Quebec's Transport Ministry now requires Ontario Class 1 truck drivers with less than two years of experience to pass a practical road test [1].
The policy change aims to reduce the number of serious accidents involving under-qualified drivers moving from Ontario into Quebec. Officials said they are responding to a trend of disproportionate crashes linked to drivers with limited experience [5].
Two measures were announced in July 2026 to curb dangerous trucking practices [3, 4]. Under the new regulations, drivers who fail the practical exam twice will be required to undergo mandatory training [2].
The decision follows a May auditor-general report that identified significant gaps in training and oversight for drivers entering the province [5]. The ministry said these hurdles will ensure that drivers possess the necessary skills to navigate Quebec's highways safely.
These requirements apply specifically to those seeking to transfer their licenses from Ontario. The rules became effective immediately following the announcement this month [3].
“Ontario Class 1 drivers with less than two years of heavy-truck driving experience must now pass a practical road test”
This regulatory shift indicates a breakdown in the reciprocity of licensing standards between Ontario and Quebec. By implementing province-specific testing, Quebec is signaling that Ontario's current training and certification for novice heavy-truck drivers are insufficient to meet its safety benchmarks, potentially creating new bureaucratic hurdles for the cross-border logistics industry.
