Mandatory commercial truck driver training is being introduced in British Columbia (B.C.) to improve road safety.

Mandatory entry-level training (MELT) will need to be completed by Class 1 commercial driver licence applicants and will exceed the minimum requirements set by the National Safety Code.

“Having mandatory entry-level commercial vehicle training will result in better-trained new drivers and improved road safety for everyone in British Columbia,” said Rob Fleming, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure.

“We’ve worked collaboratively with the trucking industry to create a new MELT program for B.C. that will strengthen the industry and prepare drivers to operate safely across B.C.’s challenging climates. This training will ensure new commercial drivers are trained to a higher, consistent standard.”

MELT for Class 1 driver’s licence applicants will become a prerequisite for Class 1 road testing from October 18 this year.