Obtaining your Class 1 License: Alberta's New Learning Pathway
Alberta's putting safety first, and that means a further enhanced driver training program, designed to put highly skilled drivers behind the wheel.
Alberta has built a stronger, safer trucking future, and they've done it through an apprenticeship-style training program, with even more hands-on, in-cab training, to make sure every Class 1 driver is truly road-ready.
What’s Changing for Class 1 Applicants?
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. Optional Competence Building Program
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.
The Future of Trucking in Alberta
Under this enhanced training program, not only will graduates of the North Peace Commercial Driving Academy be tested on, and meet, higher standards, they will also enter the workforce with the kind of skills that employers are looking for. If you're serious about a career in trucking, now's the time to grab the wheel.
At the North Peace Commercial Driving Academy we are geared up and ready to help you navigate this new training system. We are committed to providing the training, support, and resources you need to thrive.
Call us to Register for your Class 1 Driver Training program today!