Proud Member of the Peace River School Division Family
North Peace Commercial Driving Academy
Class 1 Learning Pathway
1. Online Entry-Level Training
Effective April 1, the Mandatory Entry-Level Training (MELT) program was replaced with Alberta's new Class 1 Learning Pathway. This flexible, apprentice-style approach to supporting new drivers now includes 40 hours of entry-level online learning offered through the Alberta Government.
This first phase of the new Learning Pathway must be purchased through Alberta.ca. We encourage students to contact the North Peace Commercial Driving Academy prior to enrolling in the entry-level program if their intention is to complete the Core and Competency programs at our facility.
If students require access to technology or learning supports to complete the online portion of the new Class 1 Learning Pathway, please contact us for further information.
Once a student has completed the online learning component, they are eligible to complete the Class 1 Knowledge Test through an Alberta Registry office.
2. In-Person Core Learning Program
Once Drivers have completed the entry-level online learning component, and successfully passed their knowledge test, they become eligible to begin the Core Learning Program through the North Peace Commercial Driving Academy. We strongly recommend that applicants purchase their entry-level component through Alberta.ca and their Core Learning Program through us at the same time. This will better ensure we can provide our trainees with the best available scheduling opportunities. To learn more, please contact our Program Coordinator.
The Core Learning component includes 60 ours of training focused on building driver competence in-yard and in-cab. Students will also complete an 8-hour Air Brake (Q endorsement) training course. Once a student has successfully completed all of the Core Learning Program, they become eligible to complete their Class 1 road test with a provincial examiner. If a student successfully passes their road test, they now possess a restricted Class 1 license in Alberta.
This driver's license allows students to gain on-the-job experience driving within Alberta while continuing to build their skills, in much the same way as other apprenticeship-style training programs.
3. Competence Building Program (Optional)
In order to remove the provincial restrictions on a Class 1 license, drivers will need to complete the Competence Building Program. This program is offered through the North Peace Commercial Driving Academy and offers 17 to 25 hours of one-on-one driving instruction customized to meet the specific needs of the driver.
When a driver successfully demonstrates improvement in their skills, the restriction will be removed from their Class 1 Driver's License, giving the driver the ability to drive across North America.
Ready to Register for Class 1 Driver Training?
Prior to participating in the North Peace Commercial Driving Academy's Class 1 Learning Pathway Core and Competence Building program, applicants must:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Hold an Alberta non-probationary driver’s license
- Have successfully completed the Air Brake course (which can be included in the Class 1 Melt program)
**We strongly advise confirming your medical eligibility for a Class 1 license through a physician before undertaking the MELT program. Medical forms can be obtained from Alberta registry agents or physicians and must be approved by either a registry agent or Alberta Transportation’s Driver Fitness
Preparing for Your Class 1 Road Test
Important Information
- You must successfully complete the Class 1 Online Entry-Level Learning Program on Alberta.ca and your provincial knowledge exam prior to starting the Core Learning Program.
- We cannot offer discounts for drivers who have previously obtained their Air Brakes (Q) endorsement and are now registering for Class 1 Driver Training.
- Scheduling is based on driver and truck availability. We strongly recommend that applicants purchase their Entry-Level Learning program through Alberta.ca and their Core Learning program through our purchasing portal at the same time. This will better allow us to provide our students with the best available scheduling opportunities.
- Registration is not complete until fees are paid in full.
- We are unable to offer payment plans at this time.
Begin Training Today
If you are ready to get started on your Class 1 Driver Training Program, contact North Peace Commercial Driving Academy's Program Coordinator today to learn more about enrolling in our program.
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