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Class 1 commercial driver's licence

ICBC Class 1 knowledge test practice

Free, realistic practice for the ICBC Class 1 knowledge test — the written exam on the way to a tractor-trailer licence. Sit a 60-question test, get instant feedback, and read a clear explanation for every answer.

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What is the ICBC Class 1 knowledge test?

The ICBC Class 1 knowledge test is the written exam you must pass to begin earning a Class 1 commercial driver's licence in British Columbia. A Class 1 licence is the top commercial class — it covers semi-trailer trucks, also called tractor-trailers, the largest and heaviest combination vehicles on the road.

You take the test on a touch-screen at an ICBC driver licensing office. Passing it earns a Class 1 learner's licence, the stage before the supervised practice and road test that lead to a full Class 1 credential. This page gives you free, realistic practice so you walk in already knowing the material.

Independent study aid

BC Knowledge Test is an independent practice resource and is not affiliated with ICBC. Test details can change, so confirm current requirements with ICBC before you book.

What does a Class 1 licence let you drive?

A Class 1 licence is for the heaviest combination vehicles. It allows you to drive semi-trailer trucks — a tractor unit coupled to one or more trailers — and it also covers the vehicles permitted by the lower commercial classes.

Because almost every Class 1 vehicle is equipped with air brakes, a Class 1 driver normally also needs the air brake endorsement. ICBC offers a combined Class 1 and air brake knowledge test, so many candidates study and sit both at once.

Air brakes go hand in hand with Class 1

You will almost certainly need the air brake endorsement to operate a Class 1 vehicle. Plan to study the air brake material alongside the Class 1 knowledge test.

How many questions are on the Class 1 test and what is the pass mark?

The real ICBC Class 1 knowledge test has 60 multiple-choice questions. You must answer at least 48 correctly — a score of 80% — to pass. The maximum time allowed is 75 minutes.

ICBC Class 1 knowledge test at a glance
DetailClass 1 knowledge test
Questions60 multiple-choice
Correct answers to pass48 (80%)
Time limit75 minutes
Source manualDriving Commercial Vehicles

Note on the skip feature

ICBC's standard skip-a-question feature is not available on the combined Class 1 and air brake test. Practise answering every question in order so test day feels familiar.

What does the Class 1 knowledge test cover?

Every question is based on the official ICBC “Driving Commercial Vehicles” manual. The Class 1 test focuses on the skills and knowledge needed to operate a large combination vehicle safely. The main topics are:

  • Pre-trip, en-route, and post-trip vehicle inspections, including coupling a tractor to a trailer
  • Loading, weight limits, and securing cargo so it cannot shift
  • Handling a large vehicle — off-tracking, wide turns, backing, and blind spots
  • Driving in mountains and on hills, including gear selection and brake management
  • Hazards and emergencies such as skids, jackknifing, and brake failure
  • Driving in adverse weather and managing driver fatigue
  • Commercial rules, weigh scales, restricted routes, hours of service, and professional responsibilities

What do I need before taking the Class 1 knowledge test?

Before you can earn a Class 1 licence, you must already hold a valid full-privilege Class 5 (or equivalent) driver's licence. Commercial driving also has medical fitness standards, so a driver's medical examination is part of the licensing process.

  • A valid Class 5 or higher BC driver's licence, or an accepted out-of-province equivalent
  • Acceptable identification for the driver licensing office
  • A driver's medical examination, as required for commercial classes
  • Payment for the knowledge test

MELT applies to the road test, not the knowledge test

The Class 1 road test requires the 140-hour Mandatory Entry-Level Training (MELT) course. MELT does not affect the knowledge test, which you can study for and sit on its own.

How do I book the Class 1 knowledge test?

Book an appointment through icbc.com or visit an ICBC driver licensing office to start your commercial learner's licence application. Bring acceptable identification, any glasses or contacts you need for the vision screening, and payment for the knowledge test.

If you do not pass, you can rebook and try again, although a waiting period and another fee may apply. Commercial knowledge tests are generally offered in English only.

Frequently asked questions

Is this the official ICBC Class 1 knowledge test?
No. BC Knowledge Test is an independent study aid and is not affiliated with ICBC. Our questions are original and written to cover the same material as the official “Driving Commercial Vehicles” manual.
How many questions are on the ICBC Class 1 knowledge test?
The real test has 60 multiple-choice questions. You need 48 correct (80%) to pass, within a 75-minute time limit. Each practice test here uses the same 60-question format.
Do I need a Class 5 licence before taking the Class 1 test?
Yes. You must already hold a valid full-privilege Class 5 (or equivalent) driver's licence before you can earn a Class 1 commercial licence.
Do I need an air brake endorsement for a Class 1 licence?
In almost all cases, yes. Class 1 vehicles are equipped with air brakes, so a Class 1 driver normally also needs the air brake endorsement. ICBC offers a combined Class 1 and air brake knowledge test.
What is the MELT course and does it affect the knowledge test?
MELT is the 140-hour Mandatory Entry-Level Training course required before the Class 1 road test. It does not affect the knowledge test, which you can study for and sit independently.
What score should I aim for before booking the real test?
Aim to score 90% or higher across several practice attempts, including at least one timed exam simulation, before you book. Consistency matters more than a single good score.