Heavy-vehicle licence classes 1, 2 and 3: the differences

Three licence classes for heavy vehicles: which one do you need?

Short answer: Class 1: combinations of road vehicles (a tractor and semi-trailer, for example). Class 2: buses for more than 24 passengers. Class 3: trucks. Each class has its own knowledge test and two practical exams.

What each class allows

Class 1: a tractor with 2 axles (net mass of 4,500 kg or more) or 3 or more axles pulling one or more trailers; a class 3 truck pulling a trailer of 4,500 kg or more that carries only its permanent equipment, or any other trailer of 2,000 kg or more. It also allows all other vehicles except motorcycles.
Class 2: a bus fitted for more than 24 passengers; all other vehicles except class 1 combinations and motorcycles.
Class 3: a 2-axle truck of 4,500 kg or more, or 3 or more axles (with a trailer under 2,000 kg in the general case); all other vehicles except those of classes 1 and 2 and motorcycles.

A road tractor has no cargo space and a permanent fifth wheel (brochure, pp. 3-4).

What they share

One knowledge test per class, then two practical exams: safety walk-around and driving.
75% pass mark; retake after at least 7 days.
The classes are valid across Canada and the U.S., unless condition W applies (SAAQ page).

What differs

Since December 15, 2025, class 1 requires PESR training (125 h) or the DEP in truck transport; no PESR requirement was found for classes 2 and 3. The learning period (3 months or 1 month) is to confirm on the SAAQ pages.

To remember for the test

1 = tractor and trailers; 2 = bus for more than 24 passengers; 3 = truck.
Same exam structure for all three classes.

Test yourself on this topic
Original heavy-vehicle questions with an explanation and a source: 10 free.
Practise for free

Official sources

General information, current as of 2026-11-01. When in doubt, the official text prevails. Rules and fees can change: check saaq.gouv.qc.ca.