Mandatory training is required for drivers who want to obtain their Class 1 driver’s license.
Mandatory Entry-Level Training (MELT) was implemented on March 1, 2019, by the Government of Alberta to improve safety for everyone on the road by ensuring Class 1 (tractor-trailer) and Class 2 (bus) drivers receive adequate training before they are tested for a Class 1 or Class 2 driver’s license. In addition, drivers who have held a Class 3 driver’s license with two or more years of experience driving Class 3 commercial vehicles may be eligible to take the Experience and Equivalency Class 1 MELT Training Edmonton Program.
As of 2019, you must complete an approved Class 1 Mandatory Entry-Level Training (MELT) course before you can book your road test to obtain a Class 1 license to drive a semi-trailer truck (other existing requirements also apply).
The MELT course consists of 121.5 hours of standardized training that covers the essential knowledge and skills to operate a semi-trailer truck safely. This mandatory training will help ensure the safety of all road users.
Drivers only need to complete mandatory training once successfully – there is no need to take the training again.
Student Eligibility and Application Process
1. To take the Experience and Equivalency Class 1 MELT Program, drivers must:
- Hold a current Alberta Class 3 driver’s license;
- Have held an Alberta Class 3 driver’s license or the equivalent driver’s license from another Canadian jurisdiction for two or more years; and to demonstrate that they meet this criterion, drivers who gained two years of experience holding a Class 3 equivalent driver’s license in another Canadian jurisdiction must provide a driver’s abstract from the other Canadian jurisdiction.
- Have two or more years of work experience operating a single motor vehicle with three or more axles.
2. To demonstrate that they meet this criterion, drivers must provide one of the following:
- A signed letter(s) from an employer that states you have a minimum of two years of work experience operating a single motor vehicle with three or more axles. The letter must include the employer’s contact information.
- A daily logbook for two years meets the requirements outlined in the Drivers’ Hours of Service Regulation or the Government of Canada’s Commercial Vehicle Drivers Hours of Service Regulations.
- For self-employed individuals – A signed letter(s) from customers or suppliers that specifies that you operate a vehicle with three or more axles to provide your service to them and have provided the service for a minimum of two years. The letter must include the customers’ or suppliers’ contact information. If you answered “no” to any of the questions above, you would not be eligible for the Experience and Equivalency Class 1 MELT Training Edmonton.
3. Eligible drivers must submit a completed application and supporting documentation to trans.driver.prog@gov.ab.ca. Once approved, successful drivers will receive an approval letter by email. Drivers must bring the approval letter to a licensed driver training school to verify their eligibility to take the Experience and Equivalency Class 1 MELT Training Edmonton Program.
This extensive training program builds an abundance of on-the-job skills and exposes graduates to experiences that could otherwise take years to obtain. Develop practical workforce skills by training for your Air Brake Endorsement, learn detailed pre-trip inspection training, and become well versed in uncoupling & coupling the trailer. This program also includes extensive backing practice: using a 53-foot trailer to give you a high level of training and mountain driving experience: emphasizing safe operating practices for mountainous geography, diverse climate conditions, and highlighting the unique driving conditions that can occur in other jurisdictions.
