Truck and Transport 

Mechanic

Truck and Transport Mechanics are systematic fixers who keep the many commercial transport trucks we see on our highways running safely and smoothly.  

truck and transport mechanic

As a Truck and Transport Mechanic, you’ll be immersed in your work—testing, fixing and maintaining highway trucks and buses.  

You’ll diagnose large vehicles to identify issues and flag areas for repair. You’ll work either indoors in a busy shop or outdoors in a range of environments. It's a career with time-sensitive work, as you ensure the safe operation of these vehicles. 

What You'll Learn

  • How to inspect, diagnose and service highway buses and trucks
  • How to repair vehicle systems related to fuel, brakes, steering and suspension, transmission, emission control and exhaust, and cooling and climate control
  • How to use computerized diagnostic equipment to test vehicle performance
  • How to perform preventative maintenance, including oil changes and tune-ups 

Key Job Skills

  • Troubleshooting and monitoring
  • Cutting and welding equipment use
  • Hydraulic, power and air brakes servicing
  • Frames, steering and suspension diagnostics
  • Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning repair 

Start Your Apprenticeship

Interested in this trade? Learn how to start your apprenticeship.

Technical Training 28 weeks over 4 years
Work-Based Training
6330 HOURS
General Skills
Analytical Coordinated Resourceful

Technical Training

The classroom is where you learn the technical knowledge to complement your work-based training. Make sure to register as early as possible to secure a seat for technical training with a SkilledTradesBC-designated training provider. 

Visit Trades Training BC and EducationPlannerBC to find where this program is being offered across the province. 

Harmonized (2024) Program Information and Resources

In effect starting April 1, 2024

Exam Information and Resources

Find exam-related information and resources under each menu item below. Looking for more exam tips? Visit the Exam and Study Support page. 

 

 

 

Active as of January 1, 2026

Program and Exam Updates

  • January 2026: OPSN 2025 023 (IP Exams aligned to the 2022 Red Seal Occupational Standards (RSOS)). A Comparative Analysis detailing changes between 2015 NOA and the 2022 RSOS can be found here.

  • April 2025: OPSN 2025 005 (Launch of HMT Common Core Level 2 and Level 3 SLEs)

  • March 2024: OPSN 2024 006 (HMT Common Core Level 1 SLE Launch) 

  • November 2022: Updated Interprovincial Red Seal exams will be implemented on November 18, 2022. The exams are aligned to the 2015 National Occupational Analysis. For more details please see the program update.

Challenge the Certification Exam

If you have work experience in the trade but have never been certified in Canada, you may be eligible to challenge the certification exam as a Trade Qualifier to become certified without going through an apprenticeship program. 

If you have some practical experience but do not yet qualify for the certification exam, you may be eligible to challenge a level exam to enter the program at the appropriate level. 

Check the Program Profile on this page for the available pathway options and eligibility details.