Quebec now requires a mandatory practical exam for truck drivers from Ontario with less than two years of experience [1].
The measure aims to eliminate the phenomenon of "discount drivers" by ensuring that those operating heavy vehicles possess the necessary skills to maintain road safety. The government is targeting a gap in training standards that may exist across provincial borders.
Transport and Sustainable Mobility Minister Jonatan Julien said the measures are a critical step for public protection. "This mandatory training will ensure better safety on our roads," Julien said [2].
Under the new rules, which took effect on a Thursday in early November 2025 [1], the province is tightening its grip on licensing requirements. For new drivers, the government has introduced a mandatory training program consisting of 125 hours [3].
Véronique Bradley, deputy director of the Charlesbourg Transport Training Center, said there is a need for verification. "We must ensure that drivers coming from Ontario have the required skills before taking to the roads in Quebec," Bradley said [1].
The push for stricter standards is supported by industry professionals who argue that operating heavy machinery requires specialized expertise. One driving school owner said "skills are needed to drive" [3].
The regulations specifically target those with limited experience, requiring the practical test for those with fewer than two years in the field [1]. By bridging the gap between different provincial licensing standards, Quebec officials intend to reduce accidents, and improve the overall quality of commercial transport on its highways.
“"This mandatory training will ensure better safety on our roads"”
This policy shift signals a move toward stricter harmonization of commercial driving standards between Quebec and Ontario. By treating inexperienced out-of-province drivers as novices regardless of their home license, Quebec is prioritizing regional safety over the ease of labor mobility in the trucking industry.
