Alberta extends deadline for mandatory farmer, school bus driver training

These ‘highly flexible, seasonal industries’ indicated they needed more time to comply

Alberta extends deadline for mandatory farmer, school bus driver training
School bus drivers must pass the Class 2 enhanced tests by July 31, 2020. Shutterstock

The Government of Alberta is giving farmers and school bus drivers an extension for meeting the mandatory entry-level training (MELT) requirements for drivers seeking Class 1 and Class 2 commercial licences.

 

Eligible farmers and farm workers can apply to Alberta Transportation for the deadline extension until Nov. 30, 2020, while eligible school bus drivers can apply until July 31, 2020.

 

“The school bus driver and farming industries are highly flexible, seasonal industries that indicated they need more time to adjust to the MELT requirements,” said Minister of Transportation Ric McIver. “This extension ensures these key industries can continue their work without disruption, particularly during the busy back-to-school and harvest seasons.”

 

Farmers must pass the Class 1 enhanced knowledge and road tests before March 1, 2021 to keep their commercial licence. School bus drivers must pass the Class 2 enhanced tests by July 31, 2020.

 

“Our government is committed to taking steps to work with farmers and school bus drivers to ensure we have a robust driver training system in place that works for industry, without compromising safety,” said McIver.