New Brunswick to implement MELT for new drivers on April 1
Transport truck drivers in New Brunswick who are seeking a Class 1 licence will be required to take an approved training program, known as mandatory entry-level training (MELT), effective April 1.
“Mandatory training will ensure new commercial truck drivers possess the basic knowledge and driving skills to help improve highway safety for all New Brunswickers,” Kris Austin, public safety minister, said in a news release.
The initiative adopts training standards consistent with the National Safety Code, ensuring truckers in New Brunswick receive the same instruction as those in other Canadian jurisdictions. New Brunswick will become the eighth province or territory to implement MELT.
The requirement will be grandfathered in, meaning current Class 1 licence holders will not be required to take the training.
This Canada-wide initiative adopts the training standards consistent with the National Safety Code which will ensure transport truck drivers in New Brunswick receive the same instruction as in other Canadian jurisdictions.
112 hours of standardized training
The training will include at least 112 hours of standardized training that covers the essential knowledge and skills needed to safely operate a large truck on New Brunswick’s roads.
MELT will include classroom, in-yard, and standardized practical training as well as an air brake component. Training programs which meet the new requirements and have approved curriculum, are available at several institutions across New Brunswick.
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The trucking industry needs to set up a fund to pay for training by a fee of $10, 000 for each foreign student driver hired and 1 cent per km each heavy truck is driven in Canada to help pay for training and return home of xick or injured truck drivers when the trucking company ot their insurance company does not cover the cost. We also need another 8 weeks of further training and or coaching before running solo over 100 km of home base or in a city of over 100 000 people in my opinion
This a very good first step
So they are doing nothing to improve training. They are just certifying what’s already being done.
Too lttle too late?
I have been driving for many years, instructing for 25+ years and now a MELT instructor. Before anyone is allowed to enrol in this programe it should be monitory that they have a solid understanding of both written and oral English. It is a quality course and a heavy one and with the added load of language it is formidable .
I believe this and if said before needs to be repeated.
This is just another overreach and unneeded expense for somebody who wants to become a trucker. This will have the impact of preventing people from becoming a driver due to this rule. And as seen in other jurisdictions it does not increase safety.