How Much Does a Class 1 Licence Cost in Québec in 2026?

Thinking about becoming a truck driver and wondering how much a Class 1 licence costs in Québec in 2026? It's a good question, because the answer has changed. Since December 15, 2025, training is mandatory to get a Class 1 licence. So most of the bill is the training itself. On top of that come a few SAAQ fees and a medical report.

In this guide, we go through every expense using the official 2026 fees. We also cover the financial aid Québec offers some people, and what to check before you sign anything.

In short. Budget for the PESR – Class 1 training, plus about $146 in fixed SAAQ fees (learner's licence and tests), plus the medical report and the final licence. At Qazi, the training is $8,500, taxes included, payable in 4 instalments, until December 31, 2026.

1. The main cost: mandatory training

Since December 15, 2025, there are two ways to get a Class 1 licence in Québec:

• pass the PESR – Class 1 (Road Safety Education Program) with a SAAQ-recognized training provider;
• earn the DEP in Truck Transportation (Transport par camion) from Québec's Ministry of Education.

The PESR – Class 1 takes at least 125 hours: 75 hours of theory, then 50 hours of practice in a tractor-trailer. The practice is split into 18 hours of basic manoeuvres in a safe zone and 32 hours on public roads.

How much does the PESR – Class 1 cost?

Each school sets its own price. In October 2026, some recognized centres publicly list $11,200 for the full program. Always compare what's included: practice hours, the truck for the road test, retakes, and materials.

At Qazi, the PESR – Class 1 training is $8,500, taxes included, instead of $10,000, a saving of $1,500. It's payable in 4 instalments. The offer ends December 31, 2026. See the Class 1 promotion.

Questions to ask before comparing prices

A low price means nothing if half the services cost extra. Ask every school:

1. Does the price include taxes? At Qazi, yes.
2. How many practice hours are included? The legal minimum is 50 hours.
3. Is the truck provided for the SAAQ road test? If not, you'll have to rent one.
4. What does an extra practice hour cost if you need one?
5. What's the theory schedule? At Qazi, group theory runs Tuesday and Thursday from 5:30 to 9:30 PM and Saturday from 9 AM to 6 PM. The 50 practice hours are scheduled separately, around your availability.
6. How do the instalments work? Ask for the exact schedule in writing.

2. SAAQ fees in 2026

These amounts are set by the SAAQ, not the school. They're non-refundable and usually change on January 1. Here are the 2026 fees published by the SAAQ:

Step	2026 SAAQ fee
Learner's licence (classes 1 to 5)	$52.08 (+ $10.40 for photo and lamination, if applicable)
Knowledge test (one or more tests at the same appointment)	$13.50
Road test – pre-trip inspection (classes 1, 2 and 3)	$13.50
Road test – heavy vehicle (classes 1, 2 and 3)	$66.50
Late cancellation (under 48 h) or no-show for a road test	$26.75

Total fixed fees with no retakes: about $146 (52.08 + 13.50 + 13.50 + 66.50), plus the photo if required.

At the end, you also pay for the Class 1 driver's licence. Its cost depends on your record, including your demerit points, because it includes an insurance contribution. Use the SAAQ's calculator to get your exact amount.

The retake trap

A failed test costs money and time. After failing a road test, you can retake it 7 days later by appointment, and you pay for the test again. If you cancel less than 48 hours before or don't show up, the SAAQ charges $26.75. Good preparation saves money too.

3. The medical examination report

To add Class 1, the SAAQ requires a medical examination report. It must be completed by a doctor or a specialized nurse practitioner. Write "Ajout de classe" (class addition) at the top of the form, then send it back through SAAQclic or by mail.

The price of this exam depends on the clinic. Call ahead to ask, and do it early: without a favourable SAAQ decision, you can't move on to the next step.

You'll also take a vision test at the SAAQ when you sit the knowledge test.

4. Québec financial aid: up to $1,425

The Québec government offers $1,425 per person in financial aid for the PESR – Class 1. It pays part of the training cost. The conditions are specific:

• you must be unemployed;
• you must be referred to the training by an employment assistance agent at Services Québec;
• you must take the training full time with a SAAQ-recognized provider.

The aid is paid once the training is finished, when you submit your course certificate. So you need to be able to pay for the training before you receive it.

How do you apply? Meet an agent at a Services Québec office, or apply online through Mon dossier – Aide à l'emploi. The agent assesses your situation and decides whether the measure fits. Talk to them before you enrol, because the aid depends on that referral. Also ask whether the schedule of the training you're considering qualifies.

Qazi doesn't grant this aid and can't guarantee it. Services Québec makes the decision.

5. Costs people forget

• Time. Theory takes 75 hours and practice 50 hours. If you work, pick a school whose schedule fits yours. Evening and weekend theory helps a lot.
• Travel to the school and to the test centre.
• Extra practice hours, if you want more confidence before the test.
• The F endorsement. To drive a vehicle with air brakes, you need the F endorsement. You can take the F test at the same appointment as the knowledge test. Tell the SAAQ when you book or arrive.

6. Sample budget

Here's an example for someone who enrols at Qazi before December 31, 2026 and passes every test the first time:

Item	Amount
PESR – Class 1 training at Qazi (promo, taxes included)	$8,500
Learner's licence, knowledge test and road tests (SAAQ 2026)	≈ $146
Photo and lamination (if required)	$10.40
Medical report	depends on the clinic
Class 1 driver's licence	depends on your record

If you qualify for the Services Québec aid, $1,425 could be paid to you after the training.

7. Paying in 4 instalments at Qazi

The 4-instalment plan applies to the promotional price. No payment is required when you fill in the callback form: we call you first, check your file, then explain the instalment schedule before you register.

Frequently asked questions

Does the $8,500 price include taxes?

Yes. Qazi's Class 1 promotional price is $8,500, taxes included, payable in 4 instalments, until December 31, 2026.

Are SAAQ fees included in the training price?

No. The learner's licence, the tests and the final licence are paid directly to the SAAQ. In 2026, the fixed fees come to about $146, plus the photo if applicable.

Can I get a Class 1 licence without training?

No. Since December 15, 2025, you must pass the PESR – Class 1 with a recognized provider, or earn the DEP in Truck Transportation.

Who qualifies for the $1,425 aid?

Unemployed people referred by an employment assistance agent to full-time training with a recognized provider. The aid is paid at the end, when you submit the certificate. Services Québec confirms eligibility.

How much does a road test retake cost?

You pay for the test again: $13.50 for the pre-trip inspection and $66.50 for the heavy-vehicle test (2026 fees). You can retake it 7 days after a fail.

Ready to run the numbers for your situation?

Leave your name and phone number. We'll call you back, check your eligibility, and explain the price, schedule and instalments. No payment, no commitment.

Request a free callback · or call us at 514 274-6948.

Sources: SAAQ (Mandatory Class 1 training; Class 1 truck; 2026 test fees; 2026 licence cost; Class 1 checklist), Québec.ca (Financial aid for truck driver training, updated November 7, 2025). Fees checked October 20, 2026.