Industrial Roads +7British Columbia · CDL · English

An industrial (off-highway) air brake endorsement permits operating unlicensed vehicles equipped with air brakes used to transport natural resources on industrial roads. Code 18 covers unlicensed single-unit vehicles; Code 19 covers single-unit or combination vehicles. The endorsement appears in the 'restrictions' section of your licence.

• ✓Code 18 permits operating an unlicensed single-unit vehicle with air brakes on industrial roads
• ✓Code 19 permits operating an unlicensed single-unit OR combination vehicle with air brakes on industrial roads
• ✓You do NOT need an industrial endorsement to operate skidders, loaders, graders or yarders

You must determine your vehicle is in safe operating condition before driving. Perform a pre-trip inspection daily before placing the vehicle in service and keep an up-to-date maintenance logbook. Report any defects to the proper company authority and never operate an unsafe vehicle.

• ✓Perform a pre-trip inspection daily before placing the vehicle in service
• ✓Keep an up-to-date maintenance logbook
• ✓Report defects to the proper company authority and do not operate an unsafe vehicle

Industrial roads rarely have runaway lanes, so brakes must be in good condition. Test brakes before transporting any load and make a rolling brake test before descending steep hills. If brakes aren't safe, stop in a safe place, park and secure the vehicle, and don't drive until repaired.

• ✓Test the brakes before transporting any load
• ✓Make a rolling brake test before taking a loaded vehicle down steep hills
• ✓If brakes are not operating safely, stop, park securely and do not drive until repaired

Use a turnout on a narrow road to give right-of-way to a loaded truck. Give right-of-way to a loaded truck coming down a steep hill. Drivers generally follow the rules of the road set out in the Motor Vehicle Act, with applicable sections determined by the Industrial Roads Act.

• ✓Use a turnout to give right-of-way to a loaded truck on a narrow road
• ✓Give right-of-way to a loaded truck coming down a steep hill
• ✓Follow the rules of the road in the Motor Vehicle Act as applied by the Industrial Roads Act

An industrial road exists for transporting natural resources, machinery, materials or personnel, including company bridges, wharves and log dumps. It excludes public highways, forest service roads, development roads, privately owned farm/resident roads, power/telephone/pipeline maintenance roads, manufacturing plant roads and tote/cat/access roads.

• ✓An industrial road is used for transporting natural resources, machinery, materials or personnel
• ✓Public highways, forest service roads and development roads are NOT industrial roads
• ✓Company bridges, wharves and log dumps are included as industrial roads

Apply at a driver licensing office. You must submit a medical report from a B.C.-licensed physician and a letter of proficiency from a current/previous employer outlining your experience, vehicle types and total operating time (minimum three months acceptable). An air brake pre-trip test is required.

• ✓A letter of proficiency requires a minimum of three months of experience
• ✓A medical report form completed by a B.C.-licensed physician is required
• ✓An air brake pre-trip test must be completed successfully before receiving the endorsement

Many heavy industrial vehicles use water to prevent brake drum overheating. Turn on the water just after applying brakes when drums are only slightly warm, and turn off the water just before a complete stop so the drums contract evenly. Cooling only one side can crack the drums. Water tanks are pressurized with compressed air at least 15 p.s.i. (103 kPa).

• ✓Turn on water just after beginning to apply brakes when drums are only slightly warm
• ✓Turn off water just before a complete stop so brake drums contract evenly
• ✓Water tank pressure should be at least 15 p.s.i. (103 kPa)

When leaving a parked vehicle unattended, set the mechanical brake and secure the vehicle so it doesn't need air or fluid pressure to hold it in place. Overheating drums expand away from the shoes, reducing braking efficiency.

• ✓Set the mechanical brake when leaving a vehicle unattended
• ✓Secure the vehicle so it does not rely on air or fluid pressure to stay in place

Signal your intention to turn, stop or change course as on any public road. Before backing any truck or tractor-trailer into a loading area, sound your horn to warn others and have the head loader or responsible person direct you after confirming no one is in your path.

• ✓Sound your horn to provide a warning before backing into a loading area
• ✓Have a responsible person direct you into the loading area after checking your path is clear
• ✓Signal turns, stops and course changes as on any public road

When driving crew cars carrying passengers, you must stop before crossing any railway line intersecting a public or private road and confirm no trains are approaching from either direction. Don't shift gears while crossing tracks.

• ✓Stop before crossing railway lines when driving crew cars with passengers
• ✓Confirm no trains are coming from either direction before crossing
• ✓Do not shift gears while crossing railway tracks

You may operate unlicensed vehicles on industrial roads, but if you plan to take an unlicensed vehicle across a public highway on a regular basis you must obtain a Highway Crossing permit through the Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement Branch (1-800-559-9688) or a weigh scale.

• ✓A highway crossing permit is required to regularly cross a public highway with an unlicensed vehicle
• ✓Obtain the permit from Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement or a weigh scale

Obey all posted speed signs and match your speed to road conditions. Your prime responsibility is the safety of yourself, other road users, your vehicle and load. Generally drive on the right side, and use caution when entering any public road where all rules of the road apply.

• ✓Obey posted speed signs and match speed to road conditions
• ✓Drive on the right side of industrial roads as a rule
• ✓Follow all rules of the road when entering a public highway

Candidates must practise the pre-trip inspection thoroughly before their test. Ensure the vehicle can pass a safety inspection with all lights working (particularly trailer brake lights and turn signals) and air brakes in good condition. Bring appropriate tools and be able to locate and explain all inspection items.

• ✓Verify all lights work, especially trailer brake lights and turn signals
• ✓Ensure the air brake system is in good condition before the test
• ✓Bring appropriate tools for the pre-trip inspection
• ✓Have someone observe your pre-trip to confirm you complete and can explain every item

Be fully familiar with the vehicle used for the road test, including its handling, turning characteristics, and gearshift operation. During the road test you will be assessed on your ability to shift gears smoothly.

• ✓Practise driving the test vehicle to know its handling and turning characteristics
• ✓Master smooth gearshift operation as it is assessed during the road test

Drive at posted speed limits and do not keep up with speeding traffic. Watch for school zones and playgrounds. Use the correct traffic lane and make proper turns as described in the guide.

• ✓Drive at posted speed limits and never match speeding traffic
• ✓Watch for and slow in school zones and playgrounds
• ✓Use the correct traffic lane and make proper turns

Make full stops at stop signs in the correct position and pull out slowly while scanning the intersection when safe. Perform a mirror check and, if possible, a shoulder check whenever changing lanes or direction. Scan intersections before proceeding even on a green light and observe carefully when backing up.

• ✓Make full stops at stop signs and stop in the correct position
• ✓Mirror check and shoulder check before changing lanes or direction
• ✓Scan intersections before proceeding even when the light is green
• ✓Observe carefully when backing up

Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles at all times. Be familiar with commercial vehicle procedures for crossing railway tracks.

• ✓Keep a safe distance from other vehicles
• ✓Know commercial vehicle procedures for crossing railway tracks

When attending the driver licensing office, candidates must bring proper identification and applicable fees. For the knowledge test you need primary and secondary identification, your current licence, and fees for the knowledge test plus any outstanding debt. For the road test you additionally need a safe vehicle acceptable for the licence class with registration and insurance papers, plate numbers written down, road test and photo licence fees, and glasses or contacts if required.

• ✓Bring primary and secondary identification, current licence, and required fees to all tests
• ✓For the road test, provide a safe, acceptable vehicle with valid registration and insurance for the class applied for
• ✓Bring glasses or contact lenses if you require them to drive

Timing matters when attending for tests. Arrive at least one hour before the office closes to take a knowledge test, and at least 15 minutes before your scheduled road test appointment. All road tests are by appointment only and must be booked ahead. If you cannot keep an appointment, you must notify ICBC. A fee is charged if you do not show up and fail to provide either 48 hours notice or a valid reason.

• ✓Arrive at least one hour before closing for a knowledge test
• ✓Arrive at least 15 minutes before a road test appointment
• ✓Provide at least 48 hours notice or a valid reason to avoid a no-show fee

When applying for a commercial driver licence, whether it's your first, transferring from another jurisdiction, or a re-examination, you must bring proper identification and fees. Different requirements apply for knowledge tests versus road tests.

• ✓Always take primary and secondary identification, plus fees for services or licences requested
• ✓For knowledge tests bring primary and secondary ID, current licence, and fees for the test plus any outstanding debt
• ✓For road tests bring ID, current licence, a safe acceptable vehicle with registration and insurance, fees, and glasses/contacts if required

You must allow enough time before tests. For knowledge tests arrive well before closing; for road tests arrive before your appointment time. All road tests require advance booking.

• ✓Arrive at least one hour before office closing to take a knowledge test
• ✓Arrive at least 15 minutes before your road test appointment time
• ✓All road tests are by appointment only and must be booked ahead

When applying for any commercial licence, applicants must bring proper identification, their current licence and applicable fees. For the knowledge test, primary and secondary identification, current licence, and fees (including outstanding debt) are required.

• ✓Bring primary and secondary identification plus your current licence for the knowledge test
• ✓Arrive at least one hour before closing to take a knowledge test
• ✓Pay knowledge test fees and any outstanding debt

For road tests you must bring primary and secondary ID, your current licence, a safe acceptable vehicle or combination for the licence class with registration and insurance, road test and photo licence fees, and any required glasses or contact lenses.

• ✓Provide a safe vehicle or combination acceptable for the class of licence you seek, with registration and insurance
• ✓Write down the vehicle licence plate number(s) to give to staff
• ✓Bring glasses or contact lenses if required to drive
• ✓Arrive at least 15 minutes before your road test appointment

All road tests are by appointment only and must be booked ahead. If you cannot keep an appointment you must notify ICBC. A fee is charged for no-shows without 48 hours notice or a valid reason.

• ✓Road tests are by appointment only and must be booked ahead
• ✓Notify ICBC if you cannot keep your appointment
• ✓A fee applies if you miss a test without 48 hours notice or a valid reason

If you do not pass a knowledge test, pre-trip inspection, or road test, you must wait before attempting again. For knowledge tests and pre-trips, the wait is 7 days for every attempt. For Class 1-4 road tests, the wait is 14 days for the first unsuccessful attempt and 30 days for the second and subsequent attempts. For Endorsement 20 road tests, the wait is 14 days for the first attempt, 30 days for the second, and 60 days for the third and subsequent attempts.

• ✓Knowledge tests and pre-trips require a 7-day wait after each unsuccessful attempt
• ✓Class 1-4 road tests: 14 days after first fail, 30 days after second and later fails
• ✓Endorsement 20 road tests: 14 days, then 30 days, then 60 days for third+ fails

If you cannot keep your road test appointment you must notify ICBC. Failing to attend without proper notice or a valid reason results in a fee.

• ✓Notify ICBC if you cannot keep your road test appointment
• ✓A fee is charged for no-shows without 48 hours notice or a valid reason
• ✓Write down the licence plate number(s) of test vehicle(s) to give to staff

The study chart directs candidates to the chapters needed for their specific licence or endorsement. Class 1 applicants must study all indicated chapters and take a knowledge test covering all air brake material for that class — they do not need the separate single-unit air brake test. Industrial air brake endorsement (Code 18/19) applicants do not take a knowledge test but should study indicated chapters to prepare for the pre-trip inspection test.

• ✓Class 1 knowledge test includes all air brake knowledge material for that class
• ✓Industrial air brake Code 18 requires studying the same chapters as single-unit air brake plus chapter 12
• ✓Industrial air brake endorsement applicants are not required to complete a knowledge test

ICBC, government and industry work together to reduce crashes, but the driver has the most important role since most crashes are caused by driver error and are preventable. A professional attitude is essential to safety.

• ✓Most commercial vehicle crashes are caused by driver error and are preventable
• ✓Skill and ability alone are not enough — a professional attitude behind the wheel is required for safety

This guide provides the basic information needed to qualify for a Class 1, 2, 3 or 4 commercial licence, an air brake endorsement, an industrial air brake endorsement or a heavy trailer endorsement (code 20). It is a source text but not a training manual — practical experience and instruction from licensed drivers or professional training facilities are required.

• ✓Most crashes involving large vehicles are caused by driver error and are preventable
• ✓A professional attitude, along with skill and knowledge, is required behind the wheel
• ✓The guide covers fuel-efficient driving habits that reduce fuel consumption and emissions

The guide provides the basic information needed to apply for a Class 1, 2, 3 or 4 commercial licence, an air brake endorsement, industrial air brake endorsement or heavy trailer endorsement. It is a source text, not a training manual — practical experience and instruction are also required.

• ✓The guide covers Class 1, 2, 3 and 4 commercial licences plus air brake, industrial air brake, and heavy trailer endorsements
• ✓Once you have a learner's licence you must gain practical experience operating the type of vehicle you want to be licensed for, with instruction from an appropriately licensed driver or training facility

Progressive shifting is recommended for many new vehicles with high-torque engines. The r.p.m. at which you shift becomes higher as you select higher gears. A tachometer helps determine when to shift. Smart driving techniques like progressive shifting save fuel.

• ✓Shift r.p.m. increases as you move into higher gears (e.g. 1,200 r.p.m. first-to-second, 1,350 r.p.m. fifth-to-sixth)
• ✓Use a tachometer to determine shift points
• ✓Refer to the vehicle manufacturer's guide for the best shifting method

For upshifting a gasoline-powered engine: start in low gear using only enough throttle to move; quickly shift to the next gear as the engine accelerates; allow the engine to develop more power before each shift as speed increases; engage the clutch smoothly while engaging throttle to avoid shock on drive train.

• ✓Start in low gear using only enough throttle to move the vehicle
• ✓Shift to higher gears as soon as you have the power
• ✓Engage the clutch smoothly and apply throttle simultaneously to avoid drive train shock

A governor controls fuel to the engine and regulates engine speed, allowing you to start on level ground and grades without using the throttle. Always squeeze the throttle rather than stab at it for smooth acceleration. If you need throttle to move off a loaded vehicle with a diesel engine, you should be in a lower gear.

• ✓Squeeze the throttle rather than stabbing/jabbing for smooth operation
• ✓Use only enough power to shift into the next gear
• ✓If throttle is needed to move a loaded diesel, use a lower gear
• ✓Engage the clutch smoothly to avoid shocking the drive train, load or passengers

Before entering a curve, slow to a safe speed and downshift to a gear that lets you use engine power throughout the curve. This keeps the vehicle stable and provides good acceleration when leaving the curve.

• ✓Slow to a safe speed before entering a curve
• ✓Downshift to a gear that provides engine power through the entire curve

Progressive shifting is recommended for many new vehicles with high-torque engines. The r.p.m. needed to shift increases as you select higher gears (e.g., first-to-second at 1,200 r.p.m., fifth-to-sixth at 1,350 r.p.m.). A tachometer indicates engine speed and helps you decide when to shift. An alternative is the standard r.p.m. split method. Always consult your manufacturer's guide for the best method.

• ✓Use progressive shifting for new high-torque engines, increasing r.p.m. at higher gears
• ✓A tachometer helps determine the correct time to shift
• ✓Consult vehicle manufacturer's guidebook for the best shifting method

For gasoline-powered engines without governors, start in low gear using only enough throttle to move. Quickly shift to the next gear as the engine accelerates, shifting to higher gears as soon as you have power. Let the engine develop more power before each higher shift. Engage the clutch smoothly and apply throttle at the same time to avoid drive train shock.

• ✓Start in low gear using only enough throttle to move the vehicle
• ✓Engage clutch smoothly and apply throttle simultaneously to avoid drive train shock

A governor controls the amount of fuel and regulates engine speed, letting you start on level ground and grades without using the throttle. Always squeeze the throttle rather than stabbing or jabbing at it for smooth acceleration. Use only enough power to shift into the next gear. You may skip gears on down or level grades depending on weight and gear ratios. If you must apply throttle to move a loaded diesel, you should be in a lower gear.

• ✓Squeeze the throttle smoothly rather than stabbing or jabbing at it
• ✓A governor lets you start on level ground and grades without throttle
• ✓If a loaded diesel needs throttle to move off, use a lower gear

Before entering a curve, slow to a safe speed and downshift to a gear that lets you use engine power all through the curve. This keeps the vehicle stable and provides good acceleration as you leave the curve.

• ✓Slow to a safe speed and downshift before entering a curve
• ✓Choose a gear that provides engine power throughout the curve

Wedge brakes use a wedge forced between brake shoes to apply the brakes. Unlike s-cam systems, drivers cannot easily check wedge brake adjustment. When lining thickness reaches a specific limit, automatic adjusters have failed. Only qualified mechanics should adjust or repair wedge brakes.

• ✓Drivers can't easily check wedge brake adjustment unlike s-cam systems
• ✓Wedge brakes should only be adjusted or repaired by a qualified mechanic
• ✓Automatic adjusters have failed when lining reaches inch limit for both linings

Air disc brakes use a rotor/disc mounted to the wheel hub that rotates with the wheel. Two brake pads press against either side of the rotor, similar to a large 'C' clamp. Most feature internal automatic adjustment for pad wear. Chamber stroke limits are the same as automatic slack adjusters. Drivers cannot easily check adjustment.

• ✓Air disc brakes press two pads against a rotor like a C-clamp
• ✓Chamber stroke limits are the same as for automatic slack adjusters
• ✓Air disc brakes should only be adjusted or repaired by a qualified mechanic

Air-over-hydraulic brakes are found on middleweight trucks and buses, combining air brake and hydraulic braking features. The system consists of a compressor, governor, air storage tanks, foot valve and two air-over-hydraulic pressure intensifiers. Air pressure actuates the braking action while hydraulic pressure delivers braking force. Standard pressure is around 125 p.s.i. (862 kPa).

• ✓Air pressure actuates braking but hydraulic pressure delivers braking force to foundation brakes
• ✓Standard air pressure is around 125 p.s.i. (862 kPa)
• ✓An air brake-endorsed licence is required unless the system doesn't use an air treadle
• ✓Drivers must check air pressure gauges frequently as serious leaks stop brakes functioning

Many air-over-hydraulic systems have a parking brake chamber attached to the foundation brake. Applying the dashboard parking brake control valve applies the spring in the chamber, forcing a wedge between brake shoes. Releasing directs air pressure to contract the wedge and spring.

• ✓Parking brake controlled by same dashboard-mounted parking brake control valve as full air systems
• ✓Applying the parking brake forces a wedge between the brake shoes to apply brakes
• ✓Releasing directs air pressure to contract the wedge and spring

Operating commercial vehicles or vehicles equipped with air brakes requires special knowledge and skill because crashes involving large vehicles can be catastrophic. Most crashes are caused by driver error and are preventable. This guide provides information to apply for Class 1, 2, 3 or 4 commercial licences, or air brake, industrial air brake and heavy trailer endorsements.

• ✓Most commercial vehicle crashes are caused by driver error and are preventable
• ✓A professional attitude, plus knowledge and skill, is required to operate commercial vehicles safely
• ✓The guide is a source text, not a full training manual—practical experience and instruction are also required