Effective January 1, 2024, NWP MELT learners have 90 days from the date of their MELT completion to complete their provincial evaluation with an NWP truck. After 90 days, the learner can no longer utilize an NWP truck for their evaluation. The learner will be considered a new student if they wish to utilize a NWP unit. Learners will need to pay and complete, at a minimum, a two-hour evaluation. The learner may be required to complete more training in the unit as determined by the instructor.  

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 licence.

Drivers who have held a Class 3 driver’s licence with two (2) or more years of experience driving Class 3 commercial vehicles may be eligible to take the Experience and Equivalency Class 1 MELT Program.

Learn about Class 3 and 1 licences, the differences between the licences, the vehicles you can drive with each licence, and the steps to obtain it, on our Professional Driver FAQ page.

Student Eligibility and Application Process

1. To take the Experience and Equivalency Class 1 MELT Program, drivers must:

a. Hold a current Alberta Class 3 driver’s licence;

b. Have held an Alberta Class 3 driver’s licence or the equivalent driver’s licence from another Canadian jurisdiction for two (2) or more years; and

• i. To demonstrate that they meet this criterion, drivers who gained their two years of experience with holding a Class 3 equivalent driver’s licence in another Canadian jurisdiction must provide a driver’s abstract from the other Canadian jurisdiction.

c. Have two (2) or more years of work experience operating a single motor vehicle with three (3) or more axles.

• i. To demonstrate that they meet this criterion, drivers must provide one of the following:

1. A signed letter(s) from an employer that states you have a minimum of two years work experience operating a single motor vehicle with three or more axles. The letter must include the employer’s contact information.
2. A daily log book for a two year-period that meets the requirements outlined in the Drivers’ Hours of Service Regulation or the Government of Canada’s Commercial Vehicle Drivers Hours of Service Regulations.
3. For individuals who are self-employed - 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 will not be eligible for the Experience and Equivalency Class 1 Mandatory Entry Level Training.

2. 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 as verification of their eligibility to take the Experience and Equivalency Class 1 MELT Program. To fill out the application click here.