Entry Program
Introduces the fundamentals of commercial vehicle operation and prepares you for the Class 1 knowledge test.
Class 1 Training in Edmonton – Alberta Class 1 Learning Pathway (formerly MELT)
Become a Class 1 professional driver with True North Truck Training.
Overview
The Class 1 Learning Pathway, established by the Government of Alberta, is the structured route to a Class 1 licence for operating tractor-trailers. Training blends classroom instruction, in-yard practice, and in-cab driving so you're ready for real conditions across Alberta and beyond.
Class 1 Learning Pathway (formerly MELT)
Searching for Class 1 MELT training? You're in the right place. On April 1, 2025, Alberta replaced the Class 1 Mandatory Entry Level Training (MELT) program with the Class 1 Learning Pathway. Training is still mandatory for new Class 1 drivers, but it now runs in stages: the Entry Program, Core Learning and Competence Building. The Pathway applies to everyone who gets a Class 1 licence on or after April 1, 2025, and it's the program we teach at True North in Edmonton.
No air brake endorsement yet? Take our air brake (Q) course in Edmonton alongside your Class 1 training. Already hold a Class 2 or 3 licence with 2+ years on 3+ axle vehicles? The Class 1 Experience & Equivalency program is a faster route to Class 1.
113–125 hrsTotal training across three stages
6–8 weeksTypical time to complete
Mon–Fri2–4 hrs/day, between 8 AM & 6 PM
Manual & AutoTrain on both transmissions
The three-stage pathway
Each stage builds on the last — from the fundamentals to a fully unrestricted, interprovincial Class 1 licence.
Core Learning Program
Hands-on yard and in-cab training — vehicle inspections, backing, air brakes, and safe driving in real traffic. Afterward you can take the road test for a provincially restricted Class 1 licence.
Competence Building Program
One-on-one instruction that sharpens practical skills and removes the provincial restriction, so you can operate as an interprovincial Class 1 driver.
Eligibility
To get a Class 1 driver's licence in Alberta, you must:
Have a Class 5 non-GDL licence
A full Class 5 driver's licence is required before you start the Class 1 Learning Pathway.
Be at least 18 years old
You must be 18 or older to apply for the Entry Program or the Core Learning Program.
Have medical fitness approval
Commercial drivers need a higher level of fitness and more frequent checks. A medical assessment confirms you're fit to drive.
Ready to start training?
Reserve your seat with True North in Edmonton — tell us a little about you and we'll be in touch.
Drive safely, drive confidently
Train to become a professional driver — not just to obtain a licence.
Our goal is to develop skilled, responsible commercial drivers who are ready for the demands of the transportation industry. Here's what sets our program apart:
Professional driver development
Practical techniques and real-world scenarios that go well beyond simply passing the licensing exam.
Real tractor-trailer experience
Time behind the wheel building maneuvering skills and the confidence to handle commercial vehicles in everyday traffic.
Safety-first habits
Strong safety practices are built into every stage so they become second nature on the road and on the job site.
Industry-ready graduates
You leave with the skills, knowledge, and professionalism today's trucking industry expects.
Watch Class 1 pre-trip inspections
Our instructors walk through three inspections you'll practise in Core Learning and perform on your road test.
Additional fees to budget for
Tuition aside, these third-party government and testing fees apply along the way:
Road Test Permit$217
Medical Assessment$50–$150
Core Learning $8,300
Class 1 Knowledge Test$17
Competency Building $1200
Air Brake Knowledge Test$17
Online Theory Training$250
Class 1 Pathway Training FAQ
Updated Nov 2026
Q: How many hours is the Class 1 Pathway program?
A: The Class 1 Learning Pathway has three stages: the Entry Program (40 hours), Core Learning (67 hours) and Competence Building (10–18 hours), for 117–125 hours in total. If you don't already have an air brake (Q) endorsement, Alberta adds an 8-hour air brake course. Most students finish in 6–8 weeks, depending on your availability and progress.
Q: What are the training hours?
A: Training is Monday to Friday, 2–4 hours per day, scheduled anytime between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM.
Q: Are trucks manual or automatic?
A: We train on both. Note that automatic training and road tests add an R-code restriction, so you can only drive automatic trucks.
Q: Is MELT still required in Alberta?
A: MELT no longer exists, but training is still mandatory. On April 1, 2025, Alberta replaced Class 1 MELT (Mandatory Entry Level Training) with the Class 1 Learning Pathway. Everyone who gets a Class 1 licence now completes the Pathway instead: the Entry Program, Core Learning and Competence Building. If you're searching for MELT training in Edmonton, our Class 1 Pathway program is the current version of it.
Q: How long does it take to get a Class 1 licence in Alberta?
A: Most of our students finish in 6–8 weeks, training Monday to Friday for 2–4 hours a day. First you complete the Entry Program and pass the Class 1 knowledge test. Next comes Core Learning and a road test for a provincially restricted licence. Competence Building can follow right away or later; Alberta recommends finishing it within one year of Core Learning.
Q: How much does Class 1 cost in Alberta?
A: Alberta caps what licensed schools can charge. Since April 1, 2026, the full Class 1 Learning Pathway at a school costs at least $10,000 and no more than $12,000. Core Learning is capped at $8,300–$9,500 and Competence Building at $1,000–$1,800. If you take the Entry Program online through Alberta, it's $250. Government fees, like knowledge tests and the $217 road test, and your medical exam are extra.
Q: Do I need my air brake endorsement before Class 1?
A: You don't need it to start the Pathway, but you do need an air brake (Q) endorsement to drive air-brake-equipped trucks, and most tractor-trailers have air brakes. If you don't have one yet, Alberta requires an extra 8-hour air brake course alongside Core Learning, plus a 30-question air brake knowledge test at a registry. We run air brake courses in Edmonton for $250, with new dates every few weeks.