TORONTO (March 1) — Trying to make good on a long-standing promise to toughen licensing standards for truck drivers, Ontario introduced a new written exam drivers must pass in order to receive a Class A (heavy-vehicle) operator’s licence.

While the old written test focused on rules of the road, the new exam covers the Commercial Vehicle Operators Registration (CVOR) system; vehicle weights and dimensions; inspection and maintenance; driver hours of service; transportation of dangerous goods; and defensive driving.

The more demanding written test was one of 79 recommendations made by the Target ’97 government-industry task force on truck safety. A tougher road test, also recommended by the task force, is expected to be introduced later this spring.

The MTO also introduced a new Truck Driver’s Handbook, now available from Publications Ontario. The cost of the handbook is $7.95 plus applicable taxes.