Effective March 1, 2019, all new Class 1 drivers are required to take Mandatory Entry Level Training (MELT), in compliance with Alberta Transportation legislation, in order to obtain their commercial driver’s license. 

Mandatory training for new Class 1 commercial drivers will result in safer, more highly skilled drivers working in the trucking industry.

• Training includes a government-mandated number of training hours for in-class, in-yard and in-vehicle modules.
• Standardized curriculums are taught at all licensed Alberta driver training schools.
• Class 1 knowledge and road tests have been expanded to encompass the new training requirements. All new drivers will be required to demonstrate their competency in all the training components of MELT. 

Learn what a Class 1 licence is, what vehicles you can drive with a Class 1 licence and the steps to obtain it, on our Professional Driver FAQ page.

Eligibility

To get a Class 1 driver’s licence you must:

• be at least 18 years of age
• hold any class of Alberta non-probationary driver’s licence (Graduated Driver’s Licensing Program drivers are not eligible for a Class 1 driver’s licence)
• have an approved Alberta driver’s medical examination report completed by a physician and approved by a registry agent or Alberta Transportation’s Driver Fitness and Monitoring before taking MELT training (this will ensure you are medically eligible for a Class 1 licence prior to investing in training)
• have successfully completed the Air Brake Program (Q Endorsement), if applicable
• complete the MELT program

**To confirm you are medically eligible to apply for a Class 1 license, it is recommended you complete a medical assessment through a physician before participating in the MELT program. Medical forms are available from an Alberta registry agent or an Alberta physician. Medical forms can only be approved by a registry agent or by Alberta Transportation’s Driver Fitness and Monitoring.

Career Opportunities

By obtaining a Class 1 licence, you will gain access to career paths for one of the most in-demand occupations in Alberta, Transport Truck Driving.

Career opportunities may include:

• long haul drivers
• delivery drivers
• oilfield driver
• line haul drivers