Canada recently had a category-specific draw for the professionals of transport occupation. The draw primarily focused on the truck drivers. The MELT stands for Mandatory Entry-Level Training, which is necessary to apply for a truck driver’s license in Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. Licensing in Canada is a provincial obligation, with varied regulations depending on the province. In this blog, let’s look at MELT programs or courses in Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.
MELT Program in Ontario
Ontario requires a Class AZ driving license to operate any truck/tractor-trailer combination with a gross weight of 4,600 kg to 11,000 kg with air brakes. Taking it a step further, Class A signifies you are proficient in truck driving, and ‘Z’ denotes endorsement of an air brake or an air-over-hydraulic braking system.
What is the MELT program in Ontario? It includes at least 103.5 hours of instructions and covers the fundamental information and abilities needed to safely operate a heavy vehicle on Ontario’s roads and highways. MELT is a mandatory prerequisite for obtaining a full Class A license with no limitations and is required to take the road test for licensing.
MELT Program in British Columbia
MELT started in British Columbia on October 18, 2021. In British Columbia (BC), a Class 1 driving license is required to operate any truck/tractor-trailer combination with a gross weight of 4,600 kg to 11,000 kg with air brakes. The MELT course in BC lasts 140 hours and includes theory, practical training at a driving school, on-highway driving, and learning how to use air brakes.
British Columbia has no additional air brake endorsement because it is already included in the MELT course for the Class 1 driving license. To enroll in a MELT course, an individual must be at least 19 years old, although in Ontario, you must be at least 18. The Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) is the governing body in BC for the driver instruction business.
MELT Program in Alberta
MELT came into effect in Alberta on March 1, 2019. In British Columbia, the license necessary to operate a truck trailer is known as a Class 1 commercial license. Class 1 (tractor-trailer) license candidates must complete MELT before applying for a commercial driver’s license. A government-mandated amount of training hours is required for in-class, in-yard, and in-vehicle modules, with uniform curricula presented at all approved Alberta driver training institutes.
Alberta’s Class 1 MELT program lasts 113 hours, with an extra 8.5 hours for the Air Brake program. These hours are divided into 40.5 hours of classroom instruction, 15.5 hours of in-yard instruction, and 57 hours of practical instruction. Unlike Ontario and British Columbia, Alberta has capped MELT at $10,000. This is the most a driving training school can charge.
MELT Program in Saskatchewan
Mandatory Entry-Level Training was introduced in Saskatchewan in 2019. To obtain a Class 1 commercial license in the province, drivers are required to complete MELT. This training program consists of a total of 121.5 hours, comprising 47 hours in the classroom, 17.5 hours in the yard, and 57 hours in the cab. The curriculum covers essential driving skills, professional driving practices, vehicle inspections, and instruction on air brakes. Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) is the governing body responsible for issuing the region’s driving licenses and vehicle registrations.
MELT in Manitoba
Public Insurance Manitoba oversees the administration of MELT providers. Started from September 1, 2019, the province made it mandatory for truck driver licensing. Before this change, individuals holding valid licenses were not obliged to reapply or undergo MELT training. The Professional Vocational Institute Branch of Manitoba is responsible for supervising the activities of driving schools that provide vocational courses, including the approved 121.5-hour MELT program in the province.
Is the MELT program eligible for an Express Entry certificate of qualification?
Currently, MELT does not serve as a certificate of qualification; it is simply one of the prerequisites for obtaining an AZ license for truck driving.
To pursue a career as a truck driver in Ontario, you must:
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Pass a road test
- Hold a valid license in Ontario other than G1, G2, M, M1 or M2
- Valid medical report and pass a vision test
- Complete a 103.5 hours of mandatory entry-level training (MELT) course
- Pass a knowledge test on operating large trucks and tractor-trailers
Canada requires a large number of individuals who have expertise in transport occupations, especially truck drivers. If you are also looking to migrate to Canada, contact Dynamic Group. We provide complete application assistance along with the post landing. Mail us your query at canadasupport@dss-hr.com or contact us on +91-11-41170411. Stay updated with every Canadian Immigration update by subscribing to our newsletter.
