Drivers seeking a Class 1 (tractor trailer) licence are required to complete mandatory training to apply for their commercial driver’s licence. Training includes a government-mandated number of training hours for in-class, in-yard and in-vehicle modules with standardized curriculums being taught at all licensed Alberta driver training schools.

• In-class – refers to an educational setting inclusive of classroom, digital and/or blended instruction facilitated by an instructor.
• In‐yard (around the vehicle) – refers to activities that occur around the vehicle when it is not moving (for example, vehicle inspection).
• In‐cab (behind the wheel) – refers to the student operating behind the wheel of the vehicle either off‐road or on‐road. This includes coupling/uncoupling, backing exercises, and driving along.

See eligibility criteria for a Class 1 licence at Obtaining a commercial licence.

To confirm that you are medically eligible to apply for a Class 1 driver’s licence, it is recommended that you complete a driver’s medical assessment through a physician or nurse practitioner before participating in the mandatory training program.

• Medical forms are available from an Alberta registry agent or an Alberta physician, or nurse practitioner.
• Medical forms can only be approved by a registry agent or by Driver Fitness and Monitoring.

The government is making changes to the Class 1 Mandatory Entry Level Training (MELT) program in favour of a new, made-in-Alberta learning pathway for commercial drivers.

• The new, made-in-Alberta career pathway is being designed as an apprenticeship-style model to increase driver skills, improve safety, and enhance training for current and prospective Class 1 drivers in Alberta.
• The apprenticeship-style model will offer a learning pathway for Albertans to develop the skills to succeed and advance in their career as a professional driver.
• Drivers will proceed through phases while training to become a Class 1 driver.
• Phases are currently under development in partnership with industry members. More information about these changes will be announced closer to the implementation date of March 1, 2025.