British Columbia is introducing new training requirements for commercial truck drivers that the government says will make highways safer.
It says the mandatory entry-level training (MELT) for new Class-1 commercial licence applicants exceeds national requirements set by the National Safety Code Standard.
The government says the program will include best practices from other Canadian jurisdictions, and emphasize safe operating practices in a number of different driving conditions to ensure commercial drivers are prepared for the province’s highways and the changing weather patterns on highways like the Coquihalla and the Okanagan Connector.
BC Trucking Association President, David Earle, says the new training program – that was developed in consultation with the trucking and driver training industries in 2019 – will benefit everyone.
“MELT will improve the behind-the-wheel driver training for people before they become commercial drivers, which will ultimately improve safety on our roads,” he said, in a statement. “Creating a higher standard of competence before people can be licensed will help improve driver decision-making, leading to fewer mistakes on the road.”
The program will start being taught in driver training schools in the early summer. Drivers will have to have a minimum required number of practical behind-the-wheel driving hours, in-yard hours and theoretical instructional hours. The training will be required before road tests, beginning October 18.
“This training will ensure new commercial drivers are trained to a higher, consistent standard,” Transportation Minister, Rob Fleming said.
“Mandatory training for those operating the largest vehicles on our roads will improve safety across B.C.,” added Public Safety Minister, Mike Farnworth. “MELT is a vital step to furthering the success our province has seen in reducing traffic fatalities in recent years.”