Class 1
MELT Program

Mandatory training is required for drivers who want to obtain their Class 1 driver’s licence.

As of September 1, 2019, you must complete an approved Class 1 Mandatory Entry-Level Training (MELT) course before you can book your road test to obtain a Class 1 licence to drive a semi-trailer truck (other existing requirements also apply).

The Province of Manitoba has introduced this mandatory minimum training requirement, which aligns with other Canadian jurisdictions that are in the process of implementing mandatory training programs. Previously, training was recommended but not required prior to obtaining a Class 1 licence.

The MELT course consists of 121.5 hours of standardized training that covers the essential knowledge and skills to safely operate a semi-trailer truck. This mandatory training will help ensure the safety of all road users.

Drivers only need to successfully complete mandatory training once – there is no need to take the training again.

If you are looking to get a class 1 driver’s licence for the first time you will need to take a MELT program.

The following is a list of exemptions to the requirement:

• Drivers with an existing valid Manitoba Class 1 licence issued before September 1, 2019, do not need to retest and are not required to take MELT.

• A driver who obtained a Class 1 licence in a MELT jurisdiction (Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta or Saskatchewan) will be eligible to receive a Class 1 licence in Manitoba, subject to meeting residency and other existing requirements.

• As of September 1, 2019, Class 1 drivers who move to Manitoba from a province without MELT, or from the U.S.:
  • Drivers with a minimum of 24 months of Class 1 experience can receive a Manitoba Class 1 licence and do not require MELT.
  • Drivers with 12 to 24 months (less one day) of Class 1 experience do not require MELT if they successfully complete the Class 1 road test within 12 months and two attempts.
  • Drivers with less than 12 months of Class 1 experience must take MELT and successfully complete the Manitoba Class 1 knowledge and road test.

• There is no commercial licence reciprocity for drivers moving from anywhere outside of Canada and the U.S. See more information about moving to Manitoba.

Entrance Requirements:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Hold a valid Class 5F licence
• Hold a valid Class 1A (Authorized Instruction) licence
• Hold a valid Air Brake endorsement (I, A or S)
• Have MPI medical completed

How to meet entrance requirements: LINK HEREKJDFKJHSDKJHHSDF

MELT training consists of the following required hours of training:

• 40 Hours Classroom Instruction
• 40.5 Hours In-Yard
• 41 Hours In-Cab Training

Total 121.5 hours of training (1.5 hours is allocated to the Final Practical Exam)

All hours must be completed and achieve minimum pass marks as required on assessments.

• Quiz Score 60%
• Practical Assessments 80%
• Pass Final Practical Competency Exam

After you have completed the program successfully, the school will submit a MELT completion record to MPI and give you a MELT certificate of completion. The MELT record takes approximately 3 days to be applied to your abstract.

Once the MELT record has been added to your abstract you can go to any Autopac or MPI service center to book a Class 1 road test. A fee of $50 is paid directly to MPI/Autopac for the road test service fee.

Starting September 1, 2019:

• Class 1 road tests must be performed on a manual transmission vehicle, to align training and testing.
• The Class 1 test includes a pre-trip inspection that consists of the inspection, the air brake test, and coupling. Applicants must pass all three elements of the pre-trip inspection.
• The Class 1 road test includes the air brake component – the tests cannot be taken separately. No separate air-brake endorsement will be issued until the full Class 1 test is successfully completed. (Class 1 applicants who already hold an air brake endorsement must still complete the air brake component of the road test.)
• Applicants must bring the trip inspection report, confirming the vehicle was fully inspected in the past 24 hours.
• Before you sign in for your road test, the trailer must be uncoupled and the tractor wheels must be blocked.

You can book a road test at any location that you want, and you are able to use any vehicle if it meets requirements (NSC, MPI, etc.) for your road test.

Keep in mind that if you are renting a school vehicle there are different costs for taking tests at different locations. Our rentals are based on truck and driver availability, and we make every effort to accommodate students for rentals as much as possible. If we do not have availability there are several schools that a student may contact if they choose to discuss other rental options, or students can rebook their tests.

There are 2 different programs available. MELT 121.5-hours and a 244-hour program.

The MELT 121.5-hour program can be completed in as little as 3 weeks; however, it is a lot to learn in a short period of time. If you have previous experience in trucking, you may find that this fast-paced method will be suited to your skill set. This program can be offered in both full-time or part-time options.

Another course that has some government funding options for permanent residents and citizens of Canada is the 244-hour, 6-week, full-time program. This program exceeds the MELT training requirements and is a great fit for drivers who will work interprovincially and across the border. MORE INFO HERE but this course is only available full-time.

Since 2019, we have had many people reach out to us to take a program part-time. We have owners/managers of companies who would like to be able to move their own equipment, others who are interested in hauling locally, or some who are not able to take 6 weeks off work to attend the other full-time program being offered. So, we have developed new Pay As You Go Part-Time Program options to help meet the needs of people who want to get a class 1 driver’s licence.

Our new flexible course offering will provide you with more access to MELT 121.5-hour training program so that you can work and train at the same time. The classroom portion of training can be taken to start, and the remainder of the training will need to be completed within 6 months.

Full-time options can be completed in as little as 3 weeks, and the weeks can be in a row or spread apart.

Part-time options can be completed all on a 1-on-1 basis to meet demanding schedules, or you can reduce your costs by being flexible to attend scheduled group in-yard training sessions in combination with your 1-on-1 driver training.

With a pay as you go plan, all training must be paid upfront, but you can pay weekly or biweekly and spread out your training days to meet your budget.

If you meet the entrance requirements, the first thing you need to do is apply for the program.
In the top corner of our webpage, you will see the APPLY link where you can choose the MELT 121.5-hour training program.

In your application will be basic questions to determine if you meet entrance requirements and which course offering you want to take:

The classroom portion of training is $1,500.00 regardless of which practical schedule you will be taking. Remember that all our schedules are based on availability. When you apply, we will contact you to discuss your availability so that we can determine when we can meet your schedule.