Class 1 Commercial Driver's Licence

 

New Class 1 Commercial Drivers & MELT

In order to obtain a Class 1 Driver’s Licence for the first time, you will need to have a full Class 5 (non-GDL) Alberta Driver’s Licence or higher. If you have not previously held a Class 1 or equivalent licence before, you will need to complete MELT (Mandatory Entry Level Training).

MELT is a curriculum set out by Alberta Transportation and only accredited driving schools can deliver it. Please refer to our Driving School directory to find a school in Calgary. The Province of Alberta has set a cap on the fees for this course at $10,000. The Government has indicated that grants and other funding options will be made available to offset the cost of this training. Please contact your chosen school for more information about this.

Please note that there are medical requirements which are required before we can issue a professional class of licence. Since the MELT course is time intensive and a significant financial investment, we highly recommend that you have a medical completed BEFORE you start your MELT course. Please visit our office to obtain a medical form to take to your doctor’s office.

In addition to the MELT training, you must obtain a “Q” endorsement on your Driver’s Licence or provide a Notice of Air Brake Program Completion form before you can go for the Road Test.

Out of Province Class 1 Drivers

Canadian Jurisdictions with MELT

If you have successfully completed an equivalent Class 1 MELT program in another Canadian jurisdiction, you are not required to take Alberta’s MELT program, the enhanced knowledge test or enhanced road test to get an Alberta Class 1 driver’s licence. However, you will need to provide proof that you have completed MELT as most jurisdictions are not currently recording this on the actual Driver’s Licence. We suggest that you do this in your home jurisdiction before coming to Alberta.

Canadian Jurisdictions without MELT

Drivers with a Class 1 licence for more than 24 months

If you have held a Class 1 driver’s licence from another Canadian jurisdiction for more than 24 months when you apply for an Alberta driver’s licence, you are not required to take Alberta’s MELT program, the enhanced knowledge test or the enhanced road test.

Drivers with a Class 1 for 12 to 24 months

If you have held a Class 1 driver’s licence from another Canadian jurisdiction for 12 to 24 months when you apply for an Alberta driver’s licence, you can choose to:

  • take the Class 1 enhanced knowledge test and enhanced road test OR

  • complete Alberta’s MELT Program and take the Class 1 enhanced knowledge test and enhanced road test

If you do not pass either the knowledge test or the road test on the first or second attempt, you must complete Alberta’s MELT Program.

Drivers with a Class 1 licence for less than 12 months

If you have held your Class 1 driver’s licence from another Canadian jurisdiction for less than 12 months when you apply for an Alberta driver’s licence, you must complete Alberta’s MELT Program prior to taking the enhanced knowledge test and the enhanced road test.

Transitional MELT Drivers

Drivers who hold an Alberta Class 1 licence but who tested between October 11, 2018 and February 28, 2019 are considered “Transitional MELT Drivers”. Please contact Alberta Transportation for information about additional testing and/or driver education that may be required.

Re-classing to Class 1 Driver’s Licence

After you pass the Class 1 road test, you are ready to re-class your licence. The fee for this service is $28.

Please note that you will have to provide a completed Medical Examination for Motor Vehicle Operators form which has been filled out by a physician. This will be required every five years to age 39, four years to age 40, 3 years to age 41, then every two years from age 42-62, and annually thereafter.