Mandatory Entry Level Training

Drivers seeking to obtain a Class 1 driver’s license in Manitoba are now required to undergo Mandatory Entry-Level Training (MELT). Effective September 1, 2019, prospective Class 1 license holders must successfully complete an approved MELT course before scheduling their road test for driving a semi-trailer truck. This aligns with the safety standards adopted by various Canadian jurisdictions, reflecting a shift from the previous recommendation of training to a mandatory requirement.

The MELT course encompasses 121.5 hours of standardized training, addressing crucial knowledge and skills essential for the safe operation of a semi-trailer truck. This compulsory training is designed to enhance road safety for all users.

It’s important to note that drivers need to complete the mandatory training only once; there is no requirement for repeated training.

Existing Class 1 drivers who obtained their Manitoba Class 1 license before September 1, 2019, are exempt from retesting and are not obligated to undergo MELT.

Additionally, drivers who have successfully completed the 244-hour Professional Truck Driver Training course offered by private vocational institutes in Manitoba are deemed to have fulfilled the MELT requirement. Such drivers can book a road test after September 1, 2019, and attempt to secure a Class 1 license. Those who have completed the 244-hour course and wish to have their achievement reflected in their driving record can contact their driving school.

It’s crucial to be aware that any other truck driver training courses, aside from the specified ones, are not recognized as meeting the MELT requirement. Consequently, they do not satisfy the updated prerequisites for Class 1 license applicants post-September 1, 2019.