Province Announces Mandatory Entry-level Training for Commercial Truck Drivers

As part of the Manitoba government’s commitment to public safety, mandatory entry-level training for commercial truck drivers will be implemented Sept. 1, Infrastructure Minister Ron Schuler announced today.  Requirements will include 121.5 hours of training, which is consistent with other provinces including Alberta and Saskatchewan.

“Our government is focused on public safety on our roads and highways in this province, and mandatory training for new truck drivers will make Manitoba safer,” Schuler said.  “Commercial truck drivers play an important role in moving our economy forward, and we are focused on ensuring they have the necessary skills and qualifications to do their job in a way that ensures everyone is safe on the road.”

In addition, there will be a one-year deferral of new training requirements for the agriculture sector to allow for additional consultations with the industry, in order to determine an appropriate phase-in strategy that mitigates impacts on the start of the 2019 farming season.

Currently, a person can obtain a Class 1 truck driving license by successfully completing a knowledge-based written test and a practical road test.  There is no mandatory training required prior to testing taking place.

Earlier this year, Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) began work on an implementation plan, focused on addressing all policy and operational requirements including addressing licensing policy issues and Class 1 driver testing considerations.  MPI will continue to work on this plan and more details will be announced in the coming weeks.

“With these new requirements coming into effect, we are working with Manitoba Public Insurance to ensure that Class 1 testing is implemented in a timely manner and that disruptions are managed for the industry,” Crown Services Minister Colleen Mayer said.  “MPI is an important partner in ensuring public safety on Manitoba’s roads and highways.”

Manitoba Infrastructure, Manitoba Public Insurance, and Manitoba Education and Training consulted with over 100 stakeholders including industry associations, agricultural sector agencies, Indigenous organizations, established sector councils, educational providers, municipal stakeholders and small-scale commercial carriers.