BC’s Ministry of Transportation has followed in the footsteps of neighboring provinces by announcing details regarding implementing its MELT (Mandatory Entry-Level Training) program for commercial drivers on March 31, 2021. As of October 18, 2021 – any driver taking a Class 1 Road Test in BC must undergo a rigorous training program that exceeds the minimum requirements set by the National Safety Code Standard, composed of a minimum of 140 hours of instruction and training. Read ICBC’s complete MELT FAQ here.
What does that mean here at Integrity Driving School?
This means that our 4-week Standard And Automatic Transmission Training Programs will be discontinued in August and replaced by a new MELT-compliant course. Our MELT Program will take approximately 5-7 weeks to complete.
As an Industry Leader in the Commercial Driver Training Industry, Integrity Driving School has always been dedicated to a higher level of learning and safety. We welcome these superior training standards with open arms, believing them long overdue. Additional time, dedication, and funding is required from students – but the result will be better track records amongst commercial drivers in BC and safer roads overall, eventually leading to nationwide MELT standards. Learn more about funding for Class 1 applicants here.
What else do you need to know about Mandatory Entry Level Training?
- Licensed Class 1 Drivers, or even those with expired licenses (less than 3 years), are not required to undergo a MELT program.
- MELT is only required for Class 1 commercial vehicle operators – Class 2, 3 and 4 requirements remain unchanged at this time.
- Students are required to complete the B.C. Class 1 MELT course within 12 months from the date of enrolment, but it is expected students will complete the course in a much shorter timeframe (i.e. 6 weeks).
- There are many more details and specifications that are worth reading closely on ICBC’s FAQ.
