Calgary Transit bus operator test: how to prepare

What Calgary Transit asks for

• Applicants need a full Alberta Class 5 licence (not a probationary graduated licence) with no more than three demerits in the past two years. (source)
• Transit and community shuttle operators must get an air brake (Q) endorsement at their own expense at least one week before training starts. (source)
• Training for transit and community shuttle operators is full-time for 25 business days, and trainees without a Class 1 or Class 2 licence must pass a Class 2 road test. (source)
• Operators are expected to interpret city maps and schedules and to locate all major city locations. (source)

Check the current posting on the Calgary Transit careers page. Follow it where it differs from this page.

What to practise

Bus operator written tests usually check three skills: reading a route map, knowing traffic signs (see the Alberta Driver’s Guide (2026), chapter 2: traffic control and road signs), and knowing where major Calgary landmarks are.

Landmarks worth knowing

• The City of Calgary lists the City Hall and Municipal Complex street address as 800 Macleod Trail SE. (City of Calgary: contact information and hours)
• Alberta Health Services lists Foothills Medical Centre at 1403 29 Street NW. (Alberta Health Services: Foothills Medical Centre)
• Alberta Health Services lists the Peter Lougheed Centre at 3500 26 Avenue NE. (Alberta Health Services: Peter Lougheed Centre)
• Alberta Health Services lists Rockyview General Hospital at 7007 14 Street SW. (Alberta Health Services: Rockyview General Hospital)
• Alberta Health Services lists the Alberta Children’s Hospital at 28 Oki Drive NW. (Alberta Health Services: Alberta Children’s Hospital)
• Alberta Health Services lists South Health Campus at 4448 Front Street SE. (Alberta Health Services: South Health Campus)
• The University of Calgary’s mailing address is 2500 University Drive NW. (University of Calgary: Advancement contact us)
• Mount Royal University’s address is 4825 Mount Royal Gate SW. (Mount Royal University: contact us)