Step 1. Complete MELT program
You must successfully complete training delivered by an Alberta licensed driver training school. Refer to the list to find a school that provides the MELT program for the desired class of licence. Not every school offers every MELT program.
- Class 1 MELT program will take 113 hours to complete. This total does not include the Air Brake program, which is approximately 8.5 additional hours.
- Experience and Equivalency Class 1 MELT program will take 40 hours to complete. This total does not include the Air Brake program, which is approximately 8.5 additional hours. For details on the program eligibility, read the Experience and Equivalency Class 1 MELT section below.
- Class 2 MELT program will take approximately 50 hours to complete.
- Class 2-S MELT program will take 53.5 hours to complete.
Classroom training
The standardized classroom session is:
- Class 1: 40.5 hours
- Experience and Equivalence Class 1: 11 hours
- Class 2: 18 hours
- Class 2-S: 19.5 hours
To operate a vehicle equipped with air brakes, you must have an air brake (Q-endorsement) on your driver’s licence. To get a Class 1 driver’s licence, you must first successfully complete the air brake program to get your Q-endorsement.
In-yard training
The standardized in-yard training session is:
- Class 1: 15.5 hours
- Experience and Equivalency Class 1: 6.5 hours
- Class 2: 10.6 hours
- Class 2-S: 9.5 hours
Practical training
The standardized practical training session is:
- Class 1: 57 hours
- Experience and Equivalency Class 1: 22.5 hours
- Class 2: 21.25 hours
- Class 2-S: 24.5 hours
Costs
To ensure training costs are fair and accessible, the maximum amount a driver training school or organization can charge is:
- up to $10,000 for Class 1 MELT
- up to $4,000 for Experience and Equivalency Class 1 MELT
- up to $5,000 for Class 2 MELT
- up to $5,000 for Class 2-S MELT
Driver training providers may choose to charge less, depending on their organization.
Step 2. Pass driver's knowledge test
Upon successfully completing the classroom portion of a MELT program you are eligible to attempt the Class 1 or Class 2 driver's knowledge test at an Alberta registry agent. To attempt the knowledge test you must have:
- a completed Classroom Evaluation Form showing 80% or higher on the classroom assessments, or
- have a MELT designation on your driving record indicating you have completed a MELT program in its entirety.
Step 3. Schedule road test
You have the option to schedule a Class 1 or 2 MELT driver's road test (as applicable) through the Alberta Road Test Scheduler online or in person at any Alberta registry agent.
You must provide a vehicle for the road test that meets all legal requirements and has the following configuration.
Class 1
- a tractor-trailer with gross vehicle weight of at least 11,794 kg and a:
- 13-speed manual transmission
- full air brake system on both tractor and trailer (requires the Q-endorsement)
- minimum tandem axle tractor and a tandem axle trailer
- fifth wheel coupling device
- single trailer with a minimum length of 48 feet and a minimum distance of 35 feet measured from the kingpin to the centre of each rear axle
Class 2
- a bus with a seating capacity of more than 24 passengers, excluding the driver. If the vehicle is equipped with air brakes, you must have either air brake training (Q-endorsement) or a course completion certificate from an approved air brake organization.
Prior to your road test, you must go to any Alberta registry agent to confirm your eligibility and identity. This can be done up to 72 hours in advance of your scheduled test.
Step 4. Pass road test
You must pass the pre-trip inspection and the driver’s road test.
Step 5. Go to the registry agent
Once you have passed the pre-trip inspection and road test, you can go to any Alberta registry agent to get your Class 1 or 2 driver’s licence.
For more information, go to the Upgrade to a commercial licence page.