current employer must certify that you've had appropriate training. You must always carry your training certificate with you when transporting dangerous goods.

• ✓Your current employer must certify you have appropriate training
• ✓Always carry your training certificate when transporting dangerous goods

Report immediately any incident involving dangerous goods such as spills, leaks, fires, explosions or damaged containers to the nearest police agency or the Provincial Emergency Program. Rapid action may prevent an incident from becoming serious. In B.C. call local police or the Provincial Emergency Program at 1-800-663-3456.

• ✓Report any dangerous goods incident immediately to police or the Provincial Emergency Program
• ✓In B.C. call 1-800-663-3456 for dangerous goods incidents

Signs designate roads where vehicles transporting dangerous goods may or may not travel. Obey these signs when carrying dangerous goods.

• ✓Some signs designate roads where dangerous goods vehicles may travel
• ✓Other signs designate roads where dangerous goods vehicles cannot travel

The National Safety Code (NSC) sets minimum safety standards for commercial vehicles, drivers and carriers operating in Canada. Carriers must ensure their drivers and vehicles meet these standards. NSC applies to anyone driving a motor vehicle used to transport people or freight for a business purpose. In B.C., these rules are found in Division 37 of the Motor Vehicle Act Regulations.

• ✓NSC applies to commercial vehicles licensed with a GVW more than 5,000 kg
• ✓NSC applies to vehicles operating under the Passenger Transportation Act (taxis, buses, limousines)
• ✓NSC applies to commercial vehicles with a seating capacity of 10 or more passengers plus the driver

On-duty time begins when you start work or when a carrier requires you to be ready to start work, and ends when you stop work. You are on duty when driving or performing related activities.

• ✓On-duty time includes inspecting, servicing, repairing, conditioning or starting a commercial vehicle
• ✓On-duty time includes loading/unloading, inspecting the load, and waiting at customs, weigh scales or for a peace officer
• ✓Travelling as a passenger to a driving destination is on-duty if the carrier requests the trip AND you did not have 8 consecutive hours off-duty immediately before
• ✓Ferry time is not on-duty unless you are working (e.g., a bus driver selling tickets)

Off-duty time is any time you are not on duty, including time spent in a sleeper berth. Off-duty regulations protect you and everyone sharing the road. Drivers must take mandatory daily and periodic off-duty time.

• ✓All drivers must take a minimum of 10 hours off duty every day
• ✓Off-duty time beyond the mandatory 8 consecutive hours may be split into blocks of 30 minutes or more
• ✓Daily off-duty time must include at least 2 hours that are not part of an 8 consecutive hour off-duty period
• ✓All drivers must take 24 consecutive hours off duty every 14 days

A 'day' is a 24-hour period beginning at the hour designated by the carrier. Each day is independent with its own limits. A simple three-point check for daily compliance is: off duty over 10, driving under 13, no driving after 14 hours on duty.

• ✓A minimum of 10 hours off-duty must be taken every day
• ✓You may drive a maximum of 13 hours in a day
• ✓You are not allowed to drive after 14 hours on duty in a day

A work shift is the elapsed time between two off-duty periods of at least eight consecutive hours. You cannot drive after 16 hours of elapsed time until you take at least 8 consecutive hours off-duty. Every off-duty period of 8 consecutive hours or more resets the work shift.

• ✓You cannot drive after 16 hours of elapsed time in a work shift
• ✓At least 8 consecutive hours off-duty resets the work shift
• ✓You can put in 14 hours of on-duty time without doing any driving

Drivers must track time using one of two cycles, each with a maximum number of on-duty hours. The start time remains the same throughout a cycle and must be 'reset' to change.

• ✓Cycle 1: must not drive after completing 70 on-duty hours in 7 days
• ✓Cycle 2: must not drive after 120 on-duty hours in 14 days, and must take 24 consecutive hours off duty prior to accumulating 70 on-duty hours
• ✓The start time remains the same throughout each cycle unless the cycle is reset

The National Safety Code (NSC) sets out minimum safety standards for commercial vehicles, drivers and carriers operating in Canada. Carriers are responsible for ensuring their drivers and vehicles meet these standards. In B.C., the NSC is applied through Division 37 of the Motor Vehicle Act Regulations.

• ✓NSC applies if you drive a motor vehicle used to transport people or freight for any business purpose
• ✓NSC includes commercial vehicles licensed with GVW over 5,000 kg
• ✓NSC includes vehicles under the Passenger Transportation Act (taxis, buses, limousines)
• ✓NSC includes commercial vehicles with a seating capacity of 10 or more passengers plus driver

A 'day' is a 24-hour period that begins at the hour designated by the carrier. Each day has specific on-duty, off-duty and driving limits that must be observed.

• ✓A minimum of 10 hours off-duty time must be taken every day
• ✓You may drive a maximum of 13 hours in a day
• ✓You may not drive after 14 hours on duty in a day
• ✓You can put in 14 hours of on-duty time without doing any driving

A work shift is the elapsed time between two off-duty periods of at least eight consecutive hours. Every off-duty period of 8 consecutive hours or more resets the work shift.

• ✓You may not drive after 16 hours of elapsed time until you take at least 8 consecutive hours off duty
• ✓Every off-duty period of 8 consecutive hours or more resets the work shift

You must track your time using one of two cycles, each with a maximum number of on-duty hours. The start time remains the same throughout each cycle and you must reset the cycle to change the start time.

• ✓Cycle 1: must not drive after completing 70 on-duty hours in 7 days
• ✓Cycle 2: must not drive after completing 120 hours in 14 days, and must take at least 24 consecutive hours off duty before accumulating 70 on-duty hours
• ✓The start time remains the same throughout each cycle unless you reset

You can reset a cycle at any time by taking a required amount of consecutive off-duty time, which allows you to change your start time and restart your on-duty hour accumulation.

• ✓Take 36 consecutive hours off duty to reset Cycle 1
• ✓Take 72 consecutive hours off duty to reset Cycle 2

You must keep your RODS current and carry copies for a set period, and submit them to your carrier within a required timeframe. Peace officers may request to see them.

• ✓Keep RODS updated to your last change in duty status
• ✓Carry copies of RODS for the present day and previous 14 days (24 days for oilwell service vehicle hours)
• ✓Submit your RODS and all supporting records to your carrier within 20 days
• ✓Present RODS and supporting records (bills of lading, shipping documents, fuel/accommodation receipts) when asked by a peace officer

Hours of service regulations are designed to limit the time a driver can spend driving because statistics show that fatigued drivers are more likely to be in a crash. These rules have been in effect since the 1980s and were revised to reduce fatigue-related crashes by giving drivers more opportunity for additional rest.

• ✓Hours of service rules limit driving time to reduce driver fatigue
• ✓Fatigued drivers are statistically more likely to be involved in a crash

You may reduce your 10-hour daily off-duty requirement by up to two hours under specific conditions. This is called deferring off-duty time and must be clearly documented.

• ✓The 2 deferred hours must not be part of your 8 consecutive off-duty hours
• ✓The 2 deferred hours must be added to the 8 consecutive off-duty hours taken the next day
• ✓You must clearly indicate deferral 'Day 1' and 'Day 2' on your RODS
• ✓On Day 2 you must still have the 2 off-duty hours that are not part of the mandatory 8-hour block

You can reset a cycle at any time by taking a required number of consecutive off-duty hours. Resetting changes the cycle start time and clears accumulated hours.

• ✓Take 36 consecutive hours off duty to reset Cycle 1
• ✓Take 72 consecutive hours off duty to reset Cycle 2

The same driving and on-duty rules apply to sleeper berth drivers, but off-duty time may be split. A sleeper berth does not include the back seat of a bus or a reclining seat, so napping in a reclining seat cannot be recorded as sleeper berth time.

• ✓Single drivers may split off-duty into two periods if neither is less than 2 hours and total is at least 10 hours
• ✓Team drivers may split off-duty into two periods if neither is less than 4 hours, the two total at least 8 hours, and total off-duty is at least 10 hours
• ✓A sleeper berth does not include the back seat of a bus or a reclining seat

Driving a commercial vehicle for personal use is not on-duty time if strict conditions are met, allowing limited personal travel without counting toward hours of service.

• ✓Vehicle must not be used in the carrier's business, must be unloaded and not towing a trailer
• ✓Vehicle may be driven a maximum of 75 km per day for personal use
• ✓Odometer readings must be recorded in RODS and you must not be under an out-of-service declaration

As of August 1, 2023, ELDs are required. An ELD automatically records driving time (which may not be shortened), facilitates recording the record of duty status, and must be certified and comply with the Technical Standard. Carriers must ensure ELDs are installed, mounted visibly, and in good working order.

• ✓ELDs are required as of August 1, 2023 unless otherwise exempted
• ✓A driver must not use more than one ELD at the same time for the same period
• ✓The ELD must be mounted in a fixed position visible to the driver in the normal driving position
• ✓If an ELD malfunctions, the driver must notify the carrier as soon as the vehicle is parked and may use an alternate RODS; the carrier must repair or replace it within 14 days

RODS record hours of on-duty, driving and off-duty time. They must contain complete identifying and timing information, and totals for each duty status must equal 24 hours.

• ✓RODS must include date, start time, driver name and signature, odometer readings, distance driven, and plate/unit number
• ✓Total hours in each duty status (on-duty, off-duty, driving, sleeper berth) must equal 24 hours
• ✓Deferral of off-duty time must be declared in the Remarks section indicating 'Day 1' or 'Day 2'

Drivers must keep current and recent RODS in their possession and submit them to the carrier within a set time. Peace officers may inspect RODS and supporting records.

• ✓Keep RODS updated to your last change in duty status and copies for the present day plus previous 14 days (24 days for oilwell service vehicle hours)
• ✓Submit RODS and all supporting records to your carrier within 20 days
• ✓Present RODS and supporting records (bills of lading, shipping documents, fuel and accommodation receipts) to a peace officer when asked

A peace officer can order you out of service if you drive after reaching the maximum on-duty hours for your cycle. Only you, not the vehicle, are placed out of service.

• ✓A peace officer can declare you out of service for exceeding maximum on-duty hours
• ✓When declared out of service, only the driver is out of service, not the vehicle

Drivers operating within 160 km of the home terminal may be exempt from keeping RODS and using an ELD if they meet conditions, but the carrier must maintain daily records.

• ✓Driver must operate within a 160 km radius of the home terminal and take 10 hours off-duty in a day
• ✓Driver must return to the home terminal each day to begin at least 10 consecutive hours off-duty, and off-duty cannot be deferred
• ✓The carrier must keep records of report time, release time, total on-duty hours and cycle for a minimum of 6 months

The same hours of service regulations for driving and on-duty time apply to drivers using sleeper berths. A sleeper berth does not include the back seat of a bus or a reclining seat. Single and team drivers may split off-duty time under specific conditions.

• ✓Single drivers may split off-duty time into two periods if neither is less than 2 hours and total is at least 10 hours
• ✓Team drivers may split off-duty time if neither period is less than 4 hours, the two total at least 8 hours, and total off-duty is at least 10 hours
• ✓A sleeper berth does not include the back seat of a bus or a reclining seat
• ✓No driving after the 16th hour since the last sleeper period

Different hours apply when operating commercial vehicles in the Yukon, Northwest Territories or Nunavut, allowing longer driving and on-duty times.

• ✓You may drive a maximum of 15 hours and may not drive after 18 hours on duty
• ✓You must take at least 8 consecutive hours off after 15 hours driving or 18 hours on duty
• ✓Cycle 1 is 80 on-duty hours in 7 days; Cycle 2 is 120 on-duty hours in 14 days with 24 consecutive hours off before 80 on-duty hours

Canadian drivers must obey all U.S. regulations while operating there, which differ from Canadian rules. Certain medical conditions disqualify B.C. drivers from operating in the U.S.

• ✓You may drive 11 hours after 10 hours off-duty and may not drive beyond the 14th hour after coming on duty
• ✓U.S. limits are 60 on-duty hours in 7 days or 70 in 8 days; the cycle may restart after at least 34 consecutive hours off duty
• ✓You must participate in a drug and alcohol testing program administered by your employer
• ✓You may not operate in the U.S. with a history of epilepsy, insulin-controlled diabetes, or if you fail U.S. hearing standards

Different hours of service rules apply when operating commercial vehicles in the Yukon, Northwest Territories or Nunavut, allowing longer driving and on-duty limits.

• ✓May drive a maximum of 15 hours and may not drive after 18 hours on duty
• ✓Must take at least 8 consecutive hours off duty after driving 15 hours or 18 on-duty hours
• ✓Cycle 1: 80 on-duty hours in 7 days; Cycle 2: 120 on-duty hours in 14 days with 24 consecutive hours off before accumulating 80 on-duty hours

All air brake-equipped vehicles have at least one air pressure gauge on the instrument panel to indicate service reservoir pressure. Many vehicles use a single gauge with two needles showing primary and secondary reservoir pressures. Gauges must be monitored while driving and during pre-trip inspection.

• ✓All air brake-equipped vehicles must have at least one air pressure gauge on the instrument panel
• ✓Check gauges frequently to ensure enough air pressure to apply the brakes
• ✓A dual-needle gauge shows both primary and secondary reservoir pressures

All air brake-equipped vehicles must have a low-air warning device that activates when air pressure drops to a dangerous level. This must come on when pressure drops below 60 p.s.i. (414 kPa). Warning may be a dashboard light, buzzer, or wig-wag. When it activates, stop and find the cause of the air loss.

• ✓The low-air warning device must activate when air pressure drops below 60 p.s.i. (414 kPa)
• ✓If the low-air warning comes on, pull over and stop and do not proceed until the cause is found and the system is deemed safe
• ✓Approximately 60 p.s.i. remaining is enough to stop the vehicle if you act promptly

Compressed air from the compressor contains contaminants including water vapour, oil mist and carbon particles. Most contaminants settle in the supply reservoir. Primary and secondary reservoirs supply cleaner air to all air brake components except the governor valve.

• ✓Most contaminants (water, oil mist, carbon) settle in the supply reservoir
• ✓All air brake components except the governor valve are supplied with cleaner air from the primary and secondary reservoirs
• ✓Some reservoirs have more than one compartment and more than one drain cock

One-way check valves allow air to flow from the supply reservoir to the primary and secondary reservoirs in one direction only. This prevents air in the primary and secondary reservoirs from flowing backward and being lost if there is a failure in the compressor, discharge line, or supply reservoir.

• ✓One-way check valves allow air to flow in only one direction
• ✓They protect the primary and secondary reservoir air supply if there is a failure upstream in the supply system

A quick release valve allows brakes to release quickly and fully by exhausting pressurized air near the brake chambers instead of routing it all the way back to the foot valve exhaust port. This reduces brake release lag time. They may be found on front brakes, rear brakes, spring parking brakes and other locations.

• ✓Quick release valves reduce lag time by exhausting air near the brake chambers
• ✓When brakes release, only the air between the foot valve and quick release valve vents at the foot valve; the larger air volume vents at the quick release valve

A relay valve reduces lag time when brakes are applied and released. It is a remote-controlled air valve mounted near the air chambers, supplied directly by primary or secondary reservoirs through a large diameter line. The pressure delivered equals the foot valve control pressure. Primarily used on rear axle brakes.

• ✓Relay valves reduce brake apply and release lag time and are usually mounted near the air chambers
• ✓The pressure delivered to the chambers equals the control pressure from the foot valve (e.g., a 20 p.s.i. application delivers approximately 20 p.s.i.)
• ✓Relay valves are primarily found on rear axle brakes

Some older vehicles have a wig-wag warning device near the top of the windshield that drops into the driver's view when pressure drops below approximately 60 p.s.i. Some retract automatically when pressure rises; others must be manually pushed to the out-of-view position.

• ✓A wig-wag drops into the driver's view when air pressure drops below approximately 60 p.s.i.
• ✓Some wig-wags retract automatically; others must be manually reset once pressure rises