Mandatory Entry-Level Training – Class 1 licence

Mandatory training is required for drivers who want to obtain their Class 1 driver’s licence.

As of September 1, 2019, you must complete an approved Class 1 Mandatory Entry-Level Training (MELT) course before you can book your road test to obtain a Class 1 licence to drive a semi-trailer truck (other existing requirements also apply).

The Province of Manitoba has introduced this mandatory minimum training requirement, which aligns with other Canadian jurisdictions that are in the process of implementing mandatory training programs. Previously, training was recommended but not required prior to obtaining a Class 1 licence.

The MELT course consists of 121.5 hours of standardized training that covers the essential knowledge and skills to safely operate a semi-trailer truck. This mandatory training will help ensure the safety of all road users.

Drivers only need to successfully complete mandatory training once – there is no need to take the training again.

Existing Class 1 drivers

Drivers with an existing valid Manitoba Class 1 licence issued before September 1, 2019, do not need to retest and are not required to take MELT.

Other approved training

The existing 244-hour Professional Truck Driver Training course offered by private vocational institutes in Manitoba fulfils the MELT requirement. Drivers who can show they have successfully completed the 244-hour course can book a road test after September 1, 2019, and attempt a Class 1 licence. If you have previously completed the 244-hour course and want your driving record to show you have achieved the MELT requirement, contact your driving school.

Any other truck-driver training courses are not recognized as fulfilling the MELT requirement. Taken alone, they do not meet the new requirements for Class 1 licence applicants after September 1, 2019.

Training providers

Mandatory training can only be provided by a registered driving school that meets established standards. Registered MELT providers are:

Course requirements

MELT consists of a minimum 121.5 hours of training. Instruction consists of 40.5 hours in class, 40 hours in yard and 41 hours in cab.

Cost

Training providers set their own price for students to take the MELT course. Employers can apply for the Canada-Manitoba Job Grant, which may help cover the cost of training employees.

Road tests

Drivers who have not successfully completed MELT training (or the 244-hour Professional Truck Driver Training course) cannot book or take a Class 1 road test after September 1, 2019. This includes anyone who has previously failed a road test for their Class 1 and wants to re-take the test, and anyone who tried but failed to schedule a test prior to September 1, 2019.

Booking your Class 1 road test

For all students who take MELT in Manitoba, you can book your road test only after your school notifies MPI that you have successfully completed your MELT course. Allow up to three business days for the notification to be processed before attempting to book your test.

Updates to the Class 1 road test

Please note: Effective November 1, 2024, after three failed road test attempts, you will be  required to take a minimum of five hours of professional instruction before booking a fourth road test. Five hours of professional instruction will also be required before booking each road test after your fourth road test. 

Starting September 1, 2019:

  • Class 1 road tests must be performed on a manual transmission vehicle, to align training and testing.
  • The Class 1 test includes a pre-trip inspection that consists of the inspection, the air brake test, and coupling. Applicants must pass all three elements of the pre-trip inspection.
  • The Class 1 road test includes the air brake component – the tests cannot be taken separately. No separate air-brake endorsement will be issued until the full Class 1 test is successfully completed. (Class 1 applicants who already hold an air brake endorsement must still complete the air brake component of the road test.)
  • Applicants must bring the trip inspection report, confirming the vehicle was fully inspected in the past 24 hours. See a sample trip inspection report.
  • Before you sign in for your road test, the trailer must be uncoupled and the tractor wheels must be blocked. View maps of testing locations, showing where to uncouple and park.

New residents

A driver who obtained a Class 1 licence in a MELT jurisdiction (Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta or Saskatchewan) will be eligible to receive a Class 1 licence in Manitoba, subject to meeting residency and other existing requirements.

As of September 1, 2019, Class 1 drivers who move to Manitoba from a province without MELT, or from the U.S.:

  • Drivers with a minimum of 24 months of Class 1 experience can receive a Manitoba Class 1 licence and do not require MELT.
  • Drivers with 12 to 24 months (less one day) of Class 1 experience do not require MELT if they successfully complete the Class 1 road test within 12 months and two attempts.
  • Drivers with less than 12 months of Class 1 experience must take MELT and successfully complete the Manitoba Class 1 knowledge and road test.

There is no commercial licence reciprocity for drivers moving from anywhere outside of Canada and the U.S. See more information about moving to Manitoba.

For schools and instructors

For information on becoming a MELT registered training provider or registered instructor, contact the Driver Training Permit Unit:

Email: [email protected]
Tel: 204-985-8063
Toll Free: 1-800-665-2410 ext 8063

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