Class 1 vs Class 3 License in BC: Which One Is Right for You?
Not sure whether to pursue a Class 1 or Class 3 commercial driver's license in British Columbia? This guide breaks down the differences, career paths, earning potential, and training requirements to help you choose.
The Two Most Common Commercial Licenses in BC
If you're looking to start a career in commercial driving in British Columbia, the first major decision you'll face is: Class 1 or Class 3?
Both licenses open doors to well-paying, in-demand careers. But they cover very different types of vehicles and work environments. Here's how they compare.
Class 1 License: The Highest Commercial License
A Class 1 license allows you to drive any combination vehicle — the most common being a semi-truck (tractor) pulling a trailer. In BC, this is colloquially called a "transport" or "18-wheeler."
What vehicles can you drive with Class 1?
- Semi-trucks (Class 8 tractor-trailers)
- B-trains (double trailers)
- Any vehicle a lower-class license permits (including Class 2, 3, 4, 5)
Who is Class 1 for?
- Long-haul freight drivers
- Regional delivery drivers
- Flatdeck, reefer (refrigerated), and tanker operators
- Logistics and transportation companies
Class 1 Salary in BC (2025–2026)
- Entry-level: $60,000–$75,000/year
- Experienced: $85,000–$120,000+/year
- Owner-operators: $130,000+ (variable)
BC's Class 1 license now requires completion of MELT (Mandatory Entry-Level Training) — a 140-hour program. This is a significant time investment but opens the highest-paying doors in the industry.
Class 3 License: The Versatile Medium Commercial License
A Class 3 license allows you to operate vehicles with more than two axles that are not a combination vehicle. These are typically single-unit trucks.
What vehicles can you drive with Class 3?
- Dump trucks
- Garbage trucks (refuse collection)
- Tow trucks
- Flatdeck trucks (non-combination)
- Fire trucks (with appropriate endorsements)
- Concrete mixers
Who is Class 3 for?
- Municipal and construction sector drivers
- Waste management drivers
- Tow truck operators
- Landscape and aggregate haulers
- Anyone wanting a local/regional schedule (home most nights)
Class 3 Salary in BC (2025–2026)
- Entry-level: $52,000–$68,000/year
- Experienced: $70,000–$90,000/year
Class 3 does not require MELT — the training time is shorter, and the road to employment is faster.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Class 1 | Class 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle type | Combination (semi-trucks) | Single-unit (dump, tow, garbage) |
| Training required | MELT — 140 hours | Varies (no MELT requirement) |
| Time to license | 4–8 weeks | 2–4 weeks |
| ICBC road test | Full combination test | Single-unit test |
| Air brake required | Yes (almost always) | Usually yes |
| Avg. BC salary | $60k–$120k+ | $52k–$90k |
| Work schedule | Often highway/overnight | Often local/home nights |
| Career ceiling | Highest in trucking | Strong local career |
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Class 1 if:
- You want the highest earning potential
- You're comfortable being away from home some nights
- You want access to national and cross-border routes
- You're committed to a full training program
Choose Class 3 if:
- You prefer coming home most evenings
- You want a shorter training timeline
- You're interested in construction, municipal, or towing work
- You want to start earning faster
Can You Upgrade Later?
Absolutely. Many Class 3 drivers later pursue their Class 1 once they have experience. The Class 3 counts toward your driving history and can make Class 1 training easier.
Train for Class 1 or Class 3 in Surrey, BC
Autobahn Driving School offers training for both licenses at our Surrey facility. Whether you're a new immigrant, a recent grad, or switching careers, our instructors will build a plan that matches your goals and schedule.
📞 Call (604) 337-0999 or book a consultation online to discuss which program is right for you.