The program will cover topics like fatigue management, air brake operation, human trafficking awareness, and the specific challenges of driving on northern, rural, and remote roads.
The Ontario government is revamping its training system for commercial drivers by launching a mandatory, standardized curriculum for new truck drivers throughout the province.
With these new rules, all organizations that provide commercial driver training must adhere to a uniform curriculum consisting of over 103 hours of instruction for those applying for a Class A licence.
This standardized program aims to deliver consistent and high-quality training across the province, focusing on essential safety topics such as fatigue management, air brake operations, human trafficking awareness, and the unique difficulties of driving in northern, rural and remote areas.
“A new standardized curriculum will ensure truck drivers have the rigorous training they need before getting behind the wheel of a commercial vehicle,” said Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria.
This initiative directly responds to recommendations from a recent Auditor General report that called for stricter oversight on training for commercial operators.
According to recent data from the Ministry of Transportation, large commercial trucks are involved in an outsized share of road fatalities in Ontario despite representing only a small percentage of total traffic.
While large commercial vehicles make up about three per cent of all vehicles on Ontario’s roads, they were part of 12 per cent of all fatal accidents between 2019 and 2023. This highlights the significantly increased safety risks associated with heavy truck collisions compared to other types of vehicles.
The new curriculum builds upon several recent enforcement and regulatory changes aimed at improving commercial trucking safety. These include:
Eligibility requirements: Drivers must show proof that they can work in Canada.
Oversight improvements: Establishing an integrity manager specifically for driver testing along with weekly school reviews and surprise checks by supervisors.
Tougher penalties: Introducing legislation to heighten penalties for distracted driving in commercial vehicles and operating without a working speed limiter.
Mandatory experience: Implementing a six-month waiting period-starting January 1, 2027-between obtaining a Class G licence and taking the Class A road test.
Licensing reciprocity: Drivers coming from places without reciprocal licensing agreements with Ontario now need to complete G2 and G road tests over at least a 12-month period before receiving full licensure.
Alongside these province-wide training enhancements, there are plans focused on boosting safety along Highway 11/17 corridor in northern Ontario.
This includes sending out two mobile inspection support units, adding more Transportation Enforcement Officers to that area, increasing roadside enforcement efforts, and upgrading provincial rest stops to allow year-round parking availability.
The Ministry of Transportation intends to collaborate with industry leaders, training providers, and subject matter experts over the next few months to finalize this curriculum with an expected rollout early next year.
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