Submitted
Starting March 29, the classroom portion of the mandatory entry level training (MELT) required to get a Class 1 licence in Saskatchewan will be available online.
To obtain a Class 1 commercial licence in Saskatchewan, drivers are required to complete 121.5 hours of training. The training includes 47 hours of classroom learning which can now be done online or in person. Drivers also need to complete 17.5 hours of training in yard and 57 hours of training behind the wheel, both of which will still need to be done in-person.
SGI’s new online model allows users to access the classroom training at any time, from any location and at a pace that works for them. It follows the same curriculum as the in-person classroom training.
“Having the online option available is a good step for those working in rural Saskatchewan or those coming to the province for work,” said Levi Wood, a farmer in the province and a member of an agriculture panel that was consulted on MELT. “It means that our employees have more flexibility, so they can work and take their training at the same time.”
More options to complete training for a Class 1 licence in turn helps get more educated and well-equipped drivers on Saskatchewan roads.
“MELT is a great support for semi drivers to feel confident and prepared behind the wheel, but it is intensive,” said Auto Fund Vice-President Barbara Cross. “The online option complements the classroom option, giving people the ability to take training how and when it works best for them.”
The online training costs $650 and must be completed within one-year of commencing the program.
March 2021 brings in a few additional changes to who is eligible to operate a Class 1 vehicle in Saskatchewan. Effective March 1st:
- The “F” endorsement for those operating an F-plated Class 1 vehicle no longer exists.
- Anyone who held an “F” endorsement is now required to complete the 121.5 hours of training if they want to continue to operate Class 1 vehicles.
- Temporary foreign workers are no longer able to operate a Class 1 vehicle with their existing out of country licence.
- Drivers who come from a country where Saskatchewan has a reciprocal licensing agreement will be able to challenge the Class 1 written and practical exams without completing training if they can prove five years of Class 1 driving experience.
- If they come from a country that doesn’t have a reciprocal agreement, they must complete the mandatory entry level training before attempting the Class 1 exams.
The development of this initiative is a good example of collaboration between jurisdictions and Transport Canada who are strong supporters of entry level training and its broader accessibility.
The changes do not affect drivers who have previously obtained a full Class 1 licence. Find more information about Saskatchewan’s MELT program for Class 1 drivers on SGI’s website at sgi.sk.ca.
