Mandatory Entry Level Training for class 1 drivers

VICTORIA, B.C. – B.C. has announced the introduction of mandatory entry-level training (MELT) for new Class 1 commercial driver’s license applicants.

According to a release, the program will go beyond minimum requirements set by the National Safety Code Standard for entry-level training of Class 1 drivers.

MELT will become a prerequisite for Class 1 road testing beginning October 18th. The program will utilize best practices from other jurisdictions in Canada, emphasizing safe driving for mountainous geography and diverse driving conditions. It will ensure commercial drivers are prepared for the roads and changing weather patterns found in the mountains.

“Having mandatory entry-level commercial vehicle training will result in better-trained new drivers and improved road safety for everyone in British Columbia,” said Rob Fleming, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI). “We’ve worked collaboratively with the trucking industry to create a new MELT program for B.C. that will strengthen the industry and prepare drivers to operate safely across B.C.’s challenging climates. This training will ensure new commercial drivers are trained to a higher, consistent standard.”

ICBC is the regulatory body for driver training and instruction in the province. The organization worked with the commercial driving industry, MOTI, and the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General to finish the new curriculum.

“Safer Roads Canada is pleased to see British Columbia join the other western provinces in rolling out a MELT program that takes into account the challenging driving conditions and terrain in this province, including winding, narrow mountain passes and icy highways,” said Lawrence and Ginny Hunter, Safer Roads Canada board members, whose 18-year-old son Logan was fatally injured in the 2018 Humboldt Broncos bus crash.

“We hope this program succeeds in putting better-skilled new drivers on Canada’s roadways so future tragedies can be prevented. This is a step in the right direction in recognizing the challenging conditions these workers face every day on our roads.”

The program will begin driver training schools in the summer. Existing Class 1 drivers will be exempt.

The introduction of the Class 1 MELT program passed the legislature in August 2020.

More information can be found on the ICBC website.