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What do you base the cost of your courses on?
We look very carefully at our course costs and use a number of parameters, such as what our competition charges, cost of purchasing and running equipment, profit ratio (we do need to feed our families at the end of the day!), but most important is what the student receives for their money. We consider commercial transport operation as technical of a trade as any other common skilled trade. Course cost is lower than many other trades, and the time to recover your cost is much quicker. A commercial transport operator can expect to make the cost of tuition back within the 1st month of employment.
Is the trucking industry still “male dominated”?
As a rule, there are still more males than females working in the industry. This ratio is always narrowing and there are more and more women working steadily in the industry, and no one should ever be deterred from doing what they enjoy. One of the owners of our company is a woman, and loves the industry.
Why do you only offer class 1 courses, and not class 3?
Update!!
We now offer class 3 for those who really need it. We still strongly recommend a person goes for their class 1 over class 3, as the cost is very close to that of class 1 and your job opportunities will be much greater.
A class 1 driver can still drive a class 3 vehicle!
Do you place students in jobs after they have completed your course?
We maintain a very close contact with a lot of local companies, and will do everything we can to steer our students towards a suitable employer for their needs. We have been able to place many of our students into very enjoyable careers, but there are no absolute guarantees, there is still a lot that the student needs to do also.
What is the best time of year to train on a commercial transport vehicle? I worry about winter conditions.
I personally prefer a student learns in winter weather conditions, but there are pro’s and con’s to all seasons of the year. Winter can be a little more challenging, but you will be facing these conditions driving in the peace region for up to 6 months of the year, so why not learn in it in a careful responsible environment so you are ready for it when it comes.
What is your relationship to I.C.B.C.?
All driver training institutions in BC have to take a very extensive course in which I.C.B.C. sets a very high standard. Beyond this, we do not have any formal link to I.C.B.C. other than keeping up to standards as they change. We are not employees of I.C.B.C., nor do we pay them any percentage of our fees.
Safety First Professional Driver Training does have a high respect for the corporation, for the job they do for all of us that share the roads. Safer roads are better for us all as a community.
If I take your course am I guaranteed to get my licence to drive a truck?
No. legally we are not able to state this even if we wanted to, but like all training, the end result is up to the student and how they apply themselves. We will give every student the optimum training, and they should have no issues with achieving their licence, but as stated already it is up to the student in the end.
Do you ever take more than 1 student at a time in a truck?
This is usually not what we like to do, we prefer all students have one on one training that suits their personality and learning style. We will make exceptions in rare circumstances, usually at the request of a trucking company only (i.e.; they have an urgent need to train two drivers by a certain date)
If you are concerned that you may share your lesson with another, do not worry, it would not happen.
Do you offer more courses?
We will be continually updating courses as business grows, and the need presents itself. We will also try to tailor future courses to individual or company needs if so required. Keep checking the website, or call us, we love hearing from you.
I don’t have the world’s cleanest driving record. Will this affect me?
I.C.B.C. will not allow an individual to obtain a commercial licence without certain requirements.
You must have: a) held a full privilege licence that is a minimum of a class 5 or class 6 or an out of province equivalent.
b) Have an acceptable driving record that shows fewer than four offences that carry penalty points in the previous two years, zero motor vehicle related criminal code convictions in the previous three years.
c) Meet the minimum age requirements for the licence class you are obtaining.
d) Not have any outstanding debts or fines owed to the court, the government, OR I.C.B.C. these include outstanding liquor fines, and arrears with the BC family maintenance enforcement program.
e) Meet the required medical standards
I want to take my class 2 for bus driving. Do you offer this?
We are trying to offer it, but at the moment we are not able to obtain a suitable bus. We will keep trying. As stated previous, you really should get your class 1 as you can drive anything.
Can I rent your truck to take the test on my own?
Sorry, but we don’t do that. We pride ourselves on giving a high quality education for professional drivers, and we want to maintain this profile. Our insurance also requires us to be in attendance at all times except when a student is testing with I.C.B.C. (minimum of 16 hours) We feel our costs are fair, and you will make your tuition back quickly, with a much higher degree of safety.
Do you offer an air brakes course?
We are now licenced to teach air brakes, and will be starting in early 2011. Please check back for course dates.
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