Class 1 MELT Program
Class 1 MELT Training in BC
Looking for a Class 1 driving school in Surrey? Banur Driving School offers ICBC-approved Class 1 MELT training to help students earn their commercial driver's licence and prepare for a career in trucking.
The Mandatory Entry-Level Training (MELT) program is required for anyone applying for a Class 1 licence in British Columbia. It was introduced by the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure and ICBC to improve safety, standardize driver education, and make sure new commercial drivers are properly trained before the Class 1 road test.
What is the Class 1 MELT program?
The program is mandatory for all new Class 1 commercial drivers in British Columbia. It focuses on road safety and preparing drivers for real commercial driving conditions.
The BC Class 1 MELT program includes a minimum of 140 hours of training. It combines classroom instruction, practical driving, air brake training, vehicle inspections, and yard practice.
Training includes:
- Highway driving
- Mountain driving
- Urban and city driving
- Vehicle inspections
- Air brake systems
- Cargo securement
- Defensive driving
- Yard manoeuvres and backing
All students must complete the MELT program within 12 months of enrolment.
What's included at Banur Driving School
Practical driving training: 93 hours
- On-road driving practice
- Highway and city driving
- Mountain driving experience
- Yard training and manoeuvres
- Backing and positioning
- Coupling and uncoupling
- Around-the-vehicle inspections
Theory and air brake training: 47 hours
- Air brake system operation
- Brake inspections and adjustments
- Defensive driving principles
- Commercial driving regulations
- Trip planning and safety procedures
- Cargo securement basics
- Logbooks and hours of service
What you'll learn
- Vehicle knowledge: major truck systems, controls, safety equipment, and commercial vehicle components.
- Air brakes: inspections, brake adjustments, safety checks, and operating procedures.
- Real-world driving: city, highway, and mountain driving, lane management, speed control, and defensive driving.
- Yard skills: backing, coupling and uncoupling, turning and positioning, and yard control.
- Inspections and compliance: pre-trip and post-trip inspections, safety checks, logbooks, and hours of service rules.
- Cargo securement: safe loading practices and preventing load shifts in transit.
Why train with us
- ICBC-approved MELT program that meets the BC Class 1 MELT requirements.
- Experienced commercial driving instructors who bring real trucking experience into the classroom and behind the wheel.
- Hands-on road experience on highways, mountain routes, city traffic, and in the yard.
- Supportive learning environment. Instructors work closely with each student to build confidence and skill.
- Career-focused training. The goal is to prepare drivers for long-term success in transportation and trucking, not only the road test.
Start your career in trucking
The trucking industry offers strong career opportunities across British Columbia and Canada. Completing Class 1 MELT training is the first step toward becoming a licensed commercial truck driver.
Whether you are starting fresh or changing careers, our Class 1 MELT program gives you the professional training to move forward with confidence.
Frequently asked questions
What is the BC Class 1 MELT program?
It is mandatory training for new Class 1 commercial drivers in British Columbia. It includes classroom instruction, air brake training, vehicle inspections, and practical driving to prepare students for safe commercial vehicle operation and the ICBC road test.
Is MELT mandatory for Class 1 in BC?
Yes. Mandatory Entry-Level Training (MELT) is required for all new Class 1 commercial drivers in British Columbia before taking the ICBC road test.
How many hours is the BC Class 1 MELT program?
A minimum of 140 hours, combining practical driving, classroom instruction, inspections, and air brake training.
Does the Class 1 MELT program include air brake training?
Yes. Air brake theory and practical air brake training are part of the program.
How long do I have to complete MELT training?
Students must complete the program within 12 months of enrolment.
What vehicles can I drive with a Class 1 licence?
A Class 1 licence allows drivers to operate semi-trucks, tractor-trailers, and other heavy commercial vehicles, including vehicles with air brakes.
Do you provide highway and mountain driving practice?
Yes. The program includes highway, city, and mountain driving to prepare students for BC road conditions.
Do you offer both automatic and manual trucks?
Yes. We have both automatic and manual trucks. See the Class 1 Automatic and Class 1 Manual pages for details.