Frequently Asked Questions

When will you begin offering classes?

We will do an intake in mid-August, and hope to have three intakes by the end of the calendar year.

How many students will be in each class?

In an effort to be mindful of our students' time, each MELT class will have a maximum of four (4) students per intake.

Do you have a list of interested individuals?

We are collecting the names and email addresses of people who are interested in this program. Please enter your email into our mailing list to express your interest today.

Does the Driving Academy offer the Air Brakes course?

Yes, students are able to complete their Air Brake Endorsement course through the Driving Academy.

Do you have to be a PRSD student to enrol in the MELT program through the Driving Academy?

No, anyone who meets the basic requirements can enroll.

What are the prerequisites for participate in the MELT program?

Prior to participating in the MELT program, students 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.

It is also strongly encouraged that students complete a successful medical assessment through a physician or nurse practitioner prior to participating in the MELT program. Medical forms are available from a registry agent, or a doctor.

What is a non-probationary license?

In order to have a non-probationary license you must:

be at least 18 years of age
have completed 24 months of probationary driving
Drivers can reduce their probationary period by up to six months by successfully completing a Class 5 or Class 6 driver training program.
be suspension and demerit free for the last 12 months
be a Canadian citizen, a Canadian permanent resident, hold a valid work visa, and/or have an approved refugee claim from the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada

How long does it take to complete the MELT program?

The MELT program requires a total of 113 hours. There are 40.5 required classroom hours, 15.5 in-yard hours, and 57 total behind-the-wheel hours. The classroom hours and driving hours may not run consecutively for every student depending on scheduling.

Will you also offer Class 3 driver training?

Not at this time.

I already have my Class 3, do I need to take the entire Class 1 MELT program?

No. If you have at least two years of continuous Class 3 driving experience, you can take a shortened equivalency version of the Class 1 MELT program. Unfortunately, the Driving Academy is not offering this program at this time.

Will I have a Class 1 drivers license after I complete this course?

After you have successfully completed all 113 hours of the MELT program, then you will be eligible to take the Class 1 written exam at a Provincial Registries office and a road test with a provincially-appointed driving examiner.

Will you provide a truck and trailer for the Class 1 road test with the Provincial examiner?

Yes, North Peace Commercial Driving Academy students can use our truck and trailer for their road test, if taken locally. There may be a fee for this service.

Do you have a truck simulator?

A truck simulator is on our wish list as we recognize the benefit of this technology goes well beyond the Driving Academy. There may be opportunity for Class 2S driving schools, municipalities, and emergency services.

Is there opportunity for students of the driving school to also complete High School?

If you did not complete high school, we can connect you with the Peace River School Division’s Alternative Education Program where you can continue to work toward high school completion.

For high school students currently enrolled in a Peace River School Division school and on track to graduate, we can coordinate with your school to have you take the MELT program during school hours.