OTA backs bill requiring Class G drivers to wait a year for commercial licence

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MPP Amarjot Sandhu, parliamentary assistant to the minister of infrastructure, has introduced a private member’s bill that would enforce a one-year waiting period after obtaining a Class G driver’s licence before being eligible to test for a commercial driver’s licence. Sandhu emphasized on social media that the bill aims to better prepare future commercial drivers, enhancing road safety and reducing collisions.

The Ontario Trucking Association (OTA) praised the proposal in a statement.

truck driver training
(Photo: istock)

“OTA is calling on all trucking and road safety stakeholders to support MPP Sandhu’s private member’s bill,” OTA president Stephen Laskowski said in a release. “This bill needs to become law to improve road safety and help protect new people to Canada.”

In a 2023 OTA survey, 96% of respondents cited ongoing safety and infrastructure challenges on Ontario highways, with nearly 80% calling for better-trained truck drivers. Over 70% of respondents sought increased oversight of unsafe drivers and fleets.

“MPP Sandhu’s bill is not a panacea for all road safety and labor issues affecting new Canadians, but it’s a step in the right direction,” Laskowski said.

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    • Are trucking companies going to hire these people to work and teach them how to repair trucks if they had to wait 2 yrs?

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  • At least it’s a step in the right direction but I would take it a few steps further.

    Two years experience with a class g license on Canadian roads
    Infraction free for 2 years

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  • YES!!! this is a great step towards safer roads!! This should have been in place years ago.
    Maybe go one step further, one year of safe driving with a G also. no tickets or violations.

    Reply