Intro – Are you a Truck Driver looking to migrate to Canada? Learn about the essential MELT Program for obtaining a truck driving license in Canadian provinces.
Canada has a high demand for skilled workers, and truck driving is considered a skilled occupation, which bodes well for those hoping to migrate to Canada in this field.
Truck drivers may be eligible to migrate to Canada based on their profession. However, the eligibility criteria and requirements vary depending on the specific immigration program being applied for. A major term you would come across is the MELT Program. Although MELT is not a certificate of qualification, it is one of the requirements needed to apply for a truck driver’s AZ license.
Eligibility Criteria to Become a Truck Driver in Canada
- Minimum Age – 18 Years
- License other than G1, G2, M, M1 or M2
- Medical Certificate
- Vision Test Report
- Knowledge Test on working with large trucks, tractors, and trailers
- Completion of the MELT Course
- Pass the final Road Test
What Exactly is the MELT Program?
Mandatory Entry-Level Training (MELT) is a program that is required to be completed before applying for a truck driver’s license in Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. The program consists of both classroom and practical training and covers topics such as:
- Road safety
- Vehicle maintenance
- Hazmat awareness
- Logs and records
- Driver fitness
- Transportation economics
MELT is designed to prepare drivers for the challenges of professional truck driving and helps to ensure the safety of all road users.
Getting a Driving Licence in Canadian Provinces
Licensing in Canada is regulated by the provinces, so the requirements vary depending on the province you live in. For example, in Ontario, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent, pass a written exam, and complete a certain number of hours of practical training in order to obtain a barbering license.
In British Columbia, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent, pass a written exam, complete a certain number of hours of practical training, and be at least 19 years old in order to obtain a barbering license.
It is imperative to verify the specific requirements with the licensing board in the province where you live. This blog discusses the MELT program or course in Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.
Before moving to the provincial requirements, let us understand the MELT Program fee structure in Canada
MELT Fee Structure in Canada
The cost of a MELT course can range from $8,000 to $20,000, depending on the province you are in. The driver training school industry sets its own competitive price for the course, which varies from school to school, except in Alberta.
The maximum cost of a MELT course in Alberta is now capped at $10,000.
MELT Course in Ontario
To drive a truck or tractor-trailer combination with a gross weight between 4,600 kg and 11,000 kg that has air brakes in Ontario, you need a Class AZ driver’s license.
AZ Driving License
Class A license allows you to drive a truck, while Z endorsement certifies you to operate a truck with air brakes or an air-over-hydraulic brake system.
The MELT Course in Ontario is a 103.5-hour training program that covers the fundamental knowledge and skills necessary to safely operate a large vehicle on Ontario roads.
MELT Course in British Columbia
To operate a truck or tractor-trailer combination with a gross weight between 4,600 kg and 11,000 kg with air brakes in British Columbia (BC), you need a Class 1 driver’s license.
The duration of the MELT course in BC is 140 hours and includes theory learning, practical training at driving school and on-highway driving and learning about the operation of air brakes.
The minimum age to enrol in a MELT course is 19, except in Ontario, where the minimum age is 18.
MELT Course in Alberta
Training for all licensed driver training institutions in Alberta includes a government-mandated number of hours for in-class, in-yard, and in-vehicle modules, with standardized curricula.
The Class 1 MELT program in Alberta takes 113 hours to complete, plus an additional 8.5 hours for the Air Brake program. The training hours are divided into 40.5 hours of classroom training, 15.5 hours of on-site training, and 57 hours of hands-on training.
Unlike Ontario and British Columbia, Alberta has set a maximum price of $10,000 for MELT driver training, which is lower than the prices charged by driver training schools and organizations in those provinces.
MELT Course in Saskatchewan
The MELT program in Saskatchewan is 121.5 hours of training, including 47 hours in the classroom, 17.5 hours in the yard, and 57 hours in the truck. You’ll learn basic driving techniques, professional driving habits, vehicle inspections, and air brakes.
Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) is the government agency in charge of issuing driver’s licenses and registering vehicles.
MELT Course in Manitoba
The Professional Vocational Institute Branch (PVI) of Manitoba is responsible for the oversight of vocational driving schools in the province, as well as the administration of the 121.5-hour MELT course, which is approved by the province.
Here is all you need to know about the MELT Program for Drivers in Canada. For more information and professional assistance in the Canada Immigration process, you may get in touch with consultants at Basics of Immigration.