researching my options

Theres cheaper courses than 9800 at valley....

 

I did my class 1 training in Kelowna BC last summer. It was an 8 day course (4 hours per day) and cost just a few hairs under $3000. It retrospect it is clear that this short course teaches you the bare minimum necessary to pass the ICBC pre trip inspection and road test. I did pass and get my license, but I was woefully unprepared for real-world trucking, such as backing up to docks and navigating some of the ridiculously tight spots you must get your truck in and out of in day to day work. The course (and ICBC road test) only have you back 50-75 feet or so in a straight line. I have had to learn a lot on-the-fly, on the job

I found it very difficult to get a job. I fired off 300 or so resumes all over BC and didn't get so much as a phone call. I had to move to Alberta, and though I did get a job out here quickly, I had to drive a bodyjob for 6 months before they gave me the keys to the big truck.

Anyway, you don't strictly need to take a course to get your license as long as:
A: You have a friend or family member who can teach you.
B: You have access to a tractor and minimum 48' trailer (loaded with ~28,000lbs IIRC) for the road test.

 

there is no requirement to go thru driving training in BC. Only thing you "need" to take a class for is your air brakes and that shouldn't be more then a couple hundred dollars or less.

I just passed my class 1 road test on Dec. 29th...after completing two 4 hour lessons before going for my roadtest and am now pulling super b's over the mountains.

The school I used did hourly training so my costs were $200 for the air brakes course a few years ago and then $1200 for my 2 lessons and use of the tractor/trailer for the road test.

Don't be discouraged...anything is possible.