Big Rig Driving School Approved For The MELT Program By ICBC

Big Rig Driving School has earned its reputation for delivering the most reliable and responsible truck driving programs in Surrey, BC, and this time, we are proud to announce that ICBC (The Insurance Corporation of British Columbia) approved Big Rig Driving School to deliver Class 1 MELT (Mandatory Entry-Level Training) course.

Out of 45 driving schools in our area, we feel lucky to be among the approved ones and serve our students. You can check out our name listed on the approved list of schools for giving MELT training here. This is a great chance for those who want to learn truck driving by our well-trained and polite local truck driving instructors at Big Rig Driving School. The MELT program will officially come into effect on October 18, 2021.

What Is MELT Training?

This program includes a government-mandated number of in-class, in-yard, and in-vehicle training hours, obtained from approved driving schools. This year, MELT training is effective from October 18, 2021. Driver training schools approved by ICBC will deliver BC’s Class 1 MELT courses, and those drivers seeking a Class 1 (tractor-trailer) or Class 2 (bus) license are required to complete Mandatory Entry-Level Training (MELT) to apply for their license.

What Does MELT Training Include?

The course is 140 hours long and includes air brake training as well as flexible, practical training. Its Class 1 MELT course includes practical in-yard training, theoretical learning components, and on-highway driving. Students are obligated to complete the training on the schedules set by the ICBC-approved instructors and are required to complete the BC Class 1 MELT course within 12 months from the date of enrolment.

The program involves:

Hours of service requirements
Load securement
Air brakes
Professional on-highway driving skills with a focus on National Safety Code compliance

Therefore, this is a great chance to boost your career as a professional commercial driver. The schools set their prices for the course, varying from other schools, So, this gives you the freedom to choose the school of your choice.

A number of government programs exist to assist with the training costs. The purpose is to support Class 1 drivers and keep the trucking industry moving forward. The available grants include:

Skill Enhancement Training Grant
Community Workforce Response Grant
Indigenous Skills Training Development Fund
BC Employer Training Grant

Who Can Apply For The MELT Training Course?

The basic requirements for the MELT Training course are as follows:

Be at least 19 years of age
Have an approved Alberta driver’s medical examination report completed by a physician and meet fitness and vision standards
Hold any non-probationary driver’s license from Alberta. If your current license is part of the GDL Program, you are not eligible for a Class 1 License
Commercial driver record pre-screening requirements, if applicable, qualify on required knowledge testing

Check out this document if you would like to learn more information about the MELT program and its requirements, benefits, and conditions.

Why Choose Big Rig Driving School For The MELT Course?

From several available training options for the MELT course, why should you choose Big Rig Driving School? Well, if you want to get hands-on experience in commercial driving and learn all the necessary skills to become a successful truck driver, Big Rig Driving School is your go-to choice. We are the top-rated class 1 & 3 truck driving training academy in Surrey, BC, approved by the ICBC to offer training for the MELT course.

ICBC approved us because:

We follow the latest road safety techniques and regulations
All of our Class 1 & 3 trainers are ICBC (Insurance Corporation of British Columbia) certified
Our instructors have decades long experience of flawless truck driving
We offer convenient payment plans and competitive course prices
Our class formats help students gain increased knowledge and the practical experience of semi-truck driving

Final Thoughts

Offering competitive prices and highly skilled truck driving teaching lessons, Big Rig Driving School is proud to offer the MELT training program of 2021. We ensure our drivers develop improved basic driving skills and entry-level industry skills, all of which support road safety and driver compliance with the National Safety Code. Contact us here if you have any questions.