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The Top 6 Truck Driving Schools in Calgary
1. Moga Driving School
Classes Offered: Class 1 MELT, Class 2, Class 3, Class 5, Air Brakes, Brush-up Course
Website: http://www.mogadrivingschool.com
Address: 501 4656 Westwinds Drive NE, Calgary, AB T3J 3Z5
Contact Details: (403) 234-7872, (403) 280-5858, [email protected]
Office Hours: Monday-Sunday: 9:00AM-5:00PM
Google Reviews | 4.4/5 |
Nice Locals Reviews | 4.7/5 |
Yably Reviews | 4.4/5 |
Total Score | 4.2/5 |
Score Consistency | 4.2/5 |
Rates | 5/5 |
Training Programs | 5/5 |
Instructors | 5/5 |
Schedule Flexibility | 4/5 |
Pros
- Open daily
- Offers flexible schedule
- Has extended courses
- Offers pick-up and drop-off
- Has female trainers
Cons
- A few cases of miscommunication about pick-ups
- Scheduling difficulty during summer season
Tejinder S. Sidhu, the founder of Moga Driving School, has over ten years of experience as a driving instructor. In 2005, he established his driving school and continued to guide new drivers with expert knowledge and skills.
We appreciate that their driving school is certified. Moreover, all the courses at Moga Driving School are approved by the government.
All instructors are fully trained and qualified. We like that all lessons are structured, giving a well-paced transition based on the student’s abilities.
Additionally, we appreciate the flexible schedule they offer. You will find a time that suits you since the driving school is open daily.
We also want to mention they can offer pick-up and drop-off. But this only applies to certain conditions, like availability and location.
However, we heard a few cases of miscommunication regarding the student’s location. Therefore, we think confirming the location at least a day before the pick-up date is best.
They offer various services, including Class 1 Mandatory Entry-Level Training (MELT), Class 3, 4, and 5. They also offer air brakes and brush-up courses for those looking to improve their abilities.
Furthermore, comprehensive courses are available for students who need to learn more. But note that this isn’t part of their regular courses, so you have to ask for a request.
It’s worth highlighting that there are female instructors available. We believe this is highly favourable for female students to feel more comfortable during the training.
All seems well, but we heard a few cases of scheduling problems during the summer season because of many students. In our opinion, a better scheduling system can help avoid issues like these in the future.
2. CCA Truck Driver Training
Classes Offered: Class 1 MELT, Experience and Equivalency, Skills Upgrading, Class 3 Training, Air Brakes, LCV, Professional Driver Improvement Course, Company Driver Evaluation, Etc.
Website: https://www.ccatruckdrivertraining.com
Address: 6262 6A Street SE, Calgary, AB T2H-2B7
Contact Details: (403) 253-3004, (403) 252-5061 (Fax), 1-800-661-1853 (Toll-Free)
Office Hours: Monday-Friday: 8:00AM-5:00PM, Saturday: 10:00AM-4:00PM
Google Reviews | 4.6/5 |
Nice Local Reviews | 4.7/5 |
Facebook Reviews | 5/5 |
Total Score | 4/5 |
Score Consistency | 4.8/5 |
Rates | 5/5 |
Training Programs | 5/5 |
Instructors | 4/5 |
Schedule Flexibility | 4/5 |
Pros
- Established in 1981
- Has a large training yard
- Well-maintained trucks
- Wide range of courses available
Cons
- Closed on Sundays
- A few complaints on selected instructors
Established in 1981, CCA Truck Driver Training started as a small training operation with just one instructor and one truck. They have grown since then, now occupying a three-acre training yard.
We highly appreciate that they listed their fleet on the website. Their trucks are well-maintained with up-to-date equipment.
Previous students praised their clean and well-kept trucks. Many also mentioned that the trucks were in good condition.
As for their courses, Class 1 MELT will cost a total of $9,785, with a total of 121.5 hours of training. We like this price because it’s still at the average cost in Calgary.
You should note that this includes the tractor-trailer unit needed for the government road test. But for additional hours, the cost will be $135 per hour.
It’s also worth noting that you must pre-register and pay for all courses by phone. They accept VISA, Mastercard via phone, and cash in person.
We also appreciate that they can assist you in finding a physician before you begin training because you need a driver’s medical test before starting Class 1 training.
A drawback we found is a few complaints about customer service. For example, there were cases of selected instructors with whom previous students were unhappy.
To prevent this, we think it’s best to ask them about changing the instructor if you and your current one don’t meet the same level of approach.
On another note, we heard most of the instructors were friendly and professional. The staff was also helpful regarding any concerns.
Lastly, many students got job placements after training with CCA Truck Driver Training. We believe this highly speaks of the quality of training they offer.
3. Jonas Driving School
Classes Offered: Class 1 MELT, Experience and Equivalency Class 1 MELT, Class 3 Truck Driving, Class 4, Class 5 GDL, Air Brakes, Brush-up Course, Winter Driving Course, Etc.
Website: https://www.jonasdrivingschool.com
Address: 4116 50 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2B 2T7 (Office and Practical Site)
Contact Details: (587) 891-7715, [email protected]
Office Hours: Monday-Sunday: 9:00AM-5:30PM
Google Reviews | 4.7/5 |
Nice Local Reviews | 4.7/5 |
Yably Reviews | 4.6/5 |
Total Score | 4.5/5 |
Score Consistency | 4.7/5 |
Rates | 5/5 |
Training Programs | 5/5 |
Instructors | 5/5 |
Schedule Flexibility | 5/5 |
Pros
- Open daily
- Reasonable rates
- Financing options available
- Accommodating with the student’s schedule
Cons
- Different classroom sites
- No available pick-up and drop-off
With over 20 years of experience, Jonas Driving School continues to provide car and truck driving lessons to Calgary. Aside from locals, they are sought after by residents in surrounding areas.
We’re glad they operate seven days a week. We appreciate the convenience for people with jobs or school during the weekdays.
Aside from that, they will schedule the lesson based on your availability. You can also contact the office after work hours on the phone.
A drawback is there’s no pick-up and drop-off available. But we think you can squeeze the site visit into your schedule since the instructors can accommodate you based on your plans.
As for their prices, we’re happy to report they have reasonable rates. For example, a Class 1 MELT costs only $8950 plus GST.
But you should know there is an additional $300 plus GST for truck rental for the road test. Even so, its price is still low compared to similar services.
Despite the reasonable rates, they still have financing options available. You can apply online at LendCare and Windmill Microlending.
We also want to mention the winter driving course they offer. We believe this is a must-have skill, especially with the unpredictableness of driving in snow.
One thing that some first-time students complained about was the address. They have a separate location for the practical site and classroom.
What’s confusing sometimes is that Classes 1 and 5 have different classroom locations. So make sure to confirm the site first to prevent any delays.
Lastly, many past students told us the instructors were accommodating. They were also dedicated to the job, were patient, and continued encouraging the students throughout the sessions.
4. Derek Brown’s Academy of Driving
Classes Offered: Class 1 MELT, Class 2 MELT, Class 3, Class 5, Brush-up Lessons, Air Brake Course, Driving Simulator, Online Courses, Etc.
Website: https://www.bestcalgarydrivingschool.com
Address: 1809 42 Street SE, Calgary, AB T2B 1G1
Contact Details: (403) 272-4246, [email protected]
Office Hours: Monday-Friday: 9:00AM-5:00PM, Saturday: 8:30AM-4:30PM
Google Reviews | 4.7/5 |
Nice Local Reviews | 4.7/5 |
Facebook Reviews | 4.6/5 |
Total Score | 4.5/5 |
Score Consistency | 4.7/5 |
Rates | 4/5 |
Training Programs | 5/5 |
Instructors | 5/5 |
Schedule Flexibility | 4/5 |
Pros
- Over 50 years in the industry
- Has an online driving course
- Provides driving simulator
- Financing option available
- Instructors were patient and informative
Cons
- Closed on Sundays
- Lack of available price points
- A few miscommunication issues
In 1970, Derek Brown’s Academy of Driving started as a one-car driving school. They have since expanded to 15 cars and six trucks in their fleet.
We appreciate the variety of driving courses they offer. They provide lessons for drivers of cars and trucks.
We also like the driving simulator for people not yet ready to drive on the road. We think this can help nervous students improve their road confidence.
In addition, there’s an online driving course. This feature is an excellent option for students who don’t have free time to go to the classroom, especially since the driving school is closed on Sundays.
Class 1 MELT driving has a total of 121.5 hours. There’s a two hours per day of driving, but this will depend on availability.
We also want to mention that they offer a financing option through Credit Genie. However, on the downside, there is no available pricing for their courses.
We hope they can add pricing in the future since you must pay all fees in full before making appointments. We believe readily available prices can help students arrange their budgets.
Unfortunately, the clients we surveyed experienced slight scheduling miscommunications. Although, we believe they can avoid this through confirmations before each session.
On the other hand, many students had positive experiences with their instructors. They praised the instructors for being patient and informative.
Some students also told us they gained confidence through their instructor’s words of encouragement. For first-time drivers, this is excellent news because truck driving can be challenging.
5. Punjab Driving Academy
Courses Offered: Class 1 MELT, Class 2, Class 3, Class 4, Class 5, Air Brakes, Defensive Driving Course, Bus Driving Course, Etc.
Website: https://www.punjabdrivingacademy.ca
Address: Unit 209-4656 Westwinds Drive NE, Calgary T3J 3Z5
Contact Details: (403) 926-4195, (403) 903-8200, [email protected]
Office Hours: Monday-Friday: 9:30AM-5:30PM, Saturday: 10:00AM-4:00PM
Google Reviews | 4.9/5 |
Nice Local Reviews | 4.9/5 |
Facebook Reviews | 4.9/5 |
Total Score | 5/5 |
Score Consistency | 4.9/5 |
Rates | 4/5 |
Training Programs | 5/5 |
Instructors | 4/5 |
Schedule Flexibility | 5/5 |
Pros
- Convenient online booking
- Wide range of services
- Offers bus driving lessons
- Offers pick-ups
- Has a financing option
Cons
- Lack of readily available pricing
- A few customer service complaints
Sartaj Pannu Punjab established Punjab Driving Academy in 2013 to help Calgarian drivers. Since then, they have continued to educate drivers in Calgary and nearby areas.
Their team is composed of certified instructors, ensuring they are skilled and experienced, giving you valuable tips on road safety. In addition, the instructors are multilingual to overcome language barriers with the students.
The past students we spoke with praised the knowledgeable instructors at Punjab Driving Academy. We appreciate how they are known as patient and flexible, customising the sessions based on the student’s abilities.
Another thing we like is the convenience of booking a course online. However, there’s a required advanced payment of $100.
We appreciate the wide range of services available. Aside from truck driving courses, they also offer bus driving lessons.
Another thing we appreciate is their offer to pick up students. We think this is a great option when the student doesn’t have the time to visit the site.
Moreover, students from Northeast Calgary can request a pick-up, and the instructor can try to accommodate them based on availability. But make sure to confirm the available pick-up locations to prevent miscommunication.
As for payments, we’re glad they offer a financing option through PayBright. But note that your loan terms will depend on your credit profile.
Still, we feel it’s best to provide readily available prices for everybody’s convenience. Furthermore, students can check their available budget if they don’t want to take out a loan.
On the downside, we heard customer service complaints at their office. For example, there were scheduling miscommunication cases that we think can quickly improve with a better system.
6. People Driving Academy Inc.
Classes Offered:
- Class 1 Experience Equivalency
- Class 1 Melt Program License
- Class 1 Truck Driver
- Class 3 Driver Training
- Class 1 Melt Program
- Brush Up Lessons for Driving
- Air Brake Course Certificate
- Defensive Driving Course
Website: https://peopledriving.ca
Address: 5850 88 Ave NE #6190, Calgary, AB T3J 0Z7, Canada
Contact Details: +1 403-612-0040
Office Hours: Monday-Saturday: 9:00 AM-5:00 PM
Google Reviews | 4.9/5 |
Nice Locals Reviews | N/A |
Yably Reviews | N/A |
Total Score | 4/5 |
Score Consistency | 4/5 |
Rates | 4/5 |
Training Programs | 5/5 |
Instructors | 5/5 |
Schedule Flexibility | 4/5 |
Pros
- Comprehensive Truck Driving Lessons
- Personalized Learning Experiences Offered
- Continuous Learning Opportunities
Cons
- Rates unavailable online
People Driving Academy excels in providing a range of comprehensive truck driving courses. From practical load securement to log book training, their programs cover all aspects of trucking-related documents and skills required for a successful career in the industry.
Recognizing that everyone learns at their own pace, People Driving Academy offers personalized learning experiences. The instructors tailor sessions to individual needs, ensuring that each student gets the most out of their training. This approach is beneficial for both new drivers and those seeking refresher courses.
Safety is a top priority at People Driving Academy, and this is reflected in their defensive driving courses. The emphasis on crucial techniques and the ability to navigate challenging situations enhances the overall safety consciousness of their students. The availability of online defensive driving courses adds convenience for learners.
While the academy mentions offering competitive prices, there is no specific information about their pricing structure. A more transparent approach to pricing would assist potential students in making informed decisions.
Overall, People Driving Academy Inc. emerges as a reputable driving school, particularly excelling in their truck driving programs. With a commitment to safety, personalized learning, and continuous education, the academy positions itself as a reliable partner for individuals seeking to become confident and skilled drivers, both in personal and commercial driving scenarios.