Programs

Class 1A (MELT) - Mandatory Entry Level Training

Course Duration: 4 to 5 weeks
Cost: $12,900 (price may vary due to fuel surcharges)
(No Taxes) Tax Deductible

Breakdown

1G - Heavy Trailer License

Towing Heavy Trailers

Some travel and utility trailers have increased in size to a point where they qualify as Class 1 units. Legislation requires a person to hold a Class 1 license or a Class 2, 3, 4, or 5 license with a heavy trailer endorsement to pull commercial or private use utility or recreation trailers weighing in excess of 4,600 kg (trailer and load). Drivers towing heavy trailers must be at least 18 and not a novice driver.

How is the 4,600 kg (10,000 lb) determined?

The 4,600 kg is determined by weighing the trailer and its contents, and not the tow vehicle. If a driver is pulling two trailers, a camper and a boat for example, the weight of both added together will determine the class of license required.

Do I need to submit a satisfactory medical report?

Yes. All holders of Class 1 to 4 licenses or a Class 5 with a heavy trailer endorsement, must submit a satisfactory medical report upon application and on a periodic basis after that.

Do I need a Class 1 license or heavy trailer endorsement if the trailer is being pulled behind a farm truck?

No. A trailer of any weight may be towed behind a two-axle farm-plated (Class F) truck on a Class 5 license as long as it is a truck and not a power unit.

What tests must I complete?

You must complete three written tests and two practical tests. Study materials include the Saskatchewan Driver’s Handbook, the Towing and Trailer Safety brochure, and chapters 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, and 9 from this book.

The following written tests are multiple choice and there is a $10 charge per sitting:

• Basic Class 5 - 20 questions
• Sign test - 30 questions
• Heavy trailer - 20 question

Practical tests ($40):

• Pre-trip inspection (circle check)
• Road test in the unit (trailer must weigh 10,000 lb/4,600 kg)

Airbrake Course

• Two days total approximately
• Practical test included

This course is for students who only need their airbrake endorsement. The course covers all required in class and practical hours by SGI. The written exam is required to be written through an SGI testing office. Please contact the office for more information and course schedules.

Road Exams (Practical Tests)

Road exams are based on whether the student has met all of the required criteria set forth by SGI and per the instructor’s opinion that the individual is safe and ready to test. Road exams are not guaranteed. All exames and retests are booked at the discretion of Class 1A. The Class 1A Mandatory Course includes two attempts at the road exam provided students have met the required passing grade on all classes and practical modules. If a second test is required the truck and trailer are provided at no cost and students are responsible for the cost of the receipts.

Other Programs

Air Brake Training is included in all of our full courses but can be sought out as an individual program. People needing air-brake endorsements only are usually companies for safety training reasons, oil patch, fire fighters, heavy equipment operators, motor homes, or single-axle vehicles on air-brake systems.

Pre-trip and Post-trip programs are also included in our full courses but may be required as an upgrade program for company safety reasons or simply clarifying correct and current procedures.

Heavy Trailer-1G programs are available, these are required for people who are pulling a trailer where the gross weight of the trailer and its cargo exceed 4,500kgs (10,000lbs).

Individual training programs can be sought out for these and many others by simply calling our office.

Training Program Content

• Starting and Stopping
• Parking
• Signalling
• Pre-trip/Post-trip
• Speed
• Air-brake Training
• Shifting/Splitting and Double Clutching
• Coupling/Uncoupling
• Proper Gear Selection
• Grid Road, Highway, and City Driving, with an emphasis on City Driving
• Backing Procedures, Two and Three-Point Turns,alley,90 degree, etc.
• Left and Right Turns, S-turns, Straddling, Blocking
• Lane Changing and Road Position, Passing and Being Passed
• Intersections
• Right of Way
• Traffic Lights

Depending on course chosen, other areas can and will be discussed:

• Log Books
• Scaling
• Combination Units
• Loading and Unloading
• Border Crossing

Customized programs for groups or specific areas can be arranged for both government or private industry. Number of students, location, and time of year will all be factors in determining the price. Please call for a quote.

Non MELT programs are based on a two-to-one ratio. We do not pile four to six students in for pre-trips and air-brake training with one instructor delivering the course.

All programs are a stepping stone and individual needs will vary, including career choices.

Most clients reach only SGI minimum standard in the short programs therefore thought and attention to future needs should be taken into consideration when booking programs so as to ensure you choose the most appropriate to your future endeavours.