Effective April 1, 2024, Alberta changed the requirements to train for and receive a Class 1 (AZ-equivalent) license.
Since introducing Mandatory Entry Level Training (MELT) as a pre-licensing requirement for Class 1 commercial drivers in Alberta on March 1, 2019, the program has been identified by the trucking industry as one of the leading factors contributing to the ongoing commercial driver shortage, due to increased time and costs for the driver recruitment process.
To improve the process, industry asked for tiered or restricted Class 1 driver’s licences, more appropriate training for certain industries, increased in-cab training hours to avoid the need for retraining, and an expanded scope of training to include additional competencies for Class 1 driver licensing. The Alberta government is incorporating this feedback into the new process.
Part of the new training and licensing process announced April 1 exempts farmers and their immediate family from the requirement for pre-licence training and allows for a farm-restricted Class 1 driver’s licence valid within Alberta only and for authorized farm purposes only.
Farmers who are eligible for the new farm restricted Class 1 driver’s licence must still complete a knowledge test, road test and vision screening, and submit a driver medical assessment to demonstrate they can safely drive Class 1 vehicles.
We want to know, do you support a farm exemption for Class 1/AZ licenses?