ICBC Mandatory Entry Level Training User Manual

ICBC Mandatory Entry Level Training

Specifications

• Product Name: B.C. Class 1 MELT course
• Duration: Varies
• Training Content: Comprehensive training on Class 1 driving skills and safety
• Cost: Variable – Contact provider for current pricing
• Funding Options: Skill Enhancement Training Grant, Indigenous Skills Training Development Fund, B.C. Employer Training Grant
• Managing Body: Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure

Overview
The B.C. Class 1 MELT course is designed to provide drivers with the necessary skills and knowledge to safely operate Class 1 vehicles in British Columbia.

Enrollment and Cost
To enroll in the course, contact the training provider for information on available dates and costs. You can also inquire about provincial funding options that may be available to support your training.

Mandatory Entry Level Training (MELT) – FAQs

1. How long is the B.C. Class 1 MELT course?
   The course is 140 hours, and includes air brake training as well as six hours of mandatory flexible practical training. Detailed course curriculum information is available onicbc.com/drivertraining

   • Students should complete the training in accordance with the schedules set by ICBC-approved driver training schools or institutes that offer the course.
   • Students are required to complete the B.C. Class 1 MELT course within 12 months from thedate of enrolment, but it is expected students will complete the course in a much shorter timeframe.

2. What training is part of the B.C. Class 1 MELT course?

   • B.C.’s Class 1 MELT course includes practical in-yard training, on-highway driving and theoretical learning components.
   • There is a focus on National Safety Code compliance for commercial vehicle safety, hours ofservice requirements, load securement, and other fundamentals like air brakes and professional-on-highway driving skills.
   • The B.C. Class 1 MELT course emphasizes safe operating practices for B.C.’s mountainous geography and diverse climate conditions, and highlights the unique driving conditions that can occur in other jurisdictions.

3. How much does the B.C. Class 1 MELT course cost?

   • The driver training school industry sets their own competitive price for the cost of training,which varies from school to school, allowing choice for consumers.
     Is there any provincial funding available for drivers to take this program?

   • A number of government programs exist to assist with the training costs, and to support new Class 1 drivers entering the trucking industry moving forward. These include:oSkill Enhancement Training GrantoIndigenous Skills Training Development Fund, andoB.C. Employer Training Grant

   • To determine eligibility and how to access funding, Class 1 applicants may go toFunding and Grant Opportunities for Class 1 MELT – Province of British Columbia (gov.bc.ca)

4. Which provincial body is responsible for managing B.C.’s MELT course?

   • ICBC is the regulator of B.C.’s driver training industry, which includes the province’s driver training schools, driver training instructors and instructor training facilities. ICBC manages oversight and delivery of B.C.’s Class 1 MELT program and course requirements.

5. What is the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure’s role?

   • The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure led consultations and overall legislative and regulatory development of the program, with support from ICBC and the Ministry of Public Safety & Solicitor General.

6. Did driver training schools have any input into the curriculum?

   • Yes. To support development of the curriculum, ICBC and the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure partnered with the driver training and truck transport industries to ensure their expertise and insights contributed to the B.C. Class 1 MELT program.

7. How will MELT improve safety and reduce crashes?

   • B.C.’s Class 1 MELT program will help ensure new commercial drivers are trained to a higher standard. Drivers will develop improved basic driving skills and entry-level industry skills, all of which support road safety and driver compliance with the National Safety Code.
   • While mandatory training is likely to make roads safer, it will take time to see results from this program.

8. I have held a Class 1 B.C. driver’s licence, but it is expired. Do I have to take B.C.’s Class 1 MELT course once the requirement is in effect?

   • It depends. Individuals who are eligible to renew their expired B.C. Class 1 driver’s licence will not be required to complete B.C.’s Class 1 MELT course, as long as their B.C. Class 1 driver’s licence has not been expired for more than three years.

9. Are there any exemptions for drivers who want to enter a specific sector of the trucking industry?

   • No. As in other Canadian provinces with a Class 1 MELT requirement, B.C. will not provide sector specific exemptions for drivers who require a Class 1 driver’s licence to operate within an industry.

   • This aligns with feedback from the B.C. trucking industry and driver training industry that basic
     entry-level training is necessary to operate heavy vehicles that require a Class 1 driver’s licence for road safety reasons, regardless of what industry a driver is operating in, where they may be operating, or how frequently they are operating.

   • would like to apply for a Class 1 driver’s licence but I’m not sure I can meet the driver fitness requirements, and this is a big commitment.

10. Can I confirm my medical fitness before I enrol in MELT?

    • Applicants must declare any known or suspected medical conditions prior to applying for a Class 1 driver’s licence. You may be issued a Driver’s Medical Examination Report (DMER) at this stage of the application process depending on your declaration.
      However, a person will generally be issued a DMER, to be completed by a physician, once they have qualified on the Class 1 road test.

    • We understand that some drivers will want to ensure they can meet the driver fitness requirements defined by the National Safety Code prior to enrolling in the B.C. Class 1 MELT course.

    • If you have concerns over your fitness and ability to hold a Class 1 driver’s licence, you may request to be issued a Class 1 DMER at an ICBC driver licensing office before you enrol in the MELT course.

    • It will be important to complete the form within the required timeframe and ensure it is returned to the Office of the Superintendent of Motor Vehicles at RoadSafetyBC to avoid negative impacts to your current class of driver’s licence.

    • Please keep in mind that if you request a Class 1 DMER from an ICBC driver licensing office and then change your mind about making a Class 1 driver’s licence application, you will need to contact RoadSafetyBC to have the DMER cancelled to avoid negative impacts to your current driver’s licence.

11. Is the Class 1 knowledge test different from other commercial classes?

    • The Class 1 and air brake knowledge requirements are on a single test that you must take before you enroll in MELT as you will need a Class 1 learner licence to take your on road training. This means you may have to pay more attention to studying the air brake material in the commercial driving guide.

12. I have completed a professional-level Canadian Class 1 driver training course that included all of B.C.’s Class 1 MELT curriculum requirements. Do I need to complete B.C.’s Class 1 MELT course?

    • Similar to other Canadian provinces with a Class 1 MELT course, B.C.’s Class 1 MELT course is aimed at entry-level training for new Class 1 drivers.

    • It is recognized that some new Class 1 drivers may wish to complete a more comprehensive
      professional-level training course.

    • If the province you completed the professional-level Class 1 driver training course in recognizes the training course as meeting or exceeding its Class 1 MELT course, and the course meets or exceeds B.C.’s requirement, then you will not be required to complete the B.C. Class 1 MELT course.

13. Is there a requirement for manual or automatic transmissions during the B.C. Class 1 MELT course and for the ICBC road test?

    • At the discretion of the student, up to 10 hours of practical on-road training in the Class 1 MELT course may take place in a vehicle with an automatic or automated transmission. However, the remainder of the training must take place in a vehicle with a manual transmission. Manual transmission vehicles must have a minimum 13-speed transmission.
    • You may choose to attempt the ICBC Class 1 road test using a minimum manual 13-speed transmission or automatic/automated transmission vehicle. If you qualify on the ICBC Class 1 road test with an automatic or automated transmission vehicle, you will be issued a driver’s licence restricted to Class 1 commercial vehicles with an automatic transmission  I hold a Canadian commercial driver’s licence other than a Class 1 and want to apply for a B.C. Class 1 driver’s licence.

14. Do I have to take the entire B.C. Class 1 MELT course?

    • Yes. It is important that new Canadian Class 1 drivers are trained with the same basic foundational skills.
    • While you may be familiar with some of the topics covered in B.C.’s Class 1 MELT course, the course is intended for those who are new to the unique operating characteristics of a semi-tractor trailer vehicle with air brakes.
    • The B.C. Class 1 MELT course integrates theory and practical learning outcomes that are not intended to be taught in isolation of each other.

15. I completed a Class 1 MELT course in another province and was issued a Class 1 driver’s licence. Do I have to complete B.C.’s Class 1 MELT course?

    • Please note: Subject to review of your driving records, B.C. testing may be required before you can be issued a B.C. Class 1 driver’s licence.
    • B.C. currently recognizes the full Class 1 MELT courses from Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Ontario to support driver licensing reciprocity among Canadian jurisdictions and limit financial and employment barriers for citizens who move to B.C.
    • If you can demonstrate you already completed a Class 1 MELT course in another Canadian province, you will not be required to complete the B.C. Class 1 MELT course, with some exceptions:
    • Ontario: While B.C. will recognize you completed an Ontario Class A MELT course, if you have less than 24 months of consecutive Class 1 experience you will be required to complete a mandatory B.C. air brake course and pass an air brake pre-trip before being issued a B.C. Class 1 driver’s licence. (15.5 hours of air brake theory and practical training must be taken at a MELT approved, Air Brake Certification Facility).
    • Alberta: Class 1 drivers who completed Alberta’s Class 1 MELT course of 121.5 hours do not have to complete B.C.’s Class 1 MELT course. However, if you completed Alberta’s Class 1“experience and equivalency” course, you will be required to complete B.C.’s full
    • Class 1 MELT course. In either case, Alberta Class 1 drivers applying for a B.C. Class 1 driver’s licence must provide their Alberta Notice of Course Completion form or other verification document from Alberta’s Ministry of Transportation to confirm which Alberta
    • Class 1 MELT course was completed.

16. completed an Ontario Class A MELT course. Why do I have to take additional training in B.C. for air brakes?

    • The air brake system on a tractor-trailer vehicle is a foundational component of the vehicle configuration and lack of knowledge on how this system works and how to check for proper brake adjustment poses a significant road safety risk for all road users.

17. While some drivers may have taken air brake training in Ontario, it is not mandatory for Class A drivers as part of the Ontario MELT course or as a stand-alone course.

    • Under the National Safety Code, the entry-level training standard for Class 1 drivers requires air brake training as part of any Canadian jurisdiction’s mandatory training of Class 1 drivers because of the safety risk of inadequately maintained brakes, especially in mountainous regions of a province.
    • B.C.’s Class 1 MELT course contains a comprehensive air brake portion in alignment with the national entry-level training standard and based on recommendations from industry consultations.

18. I have not completed a Class 1 MELT course in another province, but I hold or have held a Canadian Class 1 driver’s licence. If I am applying for a B.C. Class 1 driver’s licence, do I have to complete B.C.’s Class 1 MELT course?

    • It depends on the amount of time you have held your Canadian Class 1 driver’s licence:
    • If you hold or have held a valid Canadian Class 1 driver’s licence for at least 24 consecutive months that has been valid in the 3 years prior to applying for a B.C. Class 1 driver’s licence, you will not be required to complete B.C.’s Class 1 MELT course.
    • If you hold or have held a valid Canadian Class 1 driver’s licence for between 12 and up to 24 consecutive months (less a day) that has been valid in the 3 years prior to applying for a B.C. Class 1 driver’s licence, you will not be required to complete the B.C. Class 1 MELT course providing you can qualify on a B.C. Class 1 road test within 12 months of the application and within 2 attempts.
    • If you have held a Class 1 driver’s licence from another Canadian jurisdiction for less than 12 months, or hold or have held a Class 1 driver’s licence from outside of Canada for any amount of time, you will be required to complete B.C.’s Class 1 MELT

19. I have a valid Department of National Defence (DND) driver’s licence that ICBC considers similar to a B.C. Class 1 driver’s licence (e.g., B5, C40, or E14). Do I need to take the B.C. Class 1 MELT course to exchange my DND licence for a B.C. Class 1 driver’s licence?

    • It depends on the amount of time you have held your valid DND driver’s licence. You will have to meet the same requirements as Class 1 drivers from other Canadian jurisdictions based on the amount of time you have held your DND driver’s licence, as outlined in the answer above.

20. Will those who completed mandatory commercial driver training in another country receive any credit or be exempt from B.C.’s Class 1 MELT course?

    • No. Consistent with most other Canadian provinces with a Class 1 MELT course, B.C. will not provide advanced standing or credit toward completion of training done in another country.
    • The quality and content of training programs from jurisdictions outside of Canada cannot be verified to ensure that each one meets the same standards required under the entry-level training framework in the Canadian National Safety Code, or in B.C.’s Class 1 MELT course.

For more information on MELT please visit Driver training (icbc.com)

References

• Home - Province of British Columbia
• ICBC — Insurance Corporation of British Columbia
• Driver training
• Driver training
• Funding and Grant Opportunities for Class 1 MELT - Province of British Columbia

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