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Beginning later this month, anyone applying for a Class 1 driver’s licence in British Columbia must successfully complete an ICBC-approved MELT course before attempting a road test.
The provincial government announced the new regulations today and they will be implemented on Oct. 18.
"Safety for everyone on our roads is always our top priority, and this new required driver training program will make our highways safer," said Rob Fleming, minister of transportation and infrastructure.
"A robust MELT program is just one of the ways we are committed to improving highway safety for all British Columbians."
BC’s MELT (mandatory entry-level training) program was developed through a review of best practices from other Canadian jurisdictions, the Province said.
There was also plenty of input from the commercial trucking industry in BC, and it was designed to align with the Standard 16-Class 1 Entry-Level Training framework introduced nationally in February 2020.
"British Columbia's new MELT program is an important step toward improving overall commercial vehicle safety across Canada," said Lawrence and Ginny Hunter.
The Hunter’s 18-year-old son, Logan, was killed in the 2018 Humboldt Broncos bus crash.
"Truck and bus drivers operate some of the heaviest vehicles on our roads through a variety of climates and on challenging routes,” they added.
“The risks are present every day for these workers, but programs like MELT help to mitigate these risks and prevent accidents."
BC’s Class 1 MELT program will require 140 total hours and includes more practical behind-the-wheel driving hours, in-yard hours and theoretical instructional hours than Standard 16.
Along with 50 hours on-highway and 37 hours in-yard around the vehicle, BC has 15.5 hours of theoretical and hands-on air brake training, nearly double the 8.5 hours required by the National Safety Code.
Dave Early, president and CEO of the BC Trucking Association, said that his organization was pleased to contribute to the development of this program.
"Better trained operators will make better decisions and fewer mistakes, making for a stronger, more efficient trucking industry,” he said.
Approved driver training schools in BC have been delivering this program since August 2021 in anticipation of these changes taking effect.
There are currently 46 schools across BC qualified to offer MELT.
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