Quebec has implemented stricter licensing requirements for commercial truck drivers coming from Ontario, a decision prompted by a troubling series of accidents that have put driver training and highway safety under the spotlight. The new measures specifically target Class 1 drivers who have been behind the wheel of heavy trucks for less than two years.
Under the temporary regulations announced by provincial authorities, these less experienced drivers must now successfully complete a practical road examination before they can obtain their Quebec commercial licence. Road safety experts have cautiously welcomed the initiative, though many emphasize it represents just one piece of a much larger safety puzzle that needs solving.
André Durocher, the road safety director at CAA-Quebec, acknowledged the move as a positive signal from the government but pointed out its limitations. He noted that the regulation does nothing to prevent Ontario-licensed drivers from making deliveries throughout Quebec without obtaining a provincial licence, meaning many truckers will continue operating under the same conditions as before.
Representatives from the trucking industry have expressed support for the measure while calling for more comprehensive reforms. Stéphane Émond, who leads the Montreal Truck Driver Training Centre, highlighted ongoing challenges with owner-operators who sometimes skip mandatory inspections. He also raised concerns about the growing practice of treating full-time employee drivers as independent contractors, a model he says allows companies to avoid costs while creating pressure to cut corners on safety.
Industry leaders are now pushing for a unified national training standard based on Quebec’s rigorous 615-hour professional program. They argue that consistent requirements across all Canadian provinces would eliminate loopholes that currently allow inexperienced drivers to obtain commercial credentials and improve overall road safety for everyone.
