As of April 1, 2025, Alberta has replaced the MELT program (Mandatory Entry-Level Training) with the Learning Pathway—a new approach to obtaining a Class 1 commercial driver’s licence and becoming a professional truck driver.
Originally introduced in the aftermath of the Humboldt Broncos tragedy, MELT aimed to improve road safety. However, it did not deliver the expected reduction in insurance claims. In response, the Alberta government consulted stakeholders across the transportation industry to design a model that better reflects real-world trucking conditions.
The new program is open to anyone seeking to become a commercial truck driver and offers a more flexible training process tailored to each candidate’s experience and needs.
The Learning Pathway includes several components:
- Introductory Training: 40 hours of online instruction to cover basic knowledge;
- Core Practical Training: 60 hours of in-cab and yard-based training;
- Air Brake Endorsement: 8 hours, if the candidate does not already hold this qualification;
- Skills Development Module: 17 to 25 hours of targeted training based on a road test assessment.
Depending on the candidate’s background and skill level, the total program can require up to 133 hours of instruction.
In addition, since last year, a specific exemption allows farmers and their immediate family members to obtain a restricted Class 1 licence for farm-related use without completing the full training program. They must still pass all required knowledge and road tests, along with medical and vision assessments. This restricted licence is not for driving tractors in fields, but for operating heavy trucks on public roads for agricultural purposes only. It is valid solely within this limited context.
To support these initiatives, Alberta is investing $54 million over three years in training, recruitment, and driver retention grants. These efforts aim to improve road safety, address the ongoing truck driver shortage, and provide practical support to farm families.
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