Courses
Class 1, MELT
Mandated Entry Level Training is an SGI approved course implemented in 2019. This course is required to obtain a Class 1 license and air brake endorsement.
More Information
Course length: Minimum of 121.5 hours
Course cost: $11,550
Cost includes taxes, and one set of SGI testing fees.
Course Outline:
Classroom: 47 hours
Classes are currently presented on Zoom.
47 hours of learning experiences brought to you by our instructors, bringing you the theory of driving, situations you can find yourself in, and the laws and regulation of the industry. Eleven comprehensive modules to prepare you for everything to do with a truck, all speckled with personal experience and what not to do. This runs the first week, Monday to Saturday.
Module One – Employment in the Commercial Vehicle Industry
Module Two – Vehicle Components and Systems
Module Three – Basic Driving Techniques
Module Four – Professional Driving Habits
Module Five – Off Road Tasks and Manoeuvres
Module Six – Documents, Paperwork, and Regulatory Requirements
Module Seven – Vehicle Inspection Activities
Module Eight – Hours of Service Compliance
Module Nine – Cargo Securement and Loss Prevention
Module Ten – Handling Emergencies
Module Eleven – Air Brake Operation
Practical Truck Theory: 17.5 hours
This is learning exactly what makes the truck work, how to inspect it, test vehicle components, and what to do if it isn’t functioning properly. With 17 and a half hours dedicated to learning the entire unit you will learn everything to do with that truck and possible variations between other trucks you may encounter.
Backing Up: 18 hours
Learning how to reverse safely is the key to truck safety. With 18 hours to learn these maneuvers you have nothing to concern yourself over. They really are simpler than you think.
Driving Time: 40 hours
This is where you learn how to start controlling the unit. How do you shift? How do you turn safely? What is the proper back up procedures? What is IDPE? What is progressive shifting? This is where we start to help you learn the answers to these. 40 hours are dedicated to getting you comfortable and provide you with everything you will need to become a safe driver.
Driving time is done with 50% loaded trailers.
Driver Examination
Booked with SGI all students will be tested on all skills learned during the course at this time. This is made up up five indivdual examinations.
Trip Inspection
Air Brake Practical Understanding
Coupling/Uncoupling
Driving
Reversing Maneuvers
Class 3
Class 3 license training is required to operate a tandem unit and air brake endorsement.
More Information
Course length: 35 hours
Course cost: $3,885
Course length: 20 hours
Course cost: $2,310
Cost includes taxes, one set of SGI testing fees.
Course Outline:
A class 3 license allows you to drive commercial vehicles with two or more axels. The license holder is permitted to drive tandem power units of 4600kg or more, but is not permitted to haul trailers.
Common class 3 vehicles include cement trucks, grain trucks, emergency vehicles such as fire trucks and ambulances, and transportation for hire such as taxi, Uber, or Lyft.
Hopfe Training offers three levels of Class 3 license training.
Air brake endorsement is included in the fee of each course. All training is conducted on a manual transmission; if you require a vehicle with an automatic transmission, please contact us to discuss.
New Drivers
This course offers training to those without any class 3 license experience. It is a week-long course, offering up to 35 hours of observed training including a balance of pre-trip, air brake, and driver training. Your SGI examination is booked for the final day of training.
Experienced Drivers
This course is designed for those who are already aware of proper driving and shifting techniques. It offers up to 20 hours of observed driving time with an emphasis on pre-trip and air brake training.
Adept Drivers
This training is for drivers who are familiar and comfortable driving class 3 vehicles, but wish to touch up their skills. It is available at an hourly fee.
Air Brake Endorsement
This course is up to 10 hours in length. You will learn how an air brake system operates and how to properly test the system.
Course length: 10 hours
Course cost: $500
Cost includes taxes, one set of testing fees for air brake exam.
Defensive Driver Course (DDC)
Accredited by the Canada Safety Council.
Course size is capped at a maximum of 20 people.
Groups under 10: $100 per person.
Groups over 10: $75 per person.
Professional Driver Improvement Course (PDIC)
Accredited by the Canada Safety Council.
Course size is capped at a maximum of 20 people.
Groups under 10: $225 per person.
Groups over 10: $175 per person.
55 Alive
Accredited by the Canada Safety Council.
New course dates will be posted when they are available.
For Employers
Cost: $150 including taxes