Heavy Trailer Endorsement

Hauling a trailer weighing more than 4,600 kilograms, but without air brakes? You are required to have a Code 20 (heavy trailer) endorsement.

Although most truck and trailer combinations where the trailer exceeds 4,600 kilograms are equipped with air brakes, some units without air brakes exist. To obtain this endorsement, the towing vehicle must be a single axle truck; otherwise the driver is required to obtain a Class 3 licence. Many of these units are still employed on farms, in the building supply industry, and in a limited way in construction. Often these vehicle combinations are employed to move skid steer loaders or other mid-size construction equipment.

Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 9 & 10 of Driving Commercial Vehicles are the ICBC guides for this licence.

ICBC Regulations

• ✓Trailers or towed vehicles exceeding 4,600 kilograms, provided neither the truck nor trailer has air brakes
• ✓Any motor vehicle or combination of vehicles in Class 5

Learning Curve

For new drivers obtaining their heavy trailer endorsement, the pre-trip inspection presents a challenge. A pre-trip inspection however, is the key to a safe vehicle while driving on the highway. The increased weight of the vehicle, reduced acceleration and longer braking distances require the driver to acquire new skills that will allow them to make adjustments for the combination vehicle’s unique handling characteristics. Further, the driver will now be dealing with larger blind spots and will need to adjust their driving accordingly. And owing to the increased height of the vehicle, drivers need to develop an awareness of low bridges, overpasses, covered fuel stations, and other projections from buildings which may potentially damage the unit.

This course trains the student to conduct:

• ✓A comprehensive pre-trip inspection
• ✓Backing the unit safely
• ✓Driving defensively
• ✓Manoeuvring the vehicle on the highway
• ✓Driving in city traffic
• ✓Operating in confined spaces such as yards and fuelling stations

Cost

Please call the office at 250-655-0432 for further information.

All ICBC fees are the responsibility of the applicant.