Class 1 truck training
ICBC Mandatory Entry-Level Training (MELT) Class 1 Program
Facts checked 7 September 2026
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See all Class 1 driving schools in BC
A provincially mandated 140-hour commercial truck driver program combining 64.5 hours of classroom theory, 15.5 hours of yard training, and 60 hours of 1-on-1 on-road practical instruction.
Ways to get this paid for
Government money that can cover this course. Check who qualifies before you pay.
WorkBC training funding
Up to $7,500 tuitionIf you are out of work or underemployed, a WorkBC case manager can approve and pay for this training. Get approval before you pay.
Canada Training Credit
Half your tuition back, up to $5,000 in your lifeNot yet verifiedFederal tax credit. $250 a year builds up from age 26. Claim it on your tax return.
Ask your employer
Ask your employerThe BC Employer Training Grant pays up to 80 percent of a course, up to $10,000 per worker.
THE ROUTE
How this program works, step by step
Grade 11 to the job. Open any step to see what is inside.
The route (8 steps)
For the best view, open the map full screen.
STEP BY STEP
Step by step
The same route as the map, as a list.
Step 1 of 6
What you need to get in
- Minimum 19 years of age
- Valid BC Class 5 or 6 Full Driver’s Licence (non-GDL) held for at least 2 full years
- Approved ICBC Commercial Driver’s Medical Examination Report (DMER)
- Clean 5-year commercial driver abstract with no major driving prohibitions
- Air Brake (Code 15) knowledge endorsement or concurrent training
- Pass ICBC Class 1 commercial learner knowledge and road sign tests
- Meet provincial commercial vision (20/30) and hearing medical standards
Step 2 of 6
How to apply
- Obtain an ICBC Commercial Driver’s Medical Examination Report (DMER) from a licensing office and have it completed by a physician
- Pass the ICBC Class 1 commercial knowledge test, road signs test, and air brake test to obtain a Class 1 Learner’s Licence
- Select an approved Class 1 MELT driving school and register for an upcoming full-time or part-time cohort
- Provide your Class 1 learner permit, medical confirmation, 5-year driver abstract, and tuition deposit upon registration
Step 3 of 6
Class 1 truck training
⏱ 140 hours (4–7 weeks)- 140 total program hours mandated by provincial regulation across 4 to 8 weeks
- 64.5 hours of classroom or blended theory (regulations, logbooks, trip planning, and cargo securement)
- 15.5 hours of practical yard training (pre-trip vehicle inspection, air brake pushrod checks, and coupling/uncoupling)
- 60 hours of dedicated practical in-cab instruction (including 35.5 hours behind-the-wheel on urban streets, highways, and mountain passes)
Step 4 of 6
Where to take it
⏱ 10 schools in BC- 1st Class Driving School Ltd. — 6–8 weeks (Not published on the school page)
- A.L.R. Driving School — 6–8 weeks (Not published on the school page)
- Banur Driving School Ltd. — 6–8 weeks (Not published on the school page)
- Cariboo Driver Training — 6–8 weeks (Not published on the school page)
- CSTT Complete School of Truck Transportation Ltd. — 140 hours (Not published on the school page)
- Extreme Professional Driver Training Inc. — 6–8 weeks (About $15,500 for the whole program)
- Gold Star Professional Driving School Inc. — 6–8 weeks (Not published on the school page)
- Integrity Driving School Ltd. — 6–8 weeks (Not published on the school page)
- and 2 more, see the list below
Step 5 of 6
Exams and registration after
- 140-hour MELT completion verification submitted by school to the ICBC provincial registry
- ICBC Class 1 Pre-Trip Mechanical Inspection & Air Brake Practical Assessment
- ICBC Class 1 Commercial Road Test (2.5-hour driving evaluation conducted by an ICBC commercial examiner)
Step 6 of 6
Leads to: Truck Driver
- Explore Truck Driver wages, job outlook, and career pathways
SCHOOLS
Where you can take this(10 schools)
Compare tuitions, campus locations, and delivery formats across approved institutions in British Columbia.
Checked 7 September 2026; the school does not list a figure. Ask the school.
Checked 7 September 2026; the school does not list a figure. Ask the school.
Checked 7 September 2026; the school does not list a figure. Ask the school.
Checked 7 September 2026; the school does not list a figure. Ask the school.
Checked 7 September 2026; the school does not list a figure. Ask the school.
Tuition changes every year. Confirm on the school's page. Last checked 8 September 2026.
Checked 7 September 2026; the school does not list a figure. Ask the school.
Checked 7 September 2026; the school does not list a figure. Ask the school.
Checked 7 September 2026; the school does not list a figure. Ask the school.
Tuition changes every year. Confirm on the school's page. Last checked 8 September 2026.