Frequently Asked Questions

Questions to ask the training provider

What do I look for when choosing a driver training school?

• Are the instructors ICBC licensed and the school ICBC certified, under the legislation the law, Division #27 of the Motor Vehicle Act Regulation it states; if a person teaches care and control of a motor vehicle in lieu of compensation (for money) they must be an ICBC licensed instructor and they must teach through an approved ICBC facility, or they are operating illegally.

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How long has the school been in operation?

• Saferway was incorporated in 1968 and provides quality training on Vancouver Island, Gulf Islands and the Mainland.
• Our ICBC school number is #64 that a testimony to how long Saferway has been providing quality training.

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The Instructors experiences and qualifications

• Saferway is licensed by ICBC and bonded to protect students.
• All instructors are qualified and licensed by ICBC.
• Saferway is an ICBC Approved Instructor Training Facility.
• Saferway's Instructors are trained by Saferway as are many other highly qualified Instructors throughout British Columbia.
• Many of Saferway's Instructors are former students of Saferway and after many years in the industry have come back to Saferway to give their professional skills to other students.

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Type of equipment is used in training.

• Saferway provides training in a wide variety of equipment and configurations from 26', 45', 53', Super B Train, Vans and Flat Deck,for best student learning and experience into the industry.
• Our classrooms provide involvement, interaction, and socialization, along with a business-like approach to getting the job done. Our goal is to create an effective learning situation in the classroom and in vehicle.

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Does the school offer courses certified by the Federal Government?

• We offer several courses that are certified by the Federal Government.
• This means: The courses are exempt from HST, tax deductible and meet requirements for funding.
• There are many other taxable benefits in taking a Federal Government Certified Course.

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Driver training facilities main focus, is it preparing the student for entry into the trucking industry, or are they only intent on getting the student ready to pass the road test.

• At Saferway were are committed to professional driver training, to prepare the student to be industry entry level ready, our students learn truck driving skills by pulling “real” loads.
• Saferway spends a weekend course in the certified program on load Securement and many other courses.
• Saferway trains with loaded vans and flat decks.
• For a break down on what you learn in the certified programs see (Truck Bus, and RV Courses).

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Chances of acquiring a driving job after the course is complete, and, what are the chances of remaining within the industry a year later?

• At Saferway we put you in the driver’s seat.
• We are in contact with a network of trucking companies in BC and many other provinces.
• We spend time with the student counseling and help directing students to where they might find gainful employment.
• It is Saferway Driver Training School Ltd. and Saferway’s Instructor years of experience, and the years networking with trucking companies listening to their needs that gives Saferway students a 'leg up', by offering students a real insight into the trucking industry.

 

This statement is strictly false

• (The claim that many transport companies—unless they have a mentoring program--will simply not hire recent driving school graduates. To work for most trucking companies, drivers must have experience. Recent graduates are therefore stuck in the ole’ adage: you can’t get a job without experience, and you can’t get experience without a job.)

 

It all lies on where a student took their training.

• What type of training did he acquire?
• What was the aptitude of the student?
• What was the student’s attitude?
• Saferway students are finding jobs; it is easier to get a job with qualified certified training and still possible with the non-certified training. See (TESTOMONIALS)

 

BC Trucking Association States

• - Current forecasts suggest the industry is facing a major shortage of qualified truck drivers and related occupations in the years ahead, making it an attractive place for existing and future workers looking for an interesting, well-paying and secure career. A 2003 study conducted for the Canadian Trucking Human Resources Council (CTHRC) estimates that satisfying the demand for additional truck drivers resulting from economic growth combined with attrition from the industry will require an infusion of nearly 224,000 qualified commercial drivers from 2003 to 2008, and annual average of 37,317.
• Overall Demand: More Needed for Tractor-Trailer Units: The study estimates that roughly two-thirds of the forecasted drivers needed will require the equivalent of a Class 1 commercial driver's license (qualified to drive tractor-trailer units). The findings come from an in depth study of Canadian drivers, fleets and industry associations. The study is entitled Profile of Driver Shortage, Driver Turnover and Future Demand Estimates.

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