Starting 1st April, 2025, Class 1 Learning Pathway is Alberta's new program for obtaining Class 1 Drivers License . This new program replaces the previous Mandatory Entry Level Training (MELT) Program. This new program is designed to provide thorough training to new commercial truck drivers in a more progressive and structured manner. This also requires new truck drivers to complete 40 hours of online entry-level training through the Alberta Government
The major change in this program is the tiered leaning approach, which allows new drivers to gain experience progressively before receiving their full class 1 driver's license. Unlike MELT program which required completing all training upfront, this new program enables truck drivers to operate vehicles with specific restrictions before progressively getting there unrestricted complete class 1 driver's license.
New Drivers Financing Options
Alberta Truck Training has teamed up with Lendcare to help new inspiring truck drivers get the training they need by offering financing options. Lendcare provides customized financing that covers the costs of truck driver training, making it easier for those who can't afford it. These flexible options ensure that money isn't a barrier for aspiring drivers to enter the workforce.
The new learning pathway consists of the following Tiers
1st Tier
Class-1 Online Entry-Level Training
- This is an online 40 hours of training
- This training includes introduction to commercial driving, safety regulations and industry best practices .
- Once your Tier-1 online training is complete, you are eligible to take your class-1 knowledge test.
If you need support with completing this online Tier-1 course, Please contact us!
2nd Tier
Class 1 In-person Core Leaning Program
- 22.5 hours Behind the wheel
- 6.5 hours In yard training
- 11 hours in classroom training
- 6.5 hours Air brake classroom instruction
3rd Tier
Class-1 (Optional) Competence Building Program
You must complete Tier-1 online Entry-level Program and pass class-1 knowledge test to begin your Tier-2 Core Leaning Program.
- Once you have your Provincial Restricted Class 1 Licence, you are ready to proceed to the next Tier-3: Competence Building Program.
- During this program, you will get 17-25 hours of one-on-one driving training.
- During this phase you focuses on enhancing your skills and gaining real-world truck driving experience.
- Once this tier-3 is completed your restrictions are removed from your Class 1 truck driver's licence and you are ready to operate as an interprovincial class 1 truck driver.
