AB farmers exempt from MELT with a restricted Class 1 licence                     

Alberta has changed its Class 1 licence structure to now include a restricted Class 1 level. This restricted Class 1 is intended for farmers and their immediate family and exempts them from having to complete the provinces mandatory entry level training (MELT) program that other commercial drivers need to complete to get their class1 licence.

This restricted Class 1 allows the drivers to operated within Alberta alone and for farm work exclusively. While the drivers do not have to complete the MELT program, they will still need to complete a knowledge test, road test, vision screening, along with a medical assessment.  T

Those looking to get this farm-restricted Class 1 licence will still need to get their Air-brake endorsement. They will also be considered part of the restriction “N”. This means that those drivers will not be able to operate vehicles which require a Class 2 (includes bus and any type with a type 3,4,5 licence) or 4 drivers’ licence (commercial taxi, ambulance and included class 6), unless they’ve completed all the requirements for those classes of course!

Who is eligible for Alberta’s new farm restricted Class 1 licence?

According to the Government of Alberta’s website a person qualifies as a farmer if:

  • Actively involved in farming in Alberta
  • responsible for management decisions and operating costs
  • have control of farming assets
  • have farm income of at least $10,000

To qualify for the exemption the farmer must be involved in any of the following activities:

  • cultivation of land
  • raising livestock
  • raising fur bearing animals, pheasants, or fish
  • production of crops
  • production of fruit, vegetables, sod, trees, shrubs, or other horticultural crops
  • production of milk and eggs
  • production of honey
  • operating agricultural machinery
  • application of fertilizers, herbicides, fungicides, pesticides
  • movement of manure and compost

If this is you, you can apply for the restricted class 1 licence so you can get back to farming!