Canada's Ontario tightens commercial driving license rules

Ontario, Canada, has tightened its rules for obtaining a commercial driving licence, drawing lessons from the United States. Sikh-Canadian politician and Ontario MPP Hardeep Grewal announced that applicants for a Class A licence will now need at least one year of prior driving experience in Canada. “These are common-sense changes that protect families, support honest drivers, and keep Ontario’s roads safe for everyone,” Grewal said.

Sikh drivers in the US have come under scrutiny as two Punjabi drivers were behind the wheels of killer trucks -- one in Florida and another in California. Both drivers were found to be illegal migrants. Harjinder Sigh took a wrong U-turn in Florida and caused a crash that killed three people. Jashanpreet Singh caused a multi-vehicle crash in California and he was believed to be driving under the influence.

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New requirements for driving license in Ontario

1. Visa & work permit verification for all applicants
2. Visitors can no longer obtain a commercial driver’s licence
3. Ending automatic foreign licence recognition from non-reciprocal countries
4. One year of Canadian driving experience is required before earning a Class A licence

What is a Class A license in Canada?

In Canada, a Class A licence (sometimes written Class A driver’s licence) is a commercial driver’s licence that allows you to operate large combination vehicles, mainly tractor-trailers. Full Class A lets one drive any tractor-trailer combination, while Restricted Class A allows one to drive smaller tractor-trailers, but not vehicles with full air brakes or trailers with full air brake systems.

Many social media users were surprised that these checks were not already in place. They also asked about the existing commercial drivers who are already licensed.

The new measures are part of 'Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act 2025'. Road safety is a part of the Act, apart from building homes, fighting delays at the Landlord and Tenant Board.

(With inputs from TOI)