Drive Force Academy is currently going through the ICBC approval process to deliver BC's mandatory 140-hour Class 1 MELT program in Surrey. Pre-register now and receive 15% off your full course fee when we launch.
Our MELT facility approval is underway with ICBC and BC Ministry of Transportation. Pre-register today and lock in a 15% discount on both the theory course and practical training — applied automatically when we launch.
As of October 18, 2021, every new Class 1 commercial driver's licence applicant in BC must complete an approved MELT program before attempting their Class 1 road test. There are no exceptions for new applicants.
BC's MELT program exceeds the National Safety Code Standard 16. It requires a minimum of 140 hours of instruction — more practical driving time than any other Canadian province.
Training is split across three environments: theoretical classroom instruction, in-yard manoeuvres (backing, coupling, uncoupling), and on-highway driving. All three must be completed before your Class 1 road test.
BC's MELT program includes 15.5 hours of air brake theory and hands-on training — nearly double the national standard. No separate air brake course is required when completing MELT.
You need MELT if you are:
— Applying for a BC Class 1 licence for the first time
— Transferring a Class 1 from another country and held it for less than 24 months
— Transferring from another Canadian province and held it for less than 12 months
You may be exempt if you:
— Already hold a valid BC Class 1 licence
— Hold a Class 1 from another Canadian province for 12+ months (can challenge the road test)
— Hold a Class 1 from a reciprocal country for 24+ months (can challenge the road test)
Always confirm your eligibility with ICBC before assuming exemption.
BC's MELT curriculum is designed to prepare new Class 1 drivers for BC's specific road conditions — mountain highways, diverse weather, and complex commercial vehicle regulations.
Hours of Service, National Safety Code, load securement, pre-trip inspection procedures, and commercial vehicle regulations.
Air brake components, system operation, governor tests, low-air warnings, and practical pre-trip inspection of air brake systems.
Backing with a 53-foot trailer, coupling and uncoupling, sliding axles, and close-quarters vehicle control.
Highway merging, lane changes with a full combination, mountain grade driving, and safe following distances for heavy loads.
Mountain driving techniques, chain requirements, fog and winter driving protocols specific to BC's geography and climate.
3 written assessments and 14 practical assessments must be completed and passed before booking your ICBC Class 1 road test.
Most MELT programs are taught by instructors with classroom backgrounds. At Drive Force Academy, both Ravi and Sunny have operated Class 1 vehicles commercially — through BC mountain passes, in winter conditions, and under National Safety Code hours-of-service rules. When we teach MELT, we teach it from experience that cannot be read from a textbook.
Pre-register your interest before our MELT facility officially launches and we will apply a 15% discount to your total course fee — covering both theory and practical training. This offer applies to the first intake cohort only.
Pre-register now — lock in your 15% discount and be first in line when Drive Force Academy's MELT program launches in Surrey.
Pre-Register Now →