7 Best Truck Driving Schools in Winnipeg
According to recent studies, Canada’s trucking industry is growing by the second. However, this climb also came with a tremendous shortage of truck drivers in the country.
So if you are planning to jump on the bandwagon and obtain the right license to drive a truck, you have definitely picked the perfect time to do so!
Aside from the scenic road, there are plenty of perks to being a long-haul truck driver. But of course, it all hinges on finding the right truck driving school.
So if you’re on the fence about which school in Winnipeg you’re planning to go to, then you came to the right place! We’ve listed some of the top-rated schools in the city with their strengths and weakness.
But before we dive into our top picks, here’s something you might want to know about how much it may cost you.
How much do truck driving schools cost?
As you may know, the fee for attending a truck driving school isn’t the only payment you need to do to get a Class 1 or Class 3 license. You also have to pay for various tests as well as a medical examination.
So for your convenience, we have listed everything you might need to consider financially including the average fee for truck driving schools. Of course, each school charges differently so keep that in mind.
Class 1 License Costs Manitoba
Class 3 License Cost in Manitoba
Best Truck Driving School in Winnipeg
Now that you know how much obtaining a Class 1 and Class 3 license may cost you, here are the criteria we used to include and rate the schools on this list.
Now that that’s out of the way, it’s finally time to dive into our top picks for the best truck driving schools in Winnipeg!
1. National Truck Training Centre
| Services | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
| Facilities | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Credibility | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Student Feedback | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
National Truck Training Centre is a registered MELT provider and truck training school that is located in the upper west side of the city. Other than MELT, it also offers CLass 1 and 3 training courses.
One of the things we like about the school is its ideal location for truck training and well, studying. Since it’s distant from the bustling side of the city, distractions are pretty minimal.
The school also has a spacious yard for test driving. It is the perfect place for students who are still learning how to maneuver large trucks and trailers with enough room for mistakes.
We also like the fact that National Truck Training Centre has more than 10 trucks and trailers for its students to learn from. This ensures that your training isn’t delayed even if your assigned truck breaks down.
Teachers at the school are all very experienced and knowledgeable about their craft. And since they teach on a one-on-one basis, you’ll be sure to get the attention and flexibility you need.
However, one of the downsides of one-on-one teaching is that you’ll have to wait for availability when joining a course. Most students start 1 week after application but it can take longer depending on the number of applicants.
One more caveat is that the school does not provide any in-house financing for training loans. In fact, it requires that you pay fully in advance or in 2 installments.
All in all, National Truck Training Centre is a great school for anyone who wants to be a truck driver. Just ask its hundreds of graduates!
Pros
- Huge yard for training and complete facilities
- Highly rated school
- One-on-one teaching
Cons
- Waiting time can be longer
- Requires advance payment
Customer Reviews
Great instructors
One of the best truck training school in Winnipeg. Babbu Thind is the owner of the school and he helps everyone through the training, listens to all queries and problems. So I got my Class 1 License today, whole staff and instructors are really really good. One of the best instructors is Chamkaur Sir. The way he teaches is just fabulous. So if anyone of you is joining the school then it will be your good luck if you get into chamkaur sir’s batch. Last but not the least, Arshad Mahmood Sir, in class trainer as well, he is too good in covering up the theory part. Overall I highly recommend to get admission into this school no matter from which community you are. Thanks to Chamkaur Sir, Babbu Bai, Arshad Mahmood Sir, and Jony Bai – Azadvir Singh, Google Reviews
Highly recommended
This is the trucking school I want to recommend whoever reading this review. They have pretty wide experience in trucking the whole Team is very helpful. All I can say is I had a great and wonderful experience with this training school. Thanks to Babbu Veera my instructor who always shares his wide experience on Truck driving techniques and how to be a safe professional truck driver. I recommend everyone to go to National Truck Training Centre for your future class 1 license. One sentence “Think for class 1 think for National Truck Training Centre” – Kanwarpreet Singh, Google Reviews
2. Buffalo Driver Training
| Services | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
| Facilities | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Credibility | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Student Feedback | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Buffalo Driver Training is a highly rated truck driving school that offers melt, class 1 and 3 courses, as well as air brake training and newly hired driver’s evaluation.
The school has a backyard with an ample zone for test driving a truck around. So if you’re worried about turning and backing a trailer, no worries, you’ll have enough room to practice.
Buffalo Driver Training has several trucks and trailers for you to learn from. And although some aren’t exactly new, they are highly maintained and regularly cleaned.
The school’s instructors are all very professional and accommodating as well. And as far as experience goes, well, you’d probably hear a lot of them during your sessions.
Buffalo’s teachers also adopt a one-on-one teaching approach. And though we like that it comes with the benefit of focused attention, it may affect your wait time in joining the classes, so keep that in mind.
The school’s program is also limited to weekdays and official business hours. So if you’re looking to study driving while working a day job, Buffalo may not be the fit for you.
Also, keep in mind that the school does not accept payment in installments. However, it will help you in finding a conditional letter so you can apply for government funding should you need one.
With its updated curriculum, online class options, and hundreds of happy graduates, Buffalo Driver Training is a strong contender for all your truck driving needs.
Pros
- Complete truck driving facility
- Highly qualified teachers
- Online training videos available
Cons
- No installments available
- Limited hours and days of operation
Customer Reviews
Fun learning environment
Highly recommend Buffalo if you’re considering obtaining your class 1 or 3. Having a learning disability the instructors were more than helpful(especially Garrett) and accommodating to my learning needs. Beyond a fun environment and super helpful with answering questions and making you feel like you’re being set up for success. Thanks again Buffalo. – Cyle Burke, Google Reviews
Great instructors
Best driving school, great teachers, great instructors. Lots of materials and positive information. Lots of great stories from real life. From 0 to a truck driver for 5 weeks that’s for me impossible, but they did that. Especially thanks to Arkady, he did impossible, I were afraid of big cars (trucks) and he did that go away. He’s the best instructor I’ve ever had. – Rorik Rognarson, Google Reviews
3. KMS Transport Driving Academy
| Services | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Facilities | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
| Credibility | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Student Feedback | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
KMS Transport Driving Academy is a locally-owned truck driving school that offers both Class 1, Class 3 training and other truck driving courses. It has over 7 years of school operation and 50 years of trucking experience that are simply hard to ignore.
We like the fact that the academy’s equipment and instructors are registered with Manitoba Public Insurance and have complete certifications for various training.
In fact, the academy is qualified to teach Cargo Securement, Transportation of Dangerous Goods, and Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems as separate courses.
So even if you’re a licensed driver but need a refresher course in these areas, KMS is a great school for you.
The school’s location is also right at home with other truck and trailer services in the area. So not only is the learning environment perfectly suited, but it also has enough space for in-cab training.
However, this also means that it is quite far from downtown Winnipeg. In fact, its yard is an 8 -10 minutes drive away from the nearest bus stop.
Speaking of yards, we only saw a few working trucks and trailers available here. And since classes are not held one-on-one, your in-cab training may be shared with other students.
Nonetheless, the academy has one of the cheapest fees for Classes 1 and 3 on this list. So if its distance discourages you, this may help persuade you a bit.
KMS Transport Driving Academy is a highly-qualified truck driving school supported by hundreds of positive reviews from its students. So you definitely want to check it out!
Pros
- 50 years of industry experience
- Certified teachers and insured equipment
- Competitive fees
Cons
- Far from bus stops and downtown area
- No one-on-one instruction
Customer Reviews
Friendly and helpful
KMS is a really great truck driver training school! Everyone is friendly, helpful and very knowledgeable. Recommended to anyone looking to get their Class 1 license! – Mankaranjit Singh Riarm, Google Reviews
Amazing experience
My experience has been fantastic from start to finish. They were very pleasant to deal with when i first contacted them for class 1 training. Classroom training was made fun by Tony. Class size was adequate. It was easy to grasp concepts due to their vast knowledge in this field. In yard training was thorough as well. People are nice and will accomodate your requests. All kudos to Tony, Sukh, and Uncle. A great school to learn class 1 driving! 😃- Karanvir Singh, Google Reviews
4. Professional Transport Driver Training School LTD
| Services | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Facilities | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
| Credibility | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Student Feedback | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
For more than 30 years since opening its doors, Professional Transport Driver Training School has been training truck drivers in Winnipeg and all across Manitoba.
The school offers MELT, Air Brake Program, Class 1, and Class 3 training courses, and remedial training for drivers looking to upgrade their skills. It also conducts evaluations for various trucking companies’ newly hired drivers.
We like how being a member of the Better Business Bureau gives more credibility and trustworthiness to the school. What’s more, it’s also a recipient of the 2016 and 2017 Consumer Choice Awards for Business Excellence.
We also love how PTDTS can help you with long-haul job placement. Because of its connection with leading trucking companies, its students have a chance to immediately become a part of the trucking industry after graduation.
Although one-on-one teaching is available, the school usually holds classes in small sizes. And that would be fine if not for the fact that it has more students than trucks to use.
On the one hand, all its teachers have considerable experience in trucking. And though they are very supportive and knowledgeable, some instructors may need a little work on their teaching skills.
However, on the plus side, PTDTS will help get you up to 100% funding through MB Education ETT or other sources.
It will help provide all relevant papers, such as a T2202 and a Tuition and Enrolment Certificate, so you can deduct tuition payments from your taxes.
As one of the longest-running truck driving schools in the city, Professional Transport Driver Training School has more than earned its spot on this list!
Pros
- Up to 100% funding available
- High credibility and reputation
- Assistance in job placement
Cons
- Limited trucks for group classes
- Closes early and unavailable on weekends
Customer Reviews
Professional instructors
Fantastic experience, our Instructor was great (David) and all the other instructors were also super nice. They all have a lot of knowledge and are very professional. Great driving School, will definitely recommend them to anyone looking to do class 1 training. Thank you for everything. David, Dan, Ryan you guys are great. – Graeme Bothma, Google Reviews
Above and beyond
The school has elite ex-drivers as instructors(both in class and in-cab)They make driving fun and loving. My instructor was the best, always understanding and patience. The school doesn’t just teach you how to pass the road test, they teach you everything you need to know about driving and life of a professional trucker. I highly recommend anyone who is looking to get their CDL to choose professional Transport Driving School. Sunny Umoren, Google Reviews
5. Ben’s International Driving School
| Services | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Facilities | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Credibility | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Student Feedback | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Located on the east side of Winnipeg, Ben’s International Driving School is another BBB accredited business and has been in the industry for over 10 years.
In addition to its Air Brake Endorsement Course, Class 1 and Class 3 training, Ben’s International also offers Class 5 courses.
One of the things we like about the school is that it has a very flexible schedule. Its MELT program has a part-time option and its Class 3 course is a 3-hour session that can be taken any time between its business hours.
This flexibility is great if you are working part-time or simply don’t want to wake up too early in the morning. You even have the option to study on weekends since Ben’s International is open 7 days a week!
On top of being knowledgeable and experienced, Ben’s teachers have a friendly yet detailed teaching approach. We also like how they teach you more than just technical skills and share their experience on how to handle different situations on the road.
The school has a good classroom facility and complete materials for learning. It also has enough vehicles to use for a class of 4 students and a big yard for practice.
However, Ben International’s fees are a little more expensive in comparison to others. Still, considering the quality training you get, we think it’s a reasonable price to pay.
Also, keep in mind that the Class 1 Course is a popular program. And since the school only caters to 4 students at a time, spots can be quickly filled so it’s advised to register early.
All told, Ben’s International Driving School is a highly-rated truck driving school with lots of graduates who passed with flying colors and is worthy of our last spot on this list.
Pros
- Helps with government financing
- Complete training facility
- Flexible scheduling
Cons
- Can be a little pricey
- May require advance booking
Customer Reviews
Clean trucks
Very knowledgeable and very helpful. Training trucks are in great shape and very clean. Helped me pass my class 1 on the first try. Thanks, Ben. – Grant Hurst. Google Reviews
Professional teachers
A very professional coach will teach you everything you need for your exams and future work. I have passed all the exams in less than half a year. If you want to work in the truck industry, this is where your dream starts. – Ryan Wang, Google Reviews
6. Shark Driving Academy
| Services | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Facilities | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Credibility | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Student Feedback | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
At Shark Driving Academy, we plunged headfirst into the world of truck driving education. Our experience with this esteemed institution left us both impressed and contemplative.
In the realm of services, Shark Driving Academy reigns supreme.
Offering a comprehensive curriculum that covers every gear shift and turn signal, they ensure every aspiring trucker is well-prepared for the open road.
Their instructors, with years of experience under their belts, are the true apex predators of the industry.
Convenience is the anchor that keeps students tethered to success, and Shark Driving Academy understands this well.
With flexible schedules and a variety of training locations, they make it a breeze to juggle learning with life’s other demands. Our journey was smooth, thanks to their accommodating approach.
Reputation is the backbone of any institution, and Shark Driving Academy boasts a reputation as solid as a reinforced steel frame.
Their alumni speak volumes about the quality of instruction and the skills imparted. It’s no surprise that employers covet their graduates.
The cost of acquiring this invaluable skillset was reasonable, to say the least.
Shark Driving Academy doesn’t take a bite out of your wallet. Their transparent pricing structure ensures you won’t be left with a financial harpoon wound.
Sadly, they don’t offer promos at the present. We advise checking their website for other affordable deals.
Pros
- Expert instructors
- Flexible schedules
- Stellar reputation
- Affordable pricing
Cons
- Busy during peak days
Customer Reviews
“Shark Driving Academy made learning to drive a truck a breeze. The instructors were top-notch, and I felt fully prepared for my new career. Highly recommended!”
“I chose Shark Driving Academy because of their reputation, and they exceeded my expectations. The convenience and cost-effectiveness sealed the deal for me. I’m now a confident trucker, thanks to them.”
7. Patel Driving School
| Services | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Facilities | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Credibility | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Student Feedback | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Finding the correct profession and a suitable training program in an ever-changing market may appear to be an insurmountable challenge.
Here at Patel Driving School which was formed by some of the industry’s most accomplished experts, is dedicated to offering the greatest quality Class 1 License training curriculum centered on leadership, innovation, and advanced skills.
They offer a total of 7 training courses of which 3 of them have long training time such as their class 1 license (MELT), class 3 driver license training course, and air brake training. Their air brake training is a 5-6 hrs training and test, and two days program can help you achieve your Airbrake. It also comes with an Air brake endorsement course training.
Their class 1 license (MELT), is the most requested service they provide. It is a program that lasts 121.5 hrs for Class 1 driver’s License training and the test course period lasts 3-4 weeks.
Its program is adaptable, and its lecturers are experts in their fields. So, if you’re ready to roll up your sleeves, learn a new skill, and meet new people, contact their Class 1 driving schools in Winnipeg.
Pros
- Provides one-on-one training and pre-test training
- High-end facilities
- Affordable rates
Cons
Customer Reviews
I am so thankful to have taken his course.
“I came across Patel Truck Driving School when I needed my Air Brake Endorsement. All the 5 star reviews are true. Vikram is a great instructor who explains everything in detail and takes time to ensure you understand. He is very patient when you make an error or have questions. I am so thankful to have taken his course. I passed my endorsement first time with zero errors. Thank you so much Vikram!!” – Stephanie Richardson
I would highly recommend this company for any of your driving needs.
“I would highly recommend this company for any of your driving needs. Vikram is an excellent instructor. He is very knowledgeable in his field and keeps a calm cool demeanour while you drive which takes a lot of pressure off and lets you focus on the skills you are developing. Whether preparing for a road test or refreshing your driving skills prior to starting a new job, definitely get in touch with Vikram. Five star rating from me. ” – Dylan McKinnon
FAQs About Truck Driving
Perfect truck driving schools are hard to find. But as long as you find one that suits your needs, such schools can be life-changing.
Did we help you find the right truck driving school for you? Let us know what you think!