MTO announces July 1, 2022 date for restricted licence introduction

by Today's Trucking

The Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO) has posted on its website an update stating July 1, 2022 will be the new date it will introduce a restricted A/Z licence for those who conduct their road test using an automated or automatic transmission.

As of that date, drivers will receive a restricted licence that will not allow them to operate a truck equipped with a manual transmission.

“As of July 1, 2022, if you complete your Class A or Class A restricted (AR) road test in a vehicle with an automatic transmission, semi-automatic or automated-manual transmissions, you cannot drive class A/AR vehicles with a manual transmission,” the notice read.

automated transmission shifter
(Photo: James Menzies)

“You can only operate automatic, semi-automatic and automated-manual transmission Class A/AR vehicles. This restriction will be noted on your driver’s record and driver’s licence. It will not apply when operating lower-class vehicles such as class G or D. “

The MTO initially planned to introduced the restricted licence in July, but announced an indefinite delay at during a hastily called phone call with stakeholders. The industry is divided on whether or not the restriction is needed.

The Private Motor Truck Council of Canada and the Truck Training Schools Association of Ontario pushed to have the restriction brought in immediately, while the Ontario Trucking Association said it shouldn’t be a priority for the MTO. A small group of training schools has collectively said more time is needed to procure the needed equipment.


Have your say


This is a moderated forum. Comments will no longer be published unless they are accompanied by a first and last name and a verifiable email address. (Today's Trucking will not publish or share the email address.) Profane language and content deemed to be libelous, racist, or threatening in nature will not be published under any circumstances.

*

  • Well I have heard every thing.

    Automatic transmission in automobiles have not ever considered restricting drivers who purchase standard transmissions regardless of what type was used during toad tests.

    As a driver of 47 plus years don’t see the issue.

    It didn’t take a rocket science major to understand that after the first few days shifting a standard transmission the driver will become quite comfortable switching to a standard.

    Just as switching to an automatic transmission there is a small learning curve and at what point did we need more government oversight.

    The company that is hiring the driver is fully capable of ensuring the driver has experience in shifting.

    Like all of us we all needed a few days practice and everything gets easier.

    Next thing we will need is the government attempting to ensure we all sleep the off duty time required and somehow have us be forced to prove it was actually taken as sleep.

    As we all know when we do our log hour reset. We are not sleeping and possibly not the day we are booked out in the evening but rather spending quality time with family.

    Rather than make it harder to find and promote new drivers be allowed to get experience driving with an automatic truck and after getting the much needed road experience and then switching to a manual transmission would make more sense.

  • YOU SHOULD NOT BE THINKING OF THE GEAR SHIFTER PAY MORE ATENTION ON WHAT THEY DO WITH THE STEERING WHEEL GRINDING A FEW GEARS IS PART OF LEARNING HOW TO DRIVE I LEARNED ON A 4X4 AT AGE 16 DROVE A STANARD FOR NEARLY 40 YEARS IT WAS PLEASURE TO DRIVE AN AUTOMATIC FOR THE LAST 14 YEARS SO DRIVING AN AUTOMATIC DOES NOT MAKE YOU A UNSAFE DRIVER

    • The issue is if you haven’t driven a standard then will no doubt have a difficult time and potentially present a safety hazard.

  • In the ’60s when I got my license you had to use a manual transmission plus every 5yrs return for written and road test. That changed in early 70’s.
    I suggest MTO consider a ten year re-write I.e. age 40 50 60 etc.. I find so many simply don’t know the rules and even argue them. Drivers seem to note what other drivers do and think that must be the law. Frank ABM-Z