Class 1 driver experience record

Overview

In response to industry concerns about the high cost of commercial vehicle insurance creating challenges for hiring and insuring experienced Class 1 truck drivers, Alberta’s government has implemented a Class 1 standardized record of driving experience that will provide information relevant for hiring and insuring a driver in Alberta.

The new Class 1 standardized record of driving experience provides information that is not available on other commercial driver documents, such as driver abstracts. The driver experience record includes information about the type of vehicle and jurisdictions in which the driver travels.

Driver abstracts contain information about traffic convictions, licence suspensions and commercial transportation safety violations, but do not show good driving experience with the types of vehicles and cargo that is most relevant for hiring and insurance decisions.

Benefits

The new Class 1 standardized driver experience record is intended to provide insurers with the information needed to more accurately assess driver experience and risk and the cost to insure. This can help ensure that experienced drivers are appropriately recognized in the insurance process.

By improving the accuracy of risk assessments, the change may help commercial carriers access more competitively priced insurance options through standard providers, thereby:

• enhancing competitiveness
• reducing barriers for drivers entering or advancing in the industry

Requirements

The new requirement is targeted at Class 1 commercial driving situations that have the highest risk and costs of severe collisions.

Commercial carriers in the cargo transportation industry are required to provide driver experience records for Class 1 tractor-trailer truck drivers who:

• operate vehicles 11,794 kilograms or more
• tow a commercial trailer equipped with an airbrake system

Carriers commonly use these vehicles in truck-tactor, semi-trailer configurations.

At the end of the Class 1 driver’s employment or engagement, the carrier will provide an up-to-date record to the driver. The driver can provide a copy to future employers or insurers to confirm their driving experience.

The new requirement does not apply to:

• commercial vehicles registered as Class 2 or 3
• commercial buses

View the Commercial Driver Experience Certificate.

To learn more, see the Commercial Vehicle Certificate and Insurance Regulation.

Timeline

In spring 2025, the Commercial Vehicle Certificate and Insurance Regulation was amended to include the record of experience. In fall 2025, the standardized Class 1 driver experience record was developed in consultation with the commercial sector and insurance industry.

A phase-in period for compliance and enforcement will run from December 2025 to May 2026 to allow carriers to gain familiarity of the requirement and development of both the standardized form and its supporting resources. By June 2026, carriers are expected to be in full compliance.

Contact

To connect with Traffic Safety Services:

Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Phone: 780-427-2711
Toll free: 310-0000 before the phone number (in Alberta)
Email: [email protected]

Address:
Main Floor, Twin Atria Building
Room 109, 4999 98 Avenue NW
Edmonton, Alberta  T6B 2X3