Mandatory Entry-level Training (MELT) for Commercial Class 1 Truck Drivers

As part of Prince Edward Island's commitment to public safety for all road users, the Province is introducing mandatory entry-level training (MELT) for applicants seeking a commercial Class 1 driver’s license for the first time. 

Effective August 5, 2024, Island residents applying for a Class 1 must complete a certified MELT program from a provincially licensed commercial driver training school before taking a Class 1 road test.

Commercial Driver Training Schools

Mandatory entry-level training can only be provided by a registered commercial driving school and instructors that have been licensed by the Province of PEI. Currently, two commercial driving schools have provincial approval to offer MELT on PEI. Visit the Licensed Driver Training Schools, Table B, for contact details. 

Classroom and Practical Training

Depending on client needs, applicants can enrol in either a 6 or 12-week course; the 12-week course offers an on-the-job training component. We strongly recommend applicants discuss your best course option during the employment assessment discussion with the PEI Trucking Sector Council.

All MELT courses provide the following:

• in-classroom learning;
• in-yard practical learning;
• in-cab and highway driving; and,
• air brake instruction.

Applicant Resources

For further detail on MELT program requirements and process:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Applicant Information Sheet

Eligibility for training

To be eligible for training, applicants must:

• be at least 19 years old;
• have a valid, non-GDL Class 5 driver’s license; and,
• meet all medical and vision standards.

Eligibility for a PEI Class 1 driver’s license

To be eligible for a PEI Class 1 driver’s license, applicants must: 

• be at least 19 years old;
• be a resident of PEI;
• hold a valid, non-GDL Class 5 driver’s license; and,
• completed a certified MELT program at a provincially licensed commercial driver training school.

Training fees

Fees for the MELT program on PEI are set by the individual driving school. The Province may fund up to 70% of training fees for eligible participants. To find information on eligibility and how to apply for funding, please visit the MELT Funding Support website.

Application Process

The following steps will walk you through the process to apply for financial assistance, complete your entry-level training, and complete all written and practical testing.

Step 1: Contact a Commercial Driver Training School

• Individuals are encouraged to contact a commercial driver training school of their choice from Table B of the approved list of commercial driving schools.
• The commercial driving school will provide information on course requirements, eligibility and cost.

Step 2: Complete a Driver’s Medical Certificate

• The commercial driving school will provide a Driver’s Medical Certificate. Alternatively, Access PEI locations will have forms available, or you can print a copy from the PEI Government website: medical certificate.
• A doctor or nurse practitioner must complete and sign this form in-person.
• A vision test must be included. If a doctor or nurse practitioner does not offer a vision test, Highway Safety can administer the test for you.

Step 3: Submit the Completed Driver’s Medical Certificate

• Take the completed medical certificate to the driving school. The school will forward your medical to Highway Safety for review and approval. If your medical is approved. Highway Safety will inform the school and you can begin your MELT program with the next available cohort.

Step 4: Find out about Provincial funding opportunities

• To inquire about funding options, visit PEI MELT Funding to find out about eligibility and access to funding.
• As part of the funding eligibility process, you may be asked to complete a truck driver’s occupation assessment with the PEI Trucking Sector Council. 

Step 5: Complete the training

• Complete the training components of MELT at a provincially licensed commercial driver training school of your choice. 

Step 6: MELT Graduate Certificate

• Once you pass the training portion, you will receive a MELT certificate of completion. Your name and a copy of your certificate will be sent to Highway Safety as proof that you have completed your MELT training.

Step 7: Testing at Highway Safety

• The driving school will book your air brake test, commercial driver’s knowledge test, and road test with Highway Safety.
• For each test, ensure you bring your current driver’s license and the MELT certificate to Highway Safety.
• If you pass the written tests, the next step is to attend your pre-trip inspection and road test for your Class 1 driver’s license.

Commercial Vehicle Driver’s Handbook

A Commercial Vehicle Driver's Handbook offers best practices for the commercial vehicle driver on PEI. As a new driver, this guide will help you to prepare for the written and practical Class 1 tests.

The National Safety Code 

The National Safety Code (NSC) outlines performance and safety requirements for all trucks over 4,500 kgs. Standard 16 of the NSC sets entry-level training standards for Class 1 commercial truck drivers. PEI’s MELT program exceeds the minimum standard outlined in the NSC. Additional hours are dedicated to certain learning components to ensure graduates receive quality training and achieve a level of competency to enable safe operation of Class 1 vehicles. 

PEI joins eight other Canadian jurisdictions requiring new commercial drivers to complete entry-level training.

Who can I contact for more information?

Questions about the MELT learning modules, please contact a commercial driver training school.

Questions on the written and practical testing requirements, please contact Highway Safety at (902) 368-5271 and your MELT question will be directed to the appropriate staff person. 

Questions on Provincial funding opportunities and how to access funding support, please visit PEI MELT Funding for information.