Overview

Alberta is leading the way in Class 1 driver training and licensing with the new Class 1 Learning Pathway for commercial truck drivers. Effective April 1, 2025, the Class 1 Learning Pathway will replace the Class 1 Mandatory Entry Level Training (MELT) program. The new pathway offers a flexible, apprentice-style approach to support new drivers in their ongoing career development.

If you already started MELT training at a driving school, you have until October 1, 2025, to complete it. After April 1, 2025 new trainees must enroll in the Class 1 Learning Pathway.

Your learning pathway

If you are a new driver seeking a Class 1 Operator’s licence, you need to complete the Entry Program and Core Learning Program to obtain a provincial restricted driver’s licence.

  • Tier 1: Entry Program

    • The Entry Program includes 40 hours of training and introduces prospective Class 1 drivers to a career in commercial driving, with a focus on developing foundational knowledge and skills essential for success. 
    • This training can be accessed online or supported by a driver training school and includes training on concepts critical to the role of a professional driver. 
    • At the end of this training, drivers can take the Class 1 knowledge test.
  • Tier 2: Core Learning Program

    • The Core Learning program includes 60 hours of training focused on building a driver’s level of competence in-yard and in-cab. 
    • An additional 8-hour air brake training course is required to if a learner does not already have a Q endorsement on their licence.
    • At the end of this training, the driver can take the road test to obtain a provincially restricted Class 1 driver’s licence.
    • This driver’s licence allows them to gain valuable on-the-job experience driving only in Alberta while they continue build their skills, similar to an apprenticeship-style training model.
  • Tier 3: Competence Building Program

    • The Competence Building Program includes 17 to 25 hours of one-on-one driving instruction customized to meet the specific needs of the driver. 
    • These needs are identified through an on-road driver assessment. 
    • When the driver has successfully demonstrated improvement in the identified competencies, the restriction will be removed from the driver’s Class 1 driver’s licence, giving them the mobility to operate as an interprovincial driver.
  • Tier 4: Advanced Driver Training Programs

    • After obtaining their Class 1 driver’s licence, drivers can go on to take advanced training programs to further improve their skills. 
    • This may include training programs specific to the industry they are in or want to work in.

Online learning

Take control of your career with a flexible online course, offered through the Learning Management System (LMS).
 

Learn more about the online learning system

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Eligibility

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

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Have a Class 5 driver’s licence

You must have a full Class 5 driver’s licence prior to starting the Class 1 Learning Pathway.

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Be at least 18 years old

You need to be at least 18 years old to apply for the Entry Program or the Core Learning Program.

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Have medical fitness approval

Commercial drivers require a higher level of fitness and more frequent checks because of increased risk and larger potential consequences of a collision. Determine whether you or someone else is medically fit to drive

Get started on your learning journey

Find out where you fit in and how to move forward with your licensing journey.

New drivers

If you are a new driver or have fewer than 2 years of experience, please follow the steps below to apply.

  • Step 1: Complete the Class 1 Entry Program

    • A student can take the self-led online learning through the Learning Management System (LMS) administrated by Transportation and Economic Corridors or complete the same online curriculum at a driving school with in-person support.
    • The Class 1 Entry program takes 40 hours to complete.
    • A student can take the driver’s knowledge test at a registry agent office after completing this phase or wait until they complete the Core Learning Program.

     

  • Step 2: Complete the Core Learning Program

    • Upon successful completion of the Entry Program, a student will be eligible to proceed to the Core Learning Program at a licensed Class 1 driver training school in Alberta.
    • The Core Learning Program focuses primarily on in-cab and in-yard instruction, with drivers gaining valuable practice behind the wheel.
    • The program takes 60 hours to complete.
    • An additional 8-hour air brake training course is required if a driver does not already have a Q endorsement on their licence.
  • Step 3: Complete the knowledge and road test

    • If the driver did not take the knowledge test at a registry agent office after completing the Entry Program, they must complete it now.
    • The student can also schedule the road test through the Alberta Road Test Scheduler online, or in person at a registry agent office.

     

  • Step 4: Get your Class 1 Provincially Restricted Licence

    • After passing the Class 1 road test, a driver can go to any Alberta registry agent to get a provincially restricted Class 1 driver’s licence.
    • This licence allows a driver to operate Class 1 vehicles within Alberta only.
  • Step 5: Take the Competence Building Program to get the restriction removed

    • When a driver is ready, they can take the Competence Building Program at a driver training school at any time to operate Class 1 vehicles between provinces.
    • Transportation and Economic Corridors recommends a driver complete the Competence Building phase within one year of the Core Learning Program to enhance skill development.
    • A driver training school will develop a learning plan specifically tailored to that individual, to build on competencies as required.
    • The Competence Building Program takes 17 to 25 hours to complete.
    • Completion of the program will result in a full Class 1 driver’s licence without a provincial restriction, allowing the driver to operate as an interprovincial driver.

Experienced drivers

If you currently hold a Class 2 or Class 3 driver’s licence and have at least 2 years of experience driving, please follow the steps below to apply.

  • Step 1: Apply for the Experience and Equivalency Program

    • Drivers with a Class 2 or Class 3 driver’s licence and at least 2 years of experience driving a vehicle with 3 or more axles are eligible to participate in the Experience and Equivalency Program.
    • To take the Experience and Equivalency Class 1 Learning Pathway Program, drivers must apply to the program by submitting an application form to: [email protected]

    If approved, a driver will receive an approval letter by email, which may be presented to a licensed driver training school to register for the course.

  • Step 2: Take the Class 1 knowledge test and road test

    • Upon successful completion of the Experience and Equivalency Program, a driver must take the Class 1 knowledge test and road test to receive a provincially restricted licence to operate within Alberta only. 

    As with new drivers, to have the restriction removed from a Class 1 driver’s licence, 17 to 25 hours of Competence Building one-on-one driving instruction must be completed at a licensed driver training school.

Farmers

Farmers with at least 12 months of experience holding a Class 1 P licence are eligible to apply for this program. Explore the options below to find the one that best matches your situation.

  • Drivers with at least 12 months of experience with a farm-restricted Class 1 licence

    If a driver has at least 12 months of experience with a farm-restricted Class 1 P licence, this restriction can be removed through completion of the Competence Building Program.

    • A driver training school will develop a learning plan specifically tailored to that individual, to build on competencies as required.
    • The Competence Building Program takes 17 to 25 hours to complete.

    Completion of the program will result in a full Class 1 driver’s licence without a provincial or farm restriction.

  • Drivers who held a Class 1 P licence for fewer than 12 months

    • If you have held a Class 1 P licence for fewer than 12 months, you will be required to complete the full Class 1 Learning Pathway. 

    Learn more about obtaining a farm-restricted licence.

     

Out-of-province drivers

If you are moving to Alberta with a commercial driver’s licence, your experience may help you qualify for an Alberta Class 1 licence. The requirements vary based on your licence class and years of experience. See the details below.

  • Class 2 driver's licence and Class 3 driver’s licence

    Drivers with a Class 2 driver’s licence or a Class 3 driver’s licence and at least 2 years of experience driving a vehicle with 3 or more axles are eligible to participate in the Experience and Equivalency Program.

  • Canadian jurisdiction Class 1 equivalency

    Drivers who move to Alberta with a Class 1-equivalent driver’s licence from an eligible Canadian jurisdiction can obtain a Class 1 driver’s licence from an Alberta registry agent and are not required to complete the Class 1 Learning Pathway. 

  • Class 1-equivalent licence from a non-eligible Canadian jurisdiction

    • Drivers with 24 or more months of experience driving Class 1 vehicles can get an Alberta Class 1 driver’s licence without training or testing required.
    • Drivers with 12 to 24 months of experience can take the Class 1 knowledge and road test. If unsuccessful, the driver must complete the Experience and Equivalency Program.
    • Drivers with fewer than 12 months of experience must complete the Class 1 Learning Pathway Program from the beginning.

Grants

Funding is available for eligible employers, driving schools and organizations in the commercial driving industry.

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The Employment Pathway Grant provides funding to offset training and other costs for employers who hire and train new Class 1 drivers.

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The Industry Advancement Grant provides funding to help industry attract and retain more Class 1 commercial drivers in Alberta.

Vision

By developing the Class 1 Learning Pathway, Alberta is working to promote a safe, professional and sustainable commercial driving sector in Alberta. 

This initiative provides innovative, flexible and comprehensive training pathways to attract new and returning drivers, enhance skill development, and support lifelong learning, ensuring drivers are equipped to meet the evolving demands of the industry. The rollout of the Class 1 Learning Pathway includes changes to driver training school licensing requirements and an enhanced complaints process to ensure every student has access to quality training.

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Employers

The Class 1 Learning Pathway helps employers hire and retain drivers with a better understanding of safety procedures and maintaining personal health and wellness on the road. The new grant model offsets costs for employers who hire new and inexperienced drivers.

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Driver trainees

The Class 1 Learning Pathway licensing structure applies to all drivers who obtain a Class 1 licence on or after April 1, 2025.

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Driver examiners

The redeveloped road test aligns with the skills and knowledge gained in the Class 1 learning programs. Driver examiners can review the curriculum framework for details on the competencies.

 

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Driving schools

Driver training schools can adjust the classroom and in-yard hours in the Learning Pathway Core Learning Program, provided the overall number of hours meets minimum requirements. 

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Insurance providers

The Class 1 Learning Pathway curriculum adds instruction on cargo securement, loss prevention, safety management, and more hours of hands-on driving instruction for new drivers.



 

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Industry associations

Open communication with all key stakeholders will be maintained to ensure the Class 1 Learning Pathway's success.

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