There is no exemption for farmers on this policy. On today’s high tech farms, it is almost mandatory that primary producers hold a Class 1 driver’s License as most delivery points for grains are set to accommodate Semis and B- trains. It is not unusual to see many trucks waiting in line to offload. If you show up with a small 2-ton grain truck, the elevator may refuse to unload this small unit as it is inefficient when many big trucks are waiting in line to unload. This policy has enormous impacts for new producers trying to start farming and for operations to bring in the next generation.
Effective March 1, 2019, standardized, entry-level training is mandatory for all new Class 1 and 2 commercial drivers. Training includes a government-mandated number of training hours for in-class, in-yard and in-vehicle modules. All licensed Alberta driver training schools use standardized curriculums to teach the new MELT program. Knowledge and road tests for Class 1 and Class 2 drivers are comprised of the new MELT curriculum. This training does not come cheap, and it requires a significant amount of time. Many potential new drivers cannot get their Licenses locally and are required to travel considerable distances, which adds to the cost. There are also some restrictions and requirements before anyone even trying to get a Class 1 or 2 License. You must:• be at least 18 years of age• hold any class of Alberta non-probationary driver’s license (Graduated Driver’s Licensing Program drivers are not eligible for a Class 1 or 2 driver’s license)• have an approved Alberta driver’s medical examination report completed by a physician or nurse practitioner and approved by a registry agent or Alberta Transportation’s Driver Fitness and Monitoring before taking MELT training ($100). This will ensure you are medically eligible for a Class 1 or Class 2 license before investing in training.• successfully complete the Air Brake Program (Q Endorsement), if applicable (8.5 hours + $250)• complete the MELT program (113 hours + $8900 to a Max. $10,000)Acquiring a Class 1 Driver’s License with an Airbrakes endorsement (Q) is not for the faint of heart. The base cost could be more than $10,000, and the time required to complete the training may be as much as three weeks. Following training, you still need a successful road test. There is a limited capacity for Alberta Transportation to accomodate the number of students requesting this training. To deal with the back log, Alberta Transportation has announced two new programs that are aimed at lowering the barriers to achieve a MELT Class 1 licence and grow the pipeline of Class 1 drivers in the province:1. The Experience and Equivalency program willreduce the time and cost for an experienced Class 3 driver to upgrade to their Class 1. This program is aimed at Class 3 drivers with two years of driving experience and will reduce the instructed hours for MELT from 120 hours to 40 hours.2. The Driving Back to Work Grant program is aimed at out-of-work Albertans, reducing the cost of the MELT ClasS 1 in order to get more commercial Class 1 drivers on the road and reduce the demand. Funding support may be available for students through the Canada Alberta Job Grant.If you have questions about MELT, please call 780-427-8230 or contact your local Registries office. More information is also available at https://www.alberta.ca/mandatory-entry-level-training-for-class-1-and-2-drivers-licences.aspx.