Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec
Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec
Obtaining a Licence

Heavy Vehicle Driver's Licence (Class 1)

Since December 15, 2025, to obtain a Class 1 heavy vehicle driver’s licence, you must complete one of the following training programs: 

  • the new Class 1 Road Safety Education Program given by service providers recognized by the SAAQ
  • the Trucking vocational training program leading to a Diploma of Vocational Studies (DVS) issued by the Ministère de l'Éducation

To obtain a Class 1 driver's licence and be authorized to drive a combination of road vehicles, you must have held a valid Class 5 driver's licence for at least two years, have a good driving record, be in good health, complete mandatory training and pass a knowledge test and two road tests. 

A Class 1 licence authorizes its holder to drive a combination of road vehicles (PDF, 1.8 MB)⁠ ⁠ consisting of:

  • a A motor vehicle that has no cargo space and that is permanently equipped with a fifth wheel. with with three axles or more, or with two A crosspiece, located under a vehicle, to which are attached the wheels that support the vehicle. and a Weight of the vehicle and the equipment permanently attached to it, excluding the weight of its load. of 4,500 kg or more, hauling one or more trailers or semi-trailers
  • a Road vehicle with two axles and a net weight over 3,000 kg manufactured exclusively to transport goods or equipment to which it is permanently affixed or to transport this equipment or goods. covered by Class 3 hauling a trailer or semi-trailer with a net mass of 4,500 kg or more that is only used to transport equipment, tools or furnishings as part of its permanent equipment
  • a truck covered by Class 3 hauling any trailer or semi-trailer with a net mass of 2,000 kg or more other than those described above 

A Class 1 licence also authorizes its holder to drive all other types of road vehicles, except for motorcycles (Class 6).

F and M endorsements

While you are taking the steps to obtain a Class 1 licence, you can go through the procedure to obtain:

  • the F endorsement, which attests to your ability to drive a Vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 4,500 kg or more, as indicated on the compliance label. equipped with an air brake system
  • the M endorsement, which attests to your ability to drive a Vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 4,500 kg or more, as indicated on the compliance label. equipped with a manual (standard) transmission

Driving record

  • You must have fewer than four demerit points entered in your record.
  • Your driver's licence must not have been suspended or revoked in the previous two years as a result of an accumulation of demerit points or a driving-related Criminal Code offence.

If a decision rendered by the Commission des transports du Québec (CTQ) prohibits you from driving heavy vehicles within the meaning of the Act respecting owners, operators and drivers of heavy vehicles, you are not eligible for a Class 1 licence. 

Driving experience

To obtain a Class 1 licence, you must have at least 24 months of Class 5 driving experience (including experience acquired with a Class 5 probationary licence).

The first step in obtaining a Class 1 licence is to send us a medical examination report that includes an eye exam so that we can ensure that your state of health meets the requirements set out in the Regulation respecting the health of drivers. Here are the steps to follow:

  • Download the Report on a Person's State of Health - Driver's Licence (PDF, 287.0 KB)⁠
    • Write “Adding a class” at the top of the form for your application to be processed within the appropriate timeframe.
    • Have the form filled out by a physician or a specialized nurse practitioner and ensure that the section regarding visual disorders is duly completed. Otherwise, you will have to have your vision tested by an ophthalmologist or an optometrist.
    • Upload the form via SAAQclic or mail it to us. After we have analyzed the report, we will inform you of our decision regarding your eligibility to obtain a Class 1 licence. You will receive our decision via SAAQclic or in the mail.

Please note that when you go to one of our service centres to take the knowledge test, you will be required to undergo a vision test.

To obtain a Class 1 heavy vehicle driver’s licence, you must complete one of the following training programs: 

  • the Class 1 Road Safety Education Program given by service providers recognized by the SAAQ
  • the Trucking vocational training program leading to a Diploma of Vocational Studies (DVS) issued by the Ministère de l'Éducation

Class 1 Road Safety Education Program 

The Class 1 Road Safety Education Program aims to help you develop the knowledge, abilities and soft skills required to become a safe, cooperative and responsible driver of heavy vehicle combinations.

The Class 1 Road Safety Education Program takes at least 125 hours to complete and is comprised of: 

  • a 75-hour theoretical component, divided into six competencies
  • a 50-hour practical component, divided into two competencies, allowing you to practise driving in safe practice areas and on the road network 

For more information, visit our Class 1 Driving Course (Heavy Vehicle Combinations) web page.

Trucking vocational training program 

The Trucking vocational training program leading to a Diploma of Vocational Studies (DVS) is also available. This program is administered by the Ministère de l'Éducation. Contact your local English-language school board (or French-language school service centre) for more information.

Road Safety Education Program service providers and schools offering the Trucking vocational training program

Refer to the interactive map⁠ ⁠ to find Class 1 Road Safety Education Program service providers recognized by the SAAQ, as well as schools across Québec that provide the Trucking vocational training program. 

Financial assistance for Class 1 training 

Financial assistance is available, provided certain conditions are met: 

  • The Ministère de l’Emploi et de la Solidarité sociale can assess your needs and may offer financial support if you plan to take the course full time.
  • You can also take advantage of a tax credit representing 8% of the cost of the training course. Class 1 Road Safety Education Program service providers that are designated as recognized educational institutions by Revenu Québec can issue tuition receipts to their students corresponding to 8% of eligible tuition fees for this program.   

Modified training course for Class 2 or Class 3 licence holders

If you wish to obtain a Class 1 licence and have held a Class 2 (buses with a seating capacity of more than 24 passengers) or Class 3 (straight-body trucks) licence for at least 24 months, you can take a shorter training course that skips over some of the skills you have already acquired. To register for this course, contact a Class 1 Road Safety Education Program service provider recognized by the SAAQ who will recommend a personalized training program that will enable you to obtain a Class 1 licence and any additional endorsements you may wish to have. 

Transitional measures 

If you began the process of obtaining a Class 1 licence before December 15, 2025, transitional measures (PDF, 47.0 KB)⁠ have been put in place to allow you to continue following the steps required under the regulations in effect at that time, provided certain conditions are met. 

  • Artboard

    • Documents to provide

      • Driver’s licence
  • price

    • Costs

      • Knowledge test: $13.50
      • Learner’s licence: $88.35 (18 months)

    • Duration

      • Approximately one hour

Passing the knowledge test allows you to obtain a Class 1 learner's licence. This licence authorizes you to take the practical component of the Class 1 Road Safety Education Program and drive in safe practice areas and on the road with an Person who has held for at least 2 years a valid Québec licence of an appropriate class and who is able to provide the learner with help and advice..

The Class 1 knowledge test assesses:

  • your understanding of traffic rules and the skills required to handle a heavy vehicle
  • your knowledge of circle check standards
  • your knowledge of the standards for hours of driving and off-duty time
  • your knowledge of safe behaviours to adopt
     

Safe driving behaviours to adopt every day

Distractions, blind spots and driver fatigue are some examples of hazards that you may experience when driving a heavy vehicle. For your safety, always wear your seat belt and make sure that it is properly adjusted. 

All these subjects and more are discussed in the Driving a Heavy Vehicle (PDF, 19.5 MB)⁠ guide and in the Heavy Vehicles section of our website.

To prepare for the test

We recommend that you study the following publications:

Taking the knowledge test

Please note that knowledge and road test appointments are now made via SAAQclic⁠ ⁠.

This means that if you wish to make, modify, cancel or check an appointment for a knowledge test, you must log in to SAAQclic. For more information about creating your Government Authentication Service⁠ ⁠ account, please refer to the section on SAAQclic in our FAQ⁠ ⁠

To obtain the F endorsement

  • You may ask to take the knowledge test for the F endorsement (air brakes) at the same time. If you fail the F endorsement test, you must wait at least seven days before being allowed to take the test again. Anyone found cheating will automatically fail the test and will have to wait at least 56 days before being allowed to take the test again. If it’s not the first time that person has been caught cheating, that person will have to wait at least 90 days..
  • If you do not ask to take the F endorsement knowledge test at the same time as the Class 1 knowledge test:
    • you will have to schedule another appointment to take the F endorsement test before you take the road tests
    • additional fees will apply
To ask to take the F endorsement knowledge test:

1-800-361-7620

On the day of the test

Step 1 – Go to the service outlet where you scheduled your appointment for the test and bring your driver’s licence

Step 2 – Pay the fees for:

  • the knowledge test: $13.50
  • the learner’s licence: $88.35 (valid for 18 months), if you pass the test

Payment options

At our service outlets, we accept payment:

  • in cash
  • by debit card (not available at some service outlets)
  • by one or more pre-authorized debits (a cheque specimen must be provided)
  • by cheque or money order

Payment by credit card is not accepted.

Passing mark

The passing mark is 75%.

If you cheat on the knowledge test

The only material you are allowed to use during the test is a dictionary that does not contain any illustrations or handwritten notes, and the material provided by the SAAQ. Other documents and electronic devices (“cheat sheets,” notes, cell phones, smart watches, etc.) are prohibited during the test. Having any prohibited material or electronic devices with you at the test, regardless of whether or not you actually use them, or trying in any way to contact someone or obtain outside assistance, will be considered cheating. Anyone found cheating will automatically fail the test and will have to wait at least 56 days before being allowed to take the test again. If it’s not the first time that person has been caught cheating, that person will have to wait at least 90 days.

If you fail the knowledge test

You must wait at least seven days before being allowed to take the test again. You will have to make another appointment and pay the test fees again.

Note that you must obtain your Class 1 learner’s licence before beginning the practical component of the Class 1 Road Safety Education Program that involves driving in safe practice areas and on the road. 

Your training behind the wheel of a heavy vehicle will allow you to practise the skills required to master:

  • the circle check
  • hitching and unhitching a semi-trailer
  • various driving manœuvres, including backing up
  • behaviours to adopt in certain driving situations

Practical experience with an accompanying driver

When you practise on the road, you must always have an Person who has held for at least 2 years a valid Québec licence of an appropriate class and who is able to provide the learner with help and advice. with you.

If the vehicle is equipped with an air brake system (F endorsement) or a manual transmission (M endorsement), the licence of your accompanying driver must include these endorsements.

Given that driving a heavy vehicle is a complex task, you should drive as often as possible, on different roads, during the daytime and at night, and in a variety of weather conditions.

Importance of the circle check

Before getting behind the wheel, drivers must make sure that a circle check of their vehicle was completed within the previous 24 hours. If this is not the case, a new circle check must be performed. Through practice, you will develop an efficient inspection technique that will allow you to check the vehicle’s compliance and increase road safety.

Other requirements

As a Class 1 learner driver, you are subject to the zero alcohol rule when driving Class 1 vehicles.

You must also comply with the other obligations that apply to heavy vehicle drivers under the Highway Safety Code and other legislation, such as load securement standards and the hours of driving and off-duty time.

Driver fatigue

Abiding by the hours of driving and off-duty time reduces the risk of driver fatigue. Your lifestyle also plays a major role. The North American Fatigue Management Program can provide valuable assistance.

  • Artboard

    • Documents to provide

      • Learner's licence with photo
      • Original copy of the valid and signed registration certificate for the vehicle you will use for the tests
      • Proof of liability insurance for the vehicle you will use for the tests
  • price

    • Costs

      • Circle check test: $13.50
      • Class 1 road test: $66.50
      • Adding a class to a driver’s licence: $18.50 (including photo fee)

    • Duration

      • Circle check test: 20 minutes
      • Class 1 road test: approximately one hour

Once you have completed the practical learning period, you can make an appointment for the two road tests.

A course completion certificate from a service provider recognized by the SAAQ is required for the road tests. Your certificate will be forwarded to us by your service provider.  

Please note that using a portable electronic device (phone, watch, etc.) to record images during the circle check test or Class 1 road test is prohibited. If you fail to respect this rule, you will immediately fail the test.

Circle check test

This test covers the mechanical components that all drivers must inspect when carrying out a circle check before using a heavy vehicle.

During the 20-minute test, you must locate and identify the components for inspection, as well as the defects you are looking for. You must also describe what you are doing and carry out your inspection safely and efficiently.

Class 1 road test

The Class 1 road test assesses:

  • your driving skills in regard to commonly executed manoeuvres
  • your observance of traffic rules and use of recognized driving techniques
  • your mastery of backing up techniques
  • your driving behaviour
  • your ability to execute the double-clutching technique, if you are driving a vehicle with a manual transmission (M endorsement)

Obtaining the F and M endorsements

If you want to drive a heavy vehicle equipped with an air brake system (F endorsement) or a manual transmission (M endorsement), you must pass the road test with a vehicle that is equipped accordingly. Note that vehicles equipped with a synchromesh manual transmission cannot be used to obtain the M endorsement.

Obtaining the T endorsement

To obtain the T endorsement, which authorizes you to drive long combination vehicles (double road trains more than 25 metres long that require a special travel permit, you must:

A course completion certificate is required for the T endorsement. Your certificate will be forwarded to us by the transportation training centre.  

Taking the tests

Taking the road tests

To make, modify, cancel or check a road test, you must log in to SAAQclic. For more information about creating your Government Authentication Service account and logging in to SAAQclic, please refer to the SAAQclic section of the FAQ.

Vehicle used for the road tests

You must report to the road tests with a vehicle that:

  • is a Class 1 vehicle fitted with the equipment that corresponds to the endorsements you would like to obtain:
    • air brake system (F endorsement)
    • manual transmission (M endorsement)
  • is free of any major mechanical defects
  • bears a valid inspection sticker

During the road tests, you will not be allowed to:

  • carry any passengers
  • transport any dangerous substances
If the vehicle fails to meet our requirements

You will not be allowed to take the tests.

If you cannot make it to the tests

You must cancel at least 48 hours in advance, or you will be charged a $26.75 fee.

On the day of the tests

Step 1 – Go to the service outlet where you scheduled your appointment for the tests, and bring your driver’s licence

Step 2 – Pay the fees for:

  • the circle check test: $13.50
  • the Class 1 road test: $66.50
  • the addition of a class to your driver’s licence: $18.50 (including the photo fee)

Payment options

At our service outlets, we accept payment:

  • in cash
  • by debit card (not available at some service outlets)
  • by one or more pre-authorized debits (a cheque specimen must be provided)
  • by cheque or money order

Payment by credit card is not accepted.

To pass the tests, you must

  • obtain at least 75% on each road test and successfully back up the vehicle 

You may automatically fail a road test if you make a mistake like failing to stop at a red light or stop sign, driving over the posted speed limit or driving against traffic.

If you fail any of the tests

You must wait at least seven days before being allowed to retake a test. You will have to make another appointment and pay the test fee again.

If you only have to retake the Class 1 road test

You will have to carry out a circle check before reporting to your test. 

You will be asked to provide the circle check report for that day.

A fact sheet (PDF, 427.9 KB)⁠ has been prepared to provide a summary of the various steps involved in obtaining a Class 1 (heavy vehicle combinations) driver’s licence. 

Last update: January 22, 2026