Alberta: New rules for drivers and carriers

Although this is long overdue, and is mostly reactionary due to the Humboldt crash, it is good to see some changes coming. I am glad to see some focus on carriers. When we started our small carrier we went from "Temporary" to "Satisfactory" without any kind of compliance review. No review of any kind... not even a phone call. In our case we were serious about safety, compliance and performance, so it wasn't an issue, but anyone who has been around the industry for more than a week knows how most of it goes...

Alberta improving safety with new truck, bus training
Commercial carriers subject to third-party safety review

The Government of Alberta will implement mandatory entry-level training for new Class 1 and Class 2 commercial drivers in the spring. The training will include: standardized curriculum taught in all driver training schools; specified hours of training required in-class, in-yard and in-vehicle; and enhanced knowledge and road tests.

Along with the compulsory training, more stringent safety requirements for new commercial truck and bus companies will be in place. For example, a mandatory safety and compliance course and knowledge test must be completed before beginning operations.

Commercial carriers will also be subject to a formal, third-party review of compliance with federal and provincial safety regulations within one year of beginning operations.

“We are advancing safety standards in our commercial driving industries to enhance road safety, not just in Alberta, but across the continent, as commercial drivers travel across Canada and North America,” said Minister of Transportation Brian Mason.

Mandatory training for new commercial drivers will result in safer, more highly skilled drivers working in the truck and bus industries, the provincial government said. New safety requirements will ensure startup trucking companies fully meet compliance and safety standards before they begin operating.

The training and operating requirements will take effect in Alberta on March 1, 2019. Temporary Safety Fitness Certificates will no longer be issued as of Jan. 1, 2019.

- Alberta improving safety with new truck, bus training | Canadian Occupational Safety​

 

New only. They should bring in retesting requirements...



after I am long gone.

Ontario does have limited retesting, but knowledge and road tests should be required for all, IMHO.

When your licence is due for renewal, you will get a renewal application form either via e-mail or mail. Drivers under the age of 65 with class A, B, C, E or F licences must pass a vision and knowledge test in order to renew their licence usually every five years.

Effective April 1, 2013, requirements for senior commercial drivers have changed. Drivers aged 65 to 79 with class A, B, C, D, E or F licences must pass a vision and knowledge test in order to renew their licence usually every five years. Drivers aged 65 to 79 with class A, B, C, D , E or F licences are required to pass a vision, knowledge and road test in the event of an at-fault collision or the accumulation of three or more demerit points. For those commercial drivers with an air brake endorsement, the written air brake test has been aligned with the written knowledge test cycle, and the practical air brake test is only required when a road test is triggered. Drivers 80 and over with Class A, B, C, D, E or F licences are required to pass a vision, knowledge and road test prior to renewing their licence.

- Trucks Handbook​

 

It's hard to have trust in a system when the regulators circumvent the rules as well.