Mandatory Entry Level Truck Training (MELT)

Class 1 Mandatory Entry Level Truck Training in Brampton

Dixie Truck & Forklift Driving School offers the complete Class 1 Mandatory Entry Level Truck Training in Brampton, a prerequisite for all new applicants seeking an Ontario Class A commercial driver’s license. Our training facility is centrally located in Brampton, making it a convenient choice for students throughout the Peel Region, including Mississauga, Caledon, and surrounding areas. We are a registered Private Career College, ensuring our curriculum meets all Ministry of Transportation (MTO) standards for road safety and comprehensive driver preparation.

Understanding the Ontario Class A MELT Requirement

The Class A MELT program was introduced to standardize and elevate the instruction that new commercial truck drivers receive in the province. Since July 2017, all individuals applying for a whole Class A license must complete this training before they are permitted to take the official Class A road test.

The training includes a comprehensive curriculum that provides the foundational knowledge and skills required to operate a large truck on Ontario roads safely. This structured course comprises:

  • 103.5 Hours of Instruction: This minimum time requirement covers both in-class theoretical learning and practical, hands-on driving practice.
  • Air Brake Endorsement (Z): This critical component is integrated into the training, focusing on the specialized air brake systems found on tractor-trailers.

Upon satisfactory completion of the entire program, the school submits verification to the province, which automatically updates your driving record and allows you to schedule your Class A road examination at a DriveTest Centre.

Program Eligibility

To enrol in our Class 1 Mandatory Entry Level Truck Training in Brampton program and eventually take the Class A road test, you must meet the following MTO requirements:

  • Be at least 18 years of age.
  • Hold a valid Ontario driver’s license (not a G1, G2, M, M1, or M2).
  • Pass a mandatory vision test.
  • Submit a valid medical report completed by a physician or nurse practitioner.
  • Pass the written knowledge test for the Class A license and the Air Brake endorsement.

Your Structured Training at Our Brampton Facility

Our approach focuses on structured, practical lessons delivered by individuals with years of commercial driving experience. We aim to support students through every module of the mandated curriculum.

The program modules cover:

  • Vehicle Systems and Pre-Trip Inspection: Instruction on checking all critical vehicle components and successfully performing the required Daily Vehicle Inspection (DVI) test, which is a significant part of the road examination.
  • Basic Driving and Maneuvers: Mastering fundamental operating skills, including coupling and uncoupling procedures, vehicle backing, turning, and proper gear-shifting techniques for manual transmission trucks (required for an unrestricted Class A license).
  • Road Safety and Regulations: Deepening the grasp of the Highway Traffic Act, hours-of-service regulations, and general safety practices for operating commercial vehicles on city roads and major highways, such as the 400-series in the Brampton area.
  • Logbook and Compliance: Instruction on maintaining necessary documentation and understanding the laws that regulate the industry.

Manual Transmission Focus

As of July 1, 2022, completing your Class A road test in a vehicle with a manual transmission (at least eight forward gears with a high-low range) is necessary to avoid a restriction on your license. Training with us includes instruction on operating manual transmission trucks, providing maximum flexibility for future employment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How long does the MELT course take to complete?

A: The program requires a minimum of 103.5 hours of instruction. The overall time to completion can range from 4 to 6 weeks, depending on the training schedule and the student’s pace.

Q: What is the full Class A license authorized to drive?

A: The full Class A license (AZ) authorizes you to drive any tractor-trailer combination and any motor vehicle in classes D and G. This covers towing a trailer that exceeds a total gross weight of 4,600 kilograms.

Q: Is the Air Brake (Z) endorsement included in the MELT training?

A: Yes, the Air Brake (Z) endorsement course is an integral and mandatory part of the Class A MELT curriculum. You must complete both the theoretical and practical components of air brakes.

Q: Does Dixie Truck & Forklift Driving School help with job search after graduation?

A: We assist successful graduates by leveraging our relationships with reputable companies in the transportation and logistics industry, providing a connection to potential employers.

Q: Where is your training location in Brampton?

A: Our primary location is at 30 Hale Rd #1, Brampton, ON L6W 4N9, offering convenient access to training yards and nearby commercial driving routes.

Book Your Training Session

Start your journey toward obtaining your Ontario Class A license today. Contact Dixie Truck & Forklift Driving School to learn more about the MELT program, current schedules, and enrollment requirements.

Call Us: (905) 671-3633 Visit Us: 30 Hale Rd #1, Brampton, ON L6W 4N9